Interdependence With The Environment
The Inuit are dependent on the sea for their livelihood. Traditionally they hunt at a
subsistence level, i.e., the food they catch is the food they eat, with a small amount over for
trade. Before the 20th century the Inuit lived in harmony with their environment, only
taking what was needed for their sustenance, and having a deep understanding of the ways
of the wildlife and the seasons of nature on
which they depended.
Lifestyle Changes Since Contact With West
During the 20th century the Inuit were encouraged to move to permanent settlements
where it was easier for the national government to provide services and also for the Inuit to
have access to electricity, permanent housing etc. It was thought this would be best for
them, but the separation from their traditional roles and the land they knew so well has led
to a loss of their culture and an increase in suicide rates amongst the young. However, the
Inuit are now regaining control over their destiny and an important step was the creation in
1999 of the self-governing territory of Nunavut in Canada, which is the Inuit homeland.
Although there is considerable financial help from the national government in Ottawa, the
Inuit make all the major decisions, including those about mineral extraction within their
lands.
Housing
They are nomadic and use temporary housing such as igloos in winter and skin tents in
summer.
Clothing
Traditional Inuit clothing was highly adapted to the Arctic environment. Caribou, polar
bear, arctic fox, and musk oxen provided valuable material to make thick parkas, pants, and
boots. This kind of clothing kept people warm at incredibly cold temperatures.
Food
The traditional Inuit diet centred on meat and fat from sea mammals, an excellent source of
energy. Berries and a few herbs were included in the diet, but made up a small portion of it.
The Inuit also had a wealth of knowledge about medicinal plants that helped keep them
healthy. They have locations they return to when there is little hunting. Their prey includes
whales, walrus, fur seal, and polar bears.