Inuit

Proven Enduring

Inuit are an Indigenous people living primarily in four Inuit regions in Canada, collectively known as Inuit Nunangat. The term “Inuit Nunangat” is a Canadian Inuit term that includes land, water, and ice. Inuit consider the land, water, and ice, of our homeland to be integral to our culture and our way of life.
The majority of our population lives in 51 communities spread across Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland encompassing 35 percent of Canada’s landmass and 50 percent of its coastline. We have lived in our homeland since time immemorial. Our communities are among the most culturally resilient in North America. Roughly 60 percent of Inuit report an ability to conduct a conversation in Inuktut (the Inuit language), and our people harvest country foods such as seal, narwhal and caribou to feed our families and communities.

*Source: https://www.itk.ca/about-canadian-inuit/

What are the beliefs and practices of my people regarding how a human being is meant to exist in relationship with a living earth?

Explore questions for each quote below by clicking the image.

Peoples Blog

“Our language contains the memory of four thousand years of human survival through the conservation and good managing of our Arctic wealth.”

Eben Hopson (eh-behn hop-sen), founder Inuit Circumpolar Council

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“If you know the land it's not a wilderness. The only place I would call wilderness is a place I don't know.”

John Arnatsiaq (jahn ah-naht-see-yak), hunter

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“Recall the early vision of our Inuit ancestors to found and maintain a strong Inuit community, looking further back at the deepest roots of our Inuit culture to guide our actions.”

Kitty Gordon (kit-tee gawr-dun), Nunavik Nutrition and Health Committee

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“Our entire culture and identity are based on free movement on land, sea ice and the Arctic Ocean.”

Okalik Eegeesiak (oo-kah-lik ee-yee-see-yak), Chair Inuit Circumpolar Council

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Proven Resilient

Statistics and research paint a distressing picture of our society, in which too many people are struggling with violence and trauma. These challenges exist against the historical backdrop of Canada’s colonization of Inuit Nunangat, in which federal government policy directed the institutions and systems that have destabilized our society by undermining our ability to be self-reliant. The social and cultural challenges that exist today can similarly be undone in large part through policies that support and empower Inuit institutions, families and communities.
Traditional values such as sharing, respect for elders and cooperation remain central to Inuit community life. Despite our small population, Inuit communities have produced world renowned musicians and artists and our leaders have helped advance the global struggle for Indigenous self-determination and human rights.
These are some of the assets that reflect the resilience and potential of our people.

*Source: https://www.itk.ca/about-canadian-inuit/