The Inuit: The People of the Arctic

Inuit are the Indigenous people of the circumpolar north, with homelands stretching across the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Siberia. They are a distinct people, culturally and linguistically separate from First Nations and Métis. The singular form is Inuk, and the plural is Inuit, which simply means "the people."

Their homeland in Canada is known as Inuit Nunangat, meaning "the land, water, and ice that Inuit use and occupy." This vast territory encompasses nearly one-third of Canada's landmass and more than half of its coastline, including four distinct regions:

  1. Inuvialuit Settlement Region (in the Northwest Territories)

  2. Nunavut

  3. Nunavik (in northern Quebec)

  4. Nunatsiavut (in northern Labrador)

  • Inuit culture is a testament to profound ingenuity, resilience, and a deep, symbiotic relationship with the Arctic environment. For millennia, Inuit have thrived in one of the world's most challenging climates. This is guided by a holistic knowledge system known as Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), which encompasses traditional knowledge, values, and laws.

    Key elements of Inuit culture include:

    • Connection to the Land and Sea: The land, sea, and ice are the foundation of Inuit life. Their sophisticated knowledge of animal migration patterns, sea ice conditions, and weather is essential for travel and harvesting animals like seal, whale, caribou, and fish, which are central to their diet and culture.

    • Innovation and Technology: Inuit are renowned for their brilliant innovations, perfectly adapted to their environment. These include the iglu (snow house), the qamutiik (dog sled), the qajaq (kayak), and intricately tailored clothing made from caribou and seal skin that provides superior insulation.

    • Society and Values: Traditional Inuit society is built on strong kinship ties and a set of core values known as Inuit Qajagisautaqangit. These include cooperation (piliriqatigiingniq), consensus-based decision-making (aajiqatigiingniq), and environmental stewardship (avatimik kamattiarniq). Sharing and collaboration were essential for community survival.

    • Language: The Inuit language, Inuktitut, is spoken across Inuit Nunangat in a variety of dialects. It is a vibrant language, rich with concepts that describe the intricate details of the Arctic world. Efforts to preserve and revitalize Inuktitut are a cornerstone of modern Inuit self-determination.

    • Art and Storytelling: Inuit are celebrated globally for their art, particularly their intricate carvings (often from soapstone or bone) and printmaking. These art forms are a modern expression of a long tradition of storytelling, used to pass down histories, legends, and knowledge.

  • In the late 20th century, Inuit in Canada successfully negotiated four comprehensive land claims agreements with the Crown. These modern treaties are constitutionally protected and form the basis for regional self-governance, giving Inuit significant control over their lands, resources, and institutions.

    The two organizations from your list are direct results of these landmark agreements.

    Nunatsiavut Government (NL - Labrador)

    • Who They Are: The Nunatsiavut Government is the regional self-government for the Labrador Inuit. Their homeland, Nunatsiavut, means "Our Beautiful Land" in their dialect of Inuktitut. It encompasses a significant area of northern Labrador's coast and inland regions.

    • Governance: The Nunatsiavut Government was established in 2005 with the signing of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. It is a democratically elected government with its own President and Assembly. It has the authority to make its own laws concerning culture, education, health, and the management of lands and resources within its territory, operating in partnership with the provincial and federal governments. This gives Labrador Inuit a level of autonomy and self-determination that is unique in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

    Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated (NTI)

    • Who They Are: Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated is the legal representative of the Inuit of Nunavut, who are the beneficiaries of Canada's largest land claims agreement, the Nunavut Agreement, signed in 1993.

    • Role and Distinction: It is crucial to understand that NTI is not the public Government of Nunavut. The Government of Nunavut serves all residents of the territory. NTI's specific role is to act as the guardian of the land claim agreement. Its mandate is to ensure that the promises made to Inuit in the 1993 agreement are fully implemented and upheld by the federal and territorial governments.

    • Governance and Responsibilities: NTI is an Inuit-led organization with an elected President and board. Its key responsibilities include:

      • Managing Inuit-owned lands, which cover about 18% of the territory and include subsurface mineral rights in some areas.

      • Overseeing the implementation of the Nunavut Agreement and advocating for Inuit rights.

      • Administering funds received through the agreement for the collective benefit of Nunavut Inuit.

      • Working to advance the social, cultural, and economic well-being of Inuit in Nunavut.