The Inuit, an indigenous group in northern Canada, have one of the oldest traditional cultures in the world. For thousands of years the Inuit have been passing down traditions of their culture from generation to generation. Parents teach their children the skills necessary to survive the harsh Arctic climate. The children become skilled hunters and fishers and then pass those skills to their own children.

As a result, the Inuit have been able to continue the traditions that have helped them survive this region for thousands of years.

One important tradition of the Inuit is to share the kill of the hunt with other families. The image below illustrates the division of walrus meat after a hunt.

Think about this - How do the Inuit divide the kill? How do you think the tradition of sharing this kill impacts the Inuit culture?

In this tradition, the most successful hunter is able to choose his meat first; the second most successful gets to choose next, and so on. This tradition allows every member the opportunity to share the food. It keeps the culture closer together because members have to depend on one another.

Click on the link below to watch the video that focuses on the role of the elders of the Inuit. Complete the activities that follow.

Canada: Inuit Wisdom

Answer the following questions in your notes.

1. Traditionally, what role do elders play in the Inuit culture?
2. What challenge threatens to change the traditions of the Inuit?

Click here for possible answers.

1. Elders have traditionally served as advisors of the Inuit.
2. The communication gap between the older and younger members of the culture threatens the passing of important history of the culture.

Respect for Inuit elders has proven to be important for the culture to continue its tradition in a modern world. Passing down the oral history and the skills necessary to survive in the Arctic Circle are important to the survival of this culture.