Inuit Environment and Resources, and Their Relationship to Inuit Culture and Belief System - Research Paper Example

Inuit: A Way of Life Introduction: Man has outlived many other animals that once roamed the earth because of his ingenuity, resilience, adaptability and resourcefulness. Among other abilities, these skills are embedded in the human DNA which makes us defy any odds that come our way. And hands down, no other group of people could beat the champions in this category – the Inuit people. Living in the most unforgiving part of the earth with almost zero vegetation, the Inuit have survived for eons and developed its very own culture and tradition that is as rich and colorful as their surroundings is drab and monotonous. They have their own distinct literature, music and arts, most of which are created to praise and worship the spirits that guide them in their everyday lives. Indeed, the Inuit people thrive in a very specific environment, which is heavily tied to their belief system. The People The term Inuit refers to the group of aboriginal people that live and occupy the Arctic region from Greenland to the east of Siberia (Park). They arrived in the Arctic from Asia through land bridges, as a matter of fact, it is settled that they are “the last people to cross from Asia” (King, 9). Needless to state, the Arctic is perhaps the most unlivable place on earth – forever cold and frozen – yet the Inuit have made it home. They lived off of the abundance of the sea and whatever is found on land. They made tools from animal bones and rocks which are then used to make clothing from animal skin and fur. For their fuel which they use for cooking and lighting, they have learned to extract the oils from sea mammals like whales. (King, 9) The land and the sea provide for all their needs, and they return the favor by making offerings to the spirits of nature. With the help and guidance of the spirits, the Inuit was able to develop things that made living in the harsh environment easier. They live in an igloo, travel on water with the kayak and on land with dogsleds, use ulu which is a knife used by women for household chores, and discover the utility of the quilliq which is a small stove made of stone. During the never-ending winter season, the quilliq not only cooks their food but also provide heat and light to the entire household. (The Inuit Way, 8) Culture and Traditions The Inuit boasts of a very rich and colorful culture which is in stark contrast to the monotony of their natural environment. Despite contact with foreigners, the Inuit have been successful in preserving their cultural heritage and identity, with the preservation of Inuktitut, the Inuit language. To ensure that the younger generations never forget their identity, small children are taught to play the traditional games and are instructed in the Inuktitut language. On the other hand, the older children are taught with the traditional methods of fishing and hunting thus ensuring that the Inuit way of life that has made them survive is never lost amid the influx of modernism. More importantly, the value of respect for the land, the sea and everything that nature gives them is instilled in all members of the tribe. (The Inuit Way, 6) Among others, they are world-famous for their artistic skills especially in the field of sculpture which dates back to the time when they were still making tools out of the bones and horns of animals. The world was introduced into the unique Inuit craftsmanship when James Houston, a Canadian artist brought home some of their artworks after a visit in 1948. After that, everyone wants to have a piece their artworks, including the colorful fur clothes sewn by the women Inuit. (Strudwick, 18) Spiritual Beliefs Very much like any other culture around the world, the Inuit also have stories about how things came to be. These are passed on from generations by oral traditions like songs and poetry. The most popular of which is the legend of Sedna which tells about the origin of the sea creatures that live in the region like the walrus, seals and whales. But the most significant aspect of the legend is the part which says that until now, Sedna lives under the ocean and the bountiful harvest as well as the violent storms is all her doing. (The Inuit way, 4) Inuit religious belief is based on animism. They believe that all things, both living and non-living things have spirits living within them. For this reason, they treat everything with utmost respect. And when they need something, they pray to the spirits to grant their wishes. They make offerings to the spirit of the sea for a bountiful harvest, pay homage to the spirit of the land for a fruitful hunting season, and even to the departed elders which they believe already reside in such inanimate objects as rocks or charms for guidance in their important decisions in life. Interestingly, the Inuit believe in the concept of reincarnation. They believe that when a person dies, his spirit lives on in the objects around them. And when a baby is born, they are convinced that the spirit of the dead person is reborn through the baby. Hence, the baby takes on the name of the person who recently died and the baby is treated with the same respect as that which is accorded to the dead person as if he were alive. As such, they find it not “appropriate, under these circumstances, to tell a chills what to do, as this would be the equivalent of ordering and elder or another adult about” (The Inuit Way, 16). Directly related to this animism is the concept that they are one with the land. The objects and things that they see around them could bear the spirit of a departed loved one and when they die, there is that great possibility that their spirit would be residing in one of those object that they see. As such, they not only treat things with respect and reverence but also with love like they would to another person. For the Inuit, the gifts of nature are there to be respected, enjoyed and preserved because, “For Inuit, the Arctic has always been home, the land and landscape have provided both physical and spiritual needs and a unique sense of relationship with the land lies at the very core of Inuit belief.” (Pritchard) Conclusion The Inuit live in peace in a part of the earth where no one else is interested in occupying. From the lush and green Asia, their wandering feet brought them to the cold and frozen Arctic region. Whether they chose to stay or they were simply stranded there when the ice melted and the land bridges went underwater is beyond us. But one thing is sure; they have found a home, a happy and lively home at that, amidst the cold and dreary environment. It is worthy to note that the Inuit people do not just exist in the Arctic, the live and have life in the place they call home. Apparently, their tribe flourished and lived on for generations not solely on the need to survive but also because of their belief that they can and they will. Sheer will to survive will drive man out of the Arctic and into the warmer and greener south but they did not. Sheer will to live through the cold and dark winters will drive man to exhaust the region’s natural resources for his food, heat and lights, but the Inuit did not. Instead, they have learned to co-exist with the animals that also call the ice home. Instead, they have learned to fight the cold with the warmth of their communion with their fellowmen and the spirits of nature. Their belief that the Spirit Sedna created the sea creatures for their needs gave them the inspiration and strength to make the Arctic their home. Their belief that their departed loved ones continue to live in the objects around them gave them the courage and desire to stay. And their belief that the Arctic and everything in it was made especially for them, gave them the warmth and joy to love the icy place. Indeed, for the Inuit, home is where the heart is. Works Cited: King, David. The Inuit. Marshall Cavendish, 2007. Park, Robert. Archeology in North Arctic America. University of Waterloo Department of Antropology. Accessed on December 2, 2011. Available at http://anthropology.uwaterloo.ca/ArcticArchStuff/Inuit.html Pritchard, Jessica. Inuit Contact: An Arctic Culture Teaching Resource. November 16, 2009. American Historical Association. Accessed on December 2, 2011. Available at http://blog.historians.org/education/919/inuit-contact-an-arctic-culture-teaching-resource Strudwick, Leslie. Inuit. Weigl Publisher,Inc., 2009 The Inuit Way: A Guide to Inuit Culture. Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada. 2006. Accessed on December 2, 2011. Available at http://www.pauktuutit.ca/pdf/publications/pauktuutit/InuitWay_e.pdf Read More