Where are Inuits Found?

Envision a realm where fierce winds howl continuously, blizzards are commonplace, and temperatures plummet to staggering lows. This stark reality characterizes the Arctic, where only two seasons exist. The summer lasts a mere two months, with the temperature reaching a maximum of 10 degrees Celsius, primarily near the southern edge of this vast area.

In stark contrast, winter temperatures can plummet to minus 60 degrees Celsius. The biting wind carries ice particles that can sting the skin, while the severe cold can lead to frostbite. When the sun makes an appearance, conditions don't improve much; the thick snow cover reflects around 85 percent of sunlight, risking burns to the eyes, a condition known as snow blindness. Resources such as wood are scarce, and farming is entirely unfeasible.

This is the reality of the Arctic and subarctic regions, including parts of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and the Chukotka Peninsula, where Inuits have lived for millennia. Few places on Earth present such challenges to human survival.

The Inuit Legacy

How did people come to inhabit such a harsh environment? Roughly 4,500 years ago, the ancestors of the Inuits were pushed northward by migrating tribes from Asia. They traversed the frozen Bering Strait, reaching North America.

While some nomadic groups continued southward, others stayed in the northern regions, eventually making their way to Greenland. Surviving in these conditions necessitated the mastery of three vital skills: staying warm, sourcing food, and building shelters.

Traditional Inuit Clothing

Inuit clothing was crafted from the skins of the animals they hunted. The primary garment was the anorak, a long, hooded coat made of sealskin or Arctic caribou hide, designed to shield against the wind and retain body heat. This coat was waterproof, thanks to being treated with fish oil.

Inuit pants, made from polar bear skin, featured fur on the outside to prevent snow accumulation and were worn only during winter. In the warmer months, lighter versions made from sealskin or caribou skin were used.

Inuit footwear was ingeniously designed. Boots were constructed with two layers of sealskin, lined with muskox fur or dried grass for insulation. This design not only protected feet from the cold but also provided excellent grip on ice. Winter boots made from polar bear skin had the added benefit of muffling footsteps, which was advantageous for hunting.

Underclothing was also designed for warmth, crafted from birdskins with the down facing inward.

Adapting to Extreme Conditions

The Inuit's ability to endure extreme cold extended beyond their clothing. Over countless generations, they developed physiological adaptations for survival in harsh climates.

Inuits tend to have a stocky physique, which aids in efficient blood circulation and energy conservation, helping them maintain warmth. Their extremities—face, hands, and feet—experience increased blood flow for better protection against the cold. Additionally, their noses are uniquely shaped to warm incoming air before it reaches the lungs. A more efficient liver helps convert proteins into carbohydrates, enabling them to thrive on a meat-rich diet.

Inuit Lifestyles

Agriculture is impossible in the Arctic, leading the Inuit people to rely entirely on hunting for sustenance. Their hunting expeditions often took them both inland and to the sea, where they developed specialized boats resembling kayaks.

These boats were crafted from driftwood and covered with sealskin, with walrus bones reinforcing the bow and stern and narwhal tusks protecting the bottom.

Modern Inuit Life

Inuit communities have transitioned from nomadic lifestyles to settled living near non-Inuit populations. Today, many reside in permanent homes, having moved away from traditional tents and igloos, which are now primarily built for cultural significance.

In North America, most Inuits live in urban areas, where they lead lives similar to other city dwellers, although they maintain a tight-knit community that upholds aspects of their cultural heritage. The situation is comparable in Greenland, where some Inuits choose to live in small settlements that preserve their traditions.

Life Expectancy of Inuits

A century ago, the average life expectancy for Inuits was just 35 years. Currently, they live about 10 to 12 years less than their non-Inuit counterparts in similar regions. What accounts for this disparity?

Several theories exist, with historical lifestyles in harsh environments contributing significantly. Many Inuits faced dangers during hunting expeditions. Studies, including one published in the “Canadian Journal of Cardiology,” suggest that a diet high in fats may also play a role, as this could increase the risk of heart disease and lead to shorter lifespans.

Intriguing Aspects of Inuit Culture

Here are some captivating facts about the Inuit people:

1. The term "Eskimo" is considered offensive by some in Canada and Greenland, as it translates to “raw meat eater” in Danish or French. Many prefer to be called Inuits.
2. While igloos are commonly associated with snow structures, Inuits use the term for any dwelling.
3. Modern Inuits often use refrigerators to prevent food from freezing rather than cooling it.
4. In extreme conditions, Northern peoples have developed unique ways to show affection, such as rubbing noses instead of kissing, to avoid freezing together.
5. The only domesticated animals by Inuits are dogs, which assist in hunting and transportation.
6. Inuits show great respect for all hunted animals, utilizing every part and finding practical uses for inedible portions, except for the polar bear’s liver, which contains toxic levels of vitamin A.