Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit : what Inuit have always known to be true

The Inuit have experienced colonization and the resulting disregard for the societal systems, beliefs and support structures foundational to Inuit culture for generations. While much research has articulated the impacts of colonization and recognized that Indigenous cultures and worldviews are central to the well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities, little work has been done to preserve Inuit culture. Unfortunately, most people have a very limited understanding of Inuit culture, and often apply only a few trappings of culture ― past practices, artifacts and catchwords ―to projects to justify cultural relevance. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit ― meaning all the extensive knowledge and experience passed from generation to generation ― is a collection of contributions by well- known and respected Inuit Elders. The book functions as a way of preserving important knowledge and tradition, contextualizing that knowledge within Canada’s colonial legacy and providing an Inuit perspective on how we relate to each other, to other living beings and the environment. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit--which Means A Complete Body Of Knowledge And Experience Passed From Generation To Generation--is A Collection Of Contributions By Inuit Elders. It Not Only Helps Preserve Important Knowledge And Tradition, But Also Provides An Inuit Perspective On Personal Growth And Development, And How We Relate To Each Other, To Other Living Beings, And To The Environment. Acknowledgements -- Foreward: Creating The Book / Shirley Tagalik -- Introduction: Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit, Truth And Reconciliation / Joe Karetak, Frank Tester -- I. Colonial Challenges And Recovery In The Eastern Arctic / Frank Tester -- 2. About Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit / Mark Kalluak -- 3 The Role Of Family / Atuat Akittiq -- 4 Hunting, Fishing And The Laws Of The Land / Jose Angutinngurniq -- 5 We Inuit Call Our Children Qiturngat / Louis Angalik -- 6 Inutsiapagutit (inuit Teachings) / Alice Ayalik -- 7 Conscientious Planning / Norman Attangalaaq -- 8 Inunnguiniq (making A Human Being) / Atuat Akittiq, Akpaliapik Karetak -- 9 Pamiqsainirmik (training Children) / Donald Uluadluak -- 10 Planning And Preparing Well / Mariano Aupilaarjuq -- 11 Healing Unresolved Issues / Rhoda Akpaliapik Karetak -- 12 Inuit Knowledge Applies Today / Joe Karetak -- Epilogue: The Value Of Relational Ways Of Knowing And Being / Margo Greenwood -- Glossary -- Contributors -- Notes. Edited By Joe Karetak, Frank Tester & Shirley Tagalik. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 237-251). The Inuit have experienced colonization and the resulting disregard for the societal systems, beliefs and support structures foundational to Inuit culture for generations. While much research has articulated the impacts of colonization and recognized that Indigenous cultures and worldviews are central to the well-being of Indigenous peoples and communities, little work has been done to preserve Inuit culture. Most people have a very limited understanding of Inuit culture, and often apply only a few trappings of culture. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit — meaning all the extensive knowledge and experience passed from generation to generation — is a collection of contributions by well- known and respected Inuit Elders. Joe Karetak is community education coordinator for the Government of Nunavut. Frank Tester is a geographer, social worker and Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia. Shirley Tagalik is research assistant at Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre in Igaluit. "The Inuit have experienced colonization and the resulting disregard for the societal systems, beliefs and support structures foundational to Inuit culture for generations. Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit - meaning all the extensive knowledge and experience passed from generation to generation - is a collection of contributions by well-known and respected Inuit Elders. The book functions as a way of preserving important knowledge and tradition, contextualizing that knowledge within Canada's colonial legacy and providing an Inuit perspective on how we relate to each other, to other living beings and the environment."-- Provided by publisher