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Inuit

Also known as: Eskimo (historical, now considered offensive)

Inuit

The Inuit are the Indigenous people of the Canadian Arctic. Their extraordinary adaptation to one of the world's harshest environments — building igloos, hunting marine mammals, navigating by stars and snow — represents one of humanity's greatest feats of ingenuity. The Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami represents approximately 65,000 Inuit in Canada.

Quick Facts

Group Inuit
Language Eskimo-Aleut
Population Approximately 65,000
Regions NU, NT, QC, NL
💡 The Inuktitut word "igloo" (iglu) simply means "house" — any dwelling, not just a snow house. The snow house is specifically called an "igdlu."

🗺️ Traditional Territory

Inuit people have lived in the Arctic regions of Canada for thousands of years, from the Mackenzie Delta in the west to Labrador in the east and north to the high Arctic islands.
A note on this page: This is a brief introduction. The Inuit have a rich and complex history, culture and living presence that cannot be captured here. We encourage you to seek out Inuit voices, visit cultural centres, and engage with community members directly.
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