About the DepartmentThe Department of Culture and Heritage was established to provide leadership within the Government of Nunavut in the development and implementation of policies, programs and services aimed at strengthening the culture, language and heritage for all Nunavummiut. It serves the public and the Government of Nunavut with headquarters based in Iqaluit, Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kugluktuk. Culture and Heritage will achieve its mission through: providing leadership within the government by means of the promotion of Inuit Societal Values through the application of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit approaches to work; promoting the use of Inuit language in the workplace and throughout the territory; promoting access to information and resource materials in Nunavut's official languages in all communities; enhancing public library services across Nunavut; assisting non-profit, community based individuals and organizations in cultural, language and heritage activities and encouraging ongoing dialogue between Elders and youth and the government.Cultural lifeDespite the impact of North American media and other modern influences, many traditional elements of the Inuit culture have been preserved. In the years following World War II, Canadian artist and author James Archibald Houston, with the assistance of the Hudson’s Bay Company, was instrumental in the promotion and sale of Inuit art. Public policy has continued to encourage the development of Inuit traditions in arts and crafts—including stone carvings, weavings, and prints—providing an important supplementary source of income in some Inuit communities and making Inuit culture familiar to collectors worldwide. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the musical career of Inuit singer and lyricist Susan Aglukark also promoted greater understanding and appreciation of Inuit cultural life in a modern context.Arctic Haven Lodge is a Nunavut 5-star resort, located on Ennadai Lake, Nunavut. Home to the 350,000 strong Qamanirjuaq caribou herd, Arctic Haven offers access to hiking, kayaking, boating, world class fishing, cross country skiing, kite-skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, Arctic safaris with northern lights, arctic wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, wolverine and more. You don’t have to be an experienced explorer to go on this Arctic adventure – Find out for yourself at www.ArcticHaven.ca Nunavut CultureIn Northern Canada, twenty-five different communities of Inuit people live in Nunavut. This Native Canadian tribe of people have inhabited Nunavut for several thousand years. Nunavut people have a special type of Nunavut culture. Their culture is unique in Canada, and unlike anywhere else in the world. The Inuit maintain their traditional way of life even in the 21st century.LanguageInuktitut and Inuinnaqtun are the two most common forms of the native Inuit language spoken by the Inuit people in Nunavut. These two languages are the most protected languages in Canada due to their protection under the Nunavut Official Languages Act. It is considered one of Canada's aboriginal languages, and it guarantees Inuit people will have public services and private services conducted in their native language, as needed. English and French are two other official languages spoken in Nunavut culture. In the Inuktitut language, Nunavut means “our land” and Inuit” means “the people.”Body language is an important part of Inuit culture. Raising two eyebrows traditionally means “yes” and there is not native Inuit word for “yes”; rather, there is a gesture.CultureNunavut CultureInuit culture has an oral tradition that can trace back hundred and even thousands of years. While language is extremely important to Nunavut culture, spirituality, family, attire, food and survival are other important aspects of Inuit culture as well.Amongst the 25 Inuit communities there is a collective sense of respect, caring, humor, longevity, responsibility kindness, and compassion. Like many Native American and Native Canadian cultural groups, the Inuit of Nunavut care deeply about their land and the animals who share their world. In addition to this great appreciate of nature, the Inuit are taught to respect and appreciate all people, no matter their race or ethnicity.EnvironmentEnvironmentThe Inuit people have survived the Arctic climate of Nunavut for centuries. They have used traditional igloos to remain warm and insulated in the harsh winter season. Ice fishing, in the winter; caribou hunting in the fall, provided most of the food for the long winter months. The Inuit traditionally fished for seal in the spring. Bird meat and eggs were hunted in the summertime.TransportationTransportationTraditional modes of transportation for the Inuit people were dog sleds. In the 21st century, much of the transpiration needs of the Inuit have been met by snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.Nunavut Culture productsNames and Nunavut: Culture and Identity in the Inuit HomelandNames and Nunavut: Culture and Identity in the Inuit Homeland Buy Now More about Nunavut CultureReligion and SpiritualityToday, many Inuits practice different denominations of Christianity including: Pentecostal and Catholic church attendance, however, the Inuits original spirituality was similar to other native spiritualism. The land, the earth and the environments were all given spirits in this oral tradition, and shamans served to invoke the good spirits, in order to keep the bad spirits away.Sharing in the Nunavut CultureIt is commonplace, and even expected for Inuits to freely share food, and other items with other Inuits in their communities, It is not considered a hardship to share, rather it is a privileges and encourages trust and camaraderie in the community.CuisineFeasting is an important part of the Nunavut culture. While natural, minimally processed food are the most desirable, some Inuit people eat food that is found in mainstream society, The manner in which the food is prepared in Nunavut culture is usually less fattening and more nutritious than traditional Canadian food.Fun and FamilyFamily ties in the Nunavut culture continue to be strong and survive in changing cultural landscapes. After work is completed, families often get together and sing, dance, drum or play games. Storytelling, similar to other indigenous cultures around the world, is an important aspect of their cultural entertainment. Art is another way Nunavut people spend their free time and express their cultural heritage.Inuit culture means many things: language, communication, survival, spirituality, sharing, friendliness, food, family and creativity. Each of the 25 communities in Nunavut are slightly different but the collective Inuit identity is one of kindness, compassion, giving, caring, helping, concern for others, laughing, joking discipline, endurance, common sense and most of all responsibility.Inuit culture and language are inseparable. Inuit culture has been passed on orally since time immemorial. There is one Inuit language across Nunavut and many different dialects. Inuit have always called themselves “Inuit” which means “The People” and Nunavut means “Our Land” in Inuktitut.Inuit survival has depended on living in balance with the land, people and resources. Inuit have great respect for all people, for the environment, and every living creature. Inuit have had to be disciplined, practical, patient and most of all responsible to survive the elements in the Arctic climate.In the past, traditional activities in the fall were caribou hunting and fishing for arctic char to be cached away for the winter. In the winter, it was a time for traditional songs and drum dancing in the igloo since there was very little hunting, due to the shorter winter days. Spring meant seal hunting. When a seal was caught, it was a welcome event because it meant fresh meat for all. It also provided seal fat oil for the qulliq (a soapstone oil lamp in the shape of a half moon) to provide light during the long days of winter. Summer was welcomed with great excitement. Bird meat and eggs were hunted. Arctic char was caught and dried and berries gathered to supplement other foods. Caribou was also cut and dried for variety. Today, Inuit hunt to a lesser extent, and while a handful of Inuit still travel by dog sled, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles have taken over for transportation.SpiritualitySpirituality has been a very important part of Inuit life. The spirit of Inuit has always been that of contentment despite hardship. Inuit have survived by being patient and spiritual people. In earlier times Shamanism was widely practiced. Inuit Shamans had spirits known as “tuunngait”. These spirits were drawn upon to heal and cure the sick. Spiritual or shaman songs were sung at rituals and special occasions to rejoice in the good spirits and keep the bad spirits away. Good Shamanism embodied the people’s attachment to the land and environment and respect for the land and the animals.Today many Inuit are members of Christian churches. The Anglican, Pentecostal and Roman Catholic faiths all have thriving congregations in many communities across Nunavut.Sharing/FriendlinessBy having a culture of sharing Inuit have survived thousands of years. To this day, Inuit still share many things with others: food, possessions, thoughts and words. Traditionally, homes were always open and you were just expected to come in, one would have difficulty imagining themselves knocking on an igloo!There is no real word for “hello” in Inuktitut. When Inuit greet someone, they just smile. One must always return a smile, or risk developing a reputation for being self-centered, grouchy or unfriendly. Communicating through facial expressions and other body language is also very common. For example, when one raises their eyebrows, it means “Yes”.FoodFood is the connector to everything that surrounds Inuit culture. Country food is still the main diet choice of Inuit today. It’s more nutritious and less expensive than commercial food. Traditionally, every celebration included a feast. Feasts are very special because sharing food is an important part of Inuit culture.FamilyTraditionally, Inuit cared for each other and family ties were strong. Every human being was treated as an equal, regardless of his or her physical condition. Necessities of life were shared with those less fortunate to ensure survival. Children were taught by parents to treat others the way they would like to be treated, with respect. They were also taught the qualities of discipline and endurance in order to survive the arctic climate. Family is still a very important part of Inuit life.Creativity/HumourTraditionally, Inuit played games and sang songs. This included strength games, wrestling contests, throat singing and drum dancing. Traditional Inuit songs were mostly composed by hunters telling their experiences. A drum dancer would beat his/her drum to accompany a traditional song. These songs are both powerful and entertaining. Inuit enjoy humour and love to laugh and tell jokes. Storytelling is also an important element in our culture because it saves and enriches the Inuit language and culture, Today, Nunavut is full of talented signers, dancers, carvers, artists, storytellers and writers that help keep traditions and culture alive.LanguageNunavut has three official languages – the Inuit language, English and French – as set out in the Nunavut Official Languages Act. The two most common forms of the Inuit language are Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.The Inuit language is protected by the provisions of the separate Inuit Language Protection Act, which gives the Inuit languages — including Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun — the most powerful protection among Canada's aboriginal languages. The Inuit Language Protection Act guarantees that services in both the public and private sectors will be provided in an Inuit language.The act guarantees that unilingual Inuit will be given services in their language of choice. The legislation gives time for everyone — including government, businesses and community organizations — to get ready to provide Inuit-language services.
About the DepartmentThe Department of Culture and Heritage was established to provide leadership within the Government of Nunavut in the development and implementation of policies, programs and services aimed at strengthening the culture, language and heritage for all Nunavummiut. It serves the public and the Government of Nunavut with headquarters based in Iqaluit, Baker Lake, Igloolik, and Kugluktuk. Culture and Heritage will achieve its mission through: providing leadership within the government by means of the promotion of Inuit Societal Values through the application of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit approaches to work; promoting the use of Inuit language in the workplace and throughout the territory; promoting access to information and resource materials in Nunavut's official languages in all communities; enhancing public library services across Nunavut; assisting non-profit, community based individuals and organizations in cultural, language and heritage activities and encouraging ongoing dialogue between Elders and youth and the government.Cultural lifeDespite the impact of North American media and other modern influences, many traditional elements of the Inuit culture have been preserved. In the years following World War II, Canadian artist and author James Archibald Houston, with the assistance of the Hudson’s Bay Company, was instrumental in the promotion and sale of Inuit art. Public policy has continued to encourage the development of Inuit traditions in arts and crafts—including stone carvings, weavings, and prints—providing an important supplementary source of income in some Inuit communities and making Inuit culture familiar to collectors worldwide. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the musical career of Inuit singer and lyricist Susan Aglukark also promoted greater understanding and appreciation of Inuit cultural life in a modern context.Arctic Haven Lodge is a Nunavut 5-star resort, located on Ennadai Lake, Nunavut. Home to the 350,000 strong Qamanirjuaq caribou herd, Arctic Haven offers access to hiking, kayaking, boating, world class fishing, cross country skiing, kite-skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, Arctic safaris with northern lights, arctic wolves, caribou, grizzly bears, wolverine and more. You don’t have to be an experienced explorer to go on this Arctic adventure – Find out for yourself at www.ArcticHaven.ca Nunavut CultureIn Northern Canada, twenty-five different communities of Inuit people live in Nunavut. This Native Canadian tribe of people have inhabited Nunavut for several thousand years. Nunavut people have a special type of Nunavut culture. Their culture is unique in Canada, and unlike anywhere else in the world. The Inuit maintain their traditional way of life even in the 21st century.LanguageInuktitut and Inuinnaqtun are the two most common forms of the native Inuit language spoken by the Inuit people in Nunavut. These two languages are the most protected languages in Canada due to their protection under the Nunavut Official Languages Act. It is considered one of Canada's aboriginal languages, and it guarantees Inuit people will have public services and private services conducted in their native language, as needed. English and French are two other official languages spoken in Nunavut culture. In the Inuktitut language, Nunavut means “our land” and Inuit” means “the people.”Body language is an important part of Inuit culture. Raising two eyebrows traditionally means “yes” and there is not native Inuit word for “yes”; rather, there is a gesture.CultureNunavut CultureInuit culture has an oral tradition that can trace back hundred and even thousands of years. While language is extremely important to Nunavut culture, spirituality, family, attire, food and survival are other important aspects of Inuit culture as well.Amongst the 25 Inuit communities there is a collective sense of respect, caring, humor, longevity, responsibility kindness, and compassion. Like many Native American and Native Canadian cultural groups, the Inuit of Nunavut care deeply about their land and the animals who share their world. In addition to this great appreciate of nature, the Inuit are taught to respect and appreciate all people, no matter their race or ethnicity.EnvironmentEnvironmentThe Inuit people have survived the Arctic climate of Nunavut for centuries. They have used traditional igloos to remain warm and insulated in the harsh winter season. Ice fishing, in the winter; caribou hunting in the fall, provided most of the food for the long winter months. The Inuit traditionally fished for seal in the spring. Bird meat and eggs were hunted in the summertime.TransportationTransportationTraditional modes of transportation for the Inuit people were dog sleds. In the 21st century, much of the transpiration needs of the Inuit have been met by snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles.Nunavut Culture productsNames and Nunavut: Culture and Identity in the Inuit HomelandNames and Nunavut: Culture and Identity in the Inuit Homeland Buy Now More about Nunavut CultureReligion and SpiritualityToday, many Inuits practice different denominations of Christianity including: Pentecostal and Catholic church attendance, however, the Inuits original spirituality was similar to other native spiritualism. The land, the earth and the environments were all given spirits in this oral tradition, and shamans served to invoke the good spirits, in order to keep the bad spirits away.Sharing in the Nunavut CultureIt is commonplace, and even expected for Inuits to freely share food, and other items with other Inuits in their communities, It is not considered a hardship to share, rather it is a privileges and encourages trust and camaraderie in the community.CuisineFeasting is an important part of the Nunavut culture. While natural, minimally processed food are the most desirable, some Inuit people eat food that is found in mainstream society, The manner in which the food is prepared in Nunavut culture is usually less fattening and more nutritious than traditional Canadian food.Fun and FamilyFamily ties in the Nunavut culture continue to be strong and survive in changing cultural landscapes. After work is completed, families often get together and sing, dance, drum or play games. Storytelling, similar to other indigenous cultures around the world, is an important aspect of their cultural entertainment. Art is another way Nunavut people spend their free time and express their cultural heritage.Inuit culture means many things: language, communication, survival, spirituality, sharing, friendliness, food, family and creativity. Each of the 25 communities in Nunavut are slightly different but the collective Inuit identity is one of kindness, compassion, giving, caring, helping, concern for others, laughing, joking discipline, endurance, common sense and most of all responsibility.Inuit culture and language are inseparable. Inuit culture has been passed on orally since time immemorial. There is one Inuit language across Nunavut and many different dialects. Inuit have always called themselves “Inuit” which means “The People” and Nunavut means “Our Land” in Inuktitut.Inuit survival has depended on living in balance with the land, people and resources. Inuit have great respect for all people, for the environment, and every living creature. Inuit have had to be disciplined, practical, patient and most of all responsible to survive the elements in the Arctic climate.In the past, traditional activities in the fall were caribou hunting and fishing for arctic char to be cached away for the winter. In the winter, it was a time for traditional songs and drum dancing in the igloo since there was very little hunting, due to the shorter winter days. Spring meant seal hunting. When a seal was caught, it was a welcome event because it meant fresh meat for all. It also provided seal fat oil for the qulliq (a soapstone oil lamp in the shape of a half moon) to provide light during the long days of winter. Summer was welcomed with great excitement. Bird meat and eggs were hunted. Arctic char was caught and dried and berries gathered to supplement other foods. Caribou was also cut and dried for variety. Today, Inuit hunt to a lesser extent, and while a handful of Inuit still travel by dog sled, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles have taken over for transportation.SpiritualitySpirituality has been a very important part of Inuit life. The spirit of Inuit has always been that of contentment despite hardship. Inuit have survived by being patient and spiritual people. In earlier times Shamanism was widely practiced. Inuit Shamans had spirits known as “tuunngait”. These spirits were drawn upon to heal and cure the sick. Spiritual or shaman songs were sung at rituals and special occasions to rejoice in the good spirits and keep the bad spirits away. Good Shamanism embodied the people’s attachment to the land and environment and respect for the land and the animals.Today many Inuit are members of Christian churches. The Anglican, Pentecostal and Roman Catholic faiths all have thriving congregations in many communities across Nunavut.Sharing/FriendlinessBy having a culture of sharing Inuit have survived thousands of years. To this day, Inuit still share many things with others: food, possessions, thoughts and words. Traditionally, homes were always open and you were just expected to come in, one would have difficulty imagining themselves knocking on an igloo!There is no real word for “hello” in Inuktitut. When Inuit greet someone, they just smile. One must always return a smile, or risk developing a reputation for being self-centered, grouchy or unfriendly. Communicating through facial expressions and other body language is also very common. For example, when one raises their eyebrows, it means “Yes”.FoodFood is the connector to everything that surrounds Inuit culture. Country food is still the main diet choice of Inuit today. It’s more nutritious and less expensive than commercial food. Traditionally, every celebration included a feast. Feasts are very special because sharing food is an important part of Inuit culture.FamilyTraditionally, Inuit cared for each other and family ties were strong. Every human being was treated as an equal, regardless of his or her physical condition. Necessities of life were shared with those less fortunate to ensure survival. Children were taught by parents to treat others the way they would like to be treated, with respect. They were also taught the qualities of discipline and endurance in order to survive the arctic climate. Family is still a very important part of Inuit life.Creativity/HumourTraditionally, Inuit played games and sang songs. This included strength games, wrestling contests, throat singing and drum dancing. Traditional Inuit songs were mostly composed by hunters telling their experiences. A drum dancer would beat his/her drum to accompany a traditional song. These songs are both powerful and entertaining. Inuit enjoy humour and love to laugh and tell jokes. Storytelling is also an important element in our culture because it saves and enriches the Inuit language and culture, Today, Nunavut is full of talented signers, dancers, carvers, artists, storytellers and writers that help keep traditions and culture alive.LanguageNunavut has three official languages – the Inuit language, English and French – as set out in the Nunavut Official Languages Act. The two most common forms of the Inuit language are Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun.The Inuit language is protected by the provisions of the separate Inuit Language Protection Act, which gives the Inuit languages — including Inuktitut and Inuinnaqtun — the most powerful protection among Canada's aboriginal languages. The Inuit Language Protection Act guarantees that services in both the public and private sectors will be provided in an Inuit language.The act guarantees that unilingual Inuit will be given services in their language of choice. The legislation gives time for everyone — including government, businesses and community organizations — to get ready to provide Inuit-language services.
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