Arctic American Indians

American Indians of the Arctic

By Tiffany Jarrett

Introduction

The Arctic region of North America is home to Native American groups such as the Inuit, Aleut, and Yup’ik people. These groups live in very cold climates where snow and ice cover much of the land for most of the year. Despite the challenges, they have developed amazing ways to survive and thrive.

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• Long, cold winters with freezing temperatures

• Very little plant life

• Ice and snow cover much of the land

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Geography and Climate

Multiple Choice

True or False: The Arctic region of American Indians (the Inuit) lived in deserts?

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Snow and _____ covered much of the land.

• ice

• sunshine

• trees

• fog

(snow houses) were used as temporary winter homes

​​Igloo

​(made from earth and driftwood) were used in summer

​​Sod House

Homes and Shelter

Multiple Choice

True or False: Igloos were a permanent home used by the Arctic Indians.

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

Identify the house in the picture

• Plank

• Tent

• Fishing Hole

• Igloo

• The Arctic people were skilled hunters and fishers.

• Main foods: seals, whales, caribou, and fish.

• Used kayaks and dog sleds for travel and hunting.

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Food and Hunting

Multiple Select

Select three sources of food for the Arctic American Indians.

• whale

• fish

• three sisters plants

• caribou

Multiple Choice

What did the Inuit use to pull their sleds?

• Dogs

• Big trucks

• trees

Multiple Select

The Inuits used the following for transportation

• Kayaks

• Dog sledding

• Honda

• Made from animal skins and furs to stay warm.

• Clothing often decorated with beads, patterns, or carvings.

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Clothing

Multiple Choice

The Inuits dressed in clothes made of

• leaves

• mud

• cotton

• animal skins and fur

• Storytelling, dancing, and carving were important.

• Carvings made from bone, ivory, and stone.

• Deep respect for animals and nature.

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Culture and Traditions

Closing Thought

The Native Americans of the Arctic are an inspiring example of how people can adapt to even the coldest and harshest environments by using creativity, cooperation, and respect for nature.