By: Eva Nichols

Who are they? Inuit simply means “people”, originally known by Europeans as “Eskimos” which is a term meaning “eaters of raw meat.” Inuit’s inhabit the northern regions of Canada, with little villages scattered across the Arctic from Alaska to Greenland.

Communities and Languages There are 8 main Inuit ethnic groups : Labrador, Ungava, Baffin Island, Iglulik, Caribou, Netsilik, Copper, and Western Arctic Inuit's. 5 main language dialects in Canada: Inuvialuktun, Inuinnaqtun, Inuttitut, Inuttitut, and Inuttut, which also known as Inuktitut, or Inuttituut. 70% of the Inuit’s claim to know of the Inuit language and 2/3s say that Inuktitut as their first language.

Traditions and Culture Inuit’s were traditionally hunters and gatherers. Large groups during winter consisted of around 100 or as few as a dozen during summer season. Many types of foods, such as milk, vegetables and fruits need to be transported there which they can’t grow their; some foods Inuit’s collect which they call “country food” consists of seal, duck, whale, caribou, fish, and berries.

Pictures Above is the picture of an Inuit man who is skinning the carcass of a polar bear.

History The arrival of explorers, whalers, traders, missioners, scientists and others began irreversible cultural changes. Inuit’s helped as guides, traders and models of survival. Despite adjustments made by the Inuit over 3 centuries and some loss of traditional features, Inuit culture goes on, and with greater awareness now, then before. They still continue a cultural identity through language, family and cultural laws, identities and their art work.

On the left are three Inuit children in traditional wear.

Problems Inuit’s were included in the Indian Act and ignored by the government till 1939 until a court had ruled that they were Federal responsibility. Inuit formed the Nunavut territory, which means “Our Land”. Many of the communities face d challenges such as over crowded living conditions, and also a lack of healthcare which had raised the rate of chronic health problems which include diabetes and obesity. Even though they have these problems, they still have strong ties to their traditions even with high unemployment, standard housing, and low income; most Inuit’s living in the communities don’t move away.

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