The Inuit, are aboriginal people who make their homes in the Arctic and subarctic regions of Siberia and North America.
Inuit comprise of the various groups of indigenous peoples who live throughout the Inuvialuit Settlement Region of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut of Northern Canada, Nunavik in Quebec and Nunatsiavut as well as some parts of Alaska.
The traditional lifestyle of the Inuit is adapted to extreme climatic conditions; their essential skills for survival are hunting and trapping, as well as the construction of fur clothing for survival.
Agriculture was never possible in the millions of square kilometres of tundra and icy coasts from Siberia to Northern America including Greenland.
Therefore, hunting became the core of the culture and cultural history of the Inuit. They used harpoons, bows, and arrows, and to take down animals of all sizes.
Thus, the everyday life in modern Inuit settlements, established only some decades ago, still reflects the 5,000-year-long history of a hunting culture that allowed the Inuit peoples and their ancestors to populate the Arctic.
Coming of Age
In the past, parents made marriage arrangements, especially for young women, when the child was an infant, and in some cases they betroth the child even before the birth.
Young men, however, faced a different set of requirements.
They were not considered old enough for marriage until they had proven themselves capable as hunters and providers.
Inuit boys traditionally go out to the wilderness with their fathers between the ages of 11 and 12 to test their hunting skills and acclimatize to the harsh arctic weather.
As part of the tradition, a shaman would be called to open the lines of communication between men and animals.
Until he is able to develop the skills and strength necessary to build a snowhouse or hunt large game unassisted, he is not considered mature enough to take on and support a wife.
In chronological terms, he would not reach marriageability until around 17 or 18 years of age.
He will then go through a period of bride service, during which he joins his future father-in-law’s household, often while his betrothed is still pubescent.
During this trial marriage period, the young man works with his father-in-law for three to four years until the young couple is considered mature enough to establish a separate household.
