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.

Joe Karetak is community education coordinator for the Government of Nunavut.

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Frank Tester is a geographer, social worker and Professor Emeritus, University of British Columbia. He is co-author of two books dealing with the social history of Inuit in the eastern Arctic and papers and reports dealing with contemporary social issues affecting Inuit. He has travelled and worked throughout Nunavut Territory and brings to his work a commitment to social justice and human rights. Frank received the Gustavus Myers Award for his research on Inuit rights, history and his contributions to the study and promotion of human rights in North America. He is also a recipient of the 1995 Erminie Wheeler-Voegelin Prize for his co-authored book, Tammarniit (Mistakes): Inuit Relocation in the Eastern Arctic, 1939-62 (1994, UBC Press).

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Shirley Tagalik is research assistant at Qaujigiartiit Health Research Centre in Igaluit.

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