Unughuit

The Unughuit people are the people of Umingmak, one of the largest islands in the northern region. They are a resilient and resourceful people who have adapted to the unforgiving landscape and have developed a deep connection to the land and sea.

The Unughuit people have lived on Umingmak for generations, relying on their hunting and fishing skills to survive. They have developed a rich cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in their connection to the land and sea. Their traditional way of life has been challenged by the arrival of outsiders, who have introduced new technologies and disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Despite these challenges, the Unughuit people have remained resilient and continue to uphold their cultural traditions.

The Unughuit people are skilled hunters and fishermen, relying on the sea and land for their survival. They use kayaks, dog sleds, and other traditional methods of transportation to navigate the island's rugged terrain. Their diet consists mainly of fish, seals, and caribou, supplemented by berries and other wild plants that grow in the summer months. They have a deep respect for the natural environment and are careful to only take what they need, ensuring the sustainability of the ecosystem.

The Unughuit people have a strong spiritual connection to the natural world, and their traditional beliefs are centered around the idea that everything is interconnected. They believe that animals, plants, and humans all have a spirit and that they must live in harmony with each other. Their spiritual practices include shamanism, where a shaman communicates with the spirits of animals and nature to gain insight and guidance.

The Unughuit people of Umingmak are primarily organized into small, tight-knit communities centered around hunting and fishing. These communities are largely self-sufficient and operate independently of one another. However, during times of conflict or crisis, they may come together to form larger alliances for mutual protection and support. These alliances are typically governed by a council of elders, who are respected members of the community with extensive knowledge and experience in navigating the challenges of life in the harsh Arctic environment. The council makes decisions through a consensus-based approach, with each member having an equal say in the matter at hand. This form of governance allows for a fair and democratic process that takes into account the diverse perspectives and needs of the community as a whole. Additionally, the Unughuit have established trade relationships with various groups, including the Tuniit and traders from other islands.

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Aningan Atka Ila Qanaq Siku Tala Uki Arnarulunguaq Nukka Nivi

Masculine names

Anana Nanook Nanuq Arnaq Ataniq Nalunnguarak Qimirraq Tarrak Tuktu Unalik

Unisex names

Ilaqutariq Kajanaq Kaujarak Kigutikak Kunik Malinaq Nalujuk Nilak Pukak Qimmik

Family names

Ivaluak Koonoo Ittukallak Kappianaq Anaqtituq Nalukatak Tikivik Aqqaq Sarpinak Kalluk

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Main Article: Unugtitut

The Unughuit people of Umingmak primarily speak Unugtitut. While there are some variations in dialects between different regions of the island, the language is largely mutually intelligible throughout Umingmak. Unugtitut is a complex language that has evolved over generations to reflect the unique cultural and environmental influences of the Unughuit people.

Common Dress code

The Unughuit people of Umingmak traditionally dress in clothing made from animal hides and fur, designed to keep them warm and protected from the harsh elements. Women often wear long, hooded dresses made from caribou hide, while men wear pants and jackets made from animal skins. The colors and patterns of these garments are often symbolic and reflect the cultural heritage of the Unughuit people.

Foods & Cuisine

The Unughuit people of Umingmak rely heavily on the sea and land for their food, with a diet that includes fish, seals, caribou, and other local plants and animals. These foods are prepared in traditional ways, such as smoking or drying fish, or cooking seal meat in an underground pit. Meals are often communal affairs, with families and friends coming together to share food and stories.

Diverged ethnicities

• Tuniit

Encompassed species

• Human

Related Organizations

• Anirniit

Related Items

• Silaqilaat

Languages spoken

• Unugtitut

Related Locations

• Hval
• Umingmak