Inuit Culture
Inuit Culture, Traditions, and History
Traditional Inuit way of life was influenced by the harsh climate and stark landscapes of the
Arctic tundra from beliefs inspired by stories of the aurora to practicalities like homes made of
snow. Inuit invented tools, gear, and methods to help them survive in this environment. Read on
to learn more about traditional Inuit ways of life, and how Inuit culture has been changed over
the past century.
Geography
Inuit communities are found in the Arctic, in the Northwest Territories, Labrador and Quebec in
Canada, above tree line in Alaska (where people are called the Inupiat and Yupik), and in Russia
(where people are called the Yupik people). In some areas, Inuit people are called "Eskimos"
however many Inuit find this term offensive. The word "Inuit" means "the people" in the
Inuktitut language.
Inuit Homes
In the tundra, where Inuit communities are found, there are not many building materials. No...