Table of Contents

The Inuit

Eater of raw meat

The name “Eskimo” means an eater of raw meat. This term, commonly used in Alaska, has no negative overtones, while in Canada or Greenland it is considered offensive. Therefore, in Canada, the word “Inuit”(people) is used to describe northern indigenous people and in Greenland - Kalaallisut. 1)

Igloo

The Inuit live in a unique house made of snow called an Igloo. This is half the truth. The snow house is called an Igloo. However, an Inuit does not live in an Igloo forever. It is a temporary home, an ice block structure with a hole in it. Igloos are temporary winter homes that provide the Inuit with shelter while hunting.2)

Shelters

The materials used by the Inuit to build their homes change depending on where they live. In most cases, the skin of land and sea animals is used to create shelters. 3)

Food

The Inuit live in a cold environment, mostly near the oceans. Of course, fish is their staple meal. They rely on the meat of snow and sea animals. They have a hard time finding fruits or vegetables. Seals and polar bears are part of their food. 4)

Religion

Most Inuit living in the snow world in modern times have converted to Christianity. 5)

Paradox

The Inuit, who almost rely on meat, remain one of the healthiest people groups in the world. 6)

Indigenous people of the Arctic regions

The Inuit are indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. 7)

Rich cultural heritage

The Inuit have a rich cultural heritage, including storytelling, drumming, and song. 8)

Relationship with the natural environment

The Inuit have a unique relationship with the natural environment, relying on hunting and fishing for survival. 9)

Spiritual connection

The Inuit have a strong spiritual connection to the land and animals, with a belief in spirits and the afterlife. 10)

Inuktitut

The Inuit language, Inuktitut, is spoken by a majority of Inuit people and has several dialects. 11)

Unique clothing style

The Inuit have a unique clothing style, including parkas, mukluks, and fur hats, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions. 12)

Traditional art

The Inuit are known for their traditional art, including soapstone carvings, ivory sculptures, and printmaking. 13)

Historically semi-nomadic

The Inuit were historically semi-nomadic, moving seasonally to follow food sources. 14)

Shamanism

The Inuit have a deep history of shamanism and spiritual practices, including the use of drums and masks. 15)

Tradition of sharing and cooperation

The Inuit have a strong tradition of sharing and cooperation, with a focus on community well-being. 16)

Cultural suppression

The Inuit have faced significant challenges, including cultural suppression and loss of traditional lands. 17)

Preserving culture

Inuit communities are working to preserve their culture, language, and traditions for future generations. 18)

Growing political voice

The Inuit have a growing political voice, including representation in the Canadian Parliament and regional governance bodies. 19)