| Family |
- Family groups were the most important social unit in Inuit culture.
- They usually lived in family groups of around 5-6 people.
- Then each family would live and hunt together with 6-10 other families.
- Marriage was important for the Inuit people. Some marriages were arranged, but most were by choice.
- There was an obvious division of labour in a marriage:
- Men: built the houses, hunted, and fished
- Women: cooked, dressed the animal skins, made clothing, and looked after the children
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Netsilik family |
Inuit Family |
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| Social Structure / Leadership |
- The Inuit lived in smaller family groups with no real leader or Chief, unlike other First Peoples groups in Canada.
- During the winter, families would live and hunt together in larger groups (several families), but during the summer they would split up to follow the hunt.
- Loose alliances would occur between different families (non-relatives), forming larger 'bands' or groups.
- There was a sense of community in Inuit culture. Food sources, game and fish, were considered to be community property, and it was expected that individuals always help one another and share any wealth.
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Winter village |
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