Dog Sleds for Ski Doos: Inuit Identity on the Cusp of Change

This paper examines Inuit identity and the effects of contact with Western cultures. Alteration to tradition can be traced by establishing generational cohorts and examining their cultural differences. I stipulate that the present Inuit identity is molded from various received elements and in part from traditional inummariq. This paper argues that political yearnings have also changed Inuit identity by the introduction of a tertiary system of identification involving a pan-Inuit, a Canadian, and a cultural sub-group (miut group) affiliation. Finally, I believe that the creation of the semi-sovereign Nunavut Territory in 1999 introduced not only a regional form of identification (as opposed to other non-independent Inuit territories within established Canadian provinces and territories) but asserted Inuit autonomy over their land. I examine the success of the Nunavut Territory from a sociopolitical stance and assuming that Inuit wish to achieve success beyond gaining political autonomy.