The Inuit Facts

Facts about Inuit Groups:

http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com

There are eight main Inuit groups in Canada, the LABRADOR, UNGAVA, BAFFIN ISLAND, IGLULIK, CARIBOU,NETSILIK, COPPER and Western Arctic Inuit (see NATIVE PEOPLE, DEMOGRAPHY). The Western Arctic Inuit (or Inuvialuit) are recent immigrants, or their descendants, from Alaska, taking the place of the MACKENZIE INUIT, who were decimated by several smallpox and influenza EPIDEMICS at the turn of the century. The SADLERMIUT, in northwestern Hudson Bay, died out following contact early this century ( see NATIVE PEOPLE, HEALTH).

All of the Canadian Inuit speak one language, Inuktitut or Eskimo-Aleut, though there are six different dialects (see NATIVE PEOPLE, LANGUAGES). However, because of improved travel opportunities and the development of Inuit-language radio and TV programming, language differences are diminishing (see COMMUNICATIONS IN THE NORTH; NATIVE PEOPLE, COMMUNICATIONS). Traditionally, there was no written language, but after contact with missionaries, writing systems were widely adopted. Since 1920 the adult literacy rate has been almost 100%.

Ivalo Qumangaapik

Ivalo Qumangaapik, an elderly Inuit woman wearing thigh length women's kamik (boots) sits on her front step. Qaanaaq, Thule, Northwest Greenland. Stunning Photo Gifts From ArcticPhoto

Inuit hunters in their kayaks on a narwhal hunt in

Inuit hunters in their kayaks on a narwhal hunt in Inglefield Bredning. Thule, Northwest Greenland.. Stunning Photo Gifts From ArcticPhoto

August Eipe at his home in Qaanaaq with his wife Birthe

August Eipe at his home in Qaanaaq with his wife Birthe and their children Gideon & Jahanne. Thule, Northwest Greenland

Inuit boys play on a swing in the summertime at Qeqertat Inuit boys play on a swing in the summertime at Qeqertat. Thule, Northwest Greenland. Stunning Photo Gifts From ArcticPhoto