The terms Inuit and Eskimo are the names applied to the Arctic-adapted people who live in the region extending from Greenland to eastern Siberia. Biological, linguistic and archaeological evidence indicates that these people are distinct from other aboriginal populations from the Americas and probably derive from a more recent population movement out of Asia.
Today, the term 'Eskimo' is interpreted as 'eaters of raw meat' and is considered insulting and a racial slur. The term 'Inuit' is preferred, though 'Eskimo' is still widely in use in the Americas.
In 2006, 50 485 (4%) of the Canadian population identified themselves as Inuit.
There are 9 main ethnic groups Inuit groups in Canada:
Labrador
Ungava
Baffin
Island
Igulik
Caribou
Netsilik
Copper
Western Arctic
Today, the term 'Eskimo' is interpreted as 'eaters of raw meat' and is considered insulting and a racial slur. The term 'Inuit' is preferred, though 'Eskimo' is still widely in use in the Americas.
In 2006, 50 485 (4%) of the Canadian population identified themselves as Inuit.
There are 9 main ethnic groups Inuit groups in Canada:
Labrador
Ungava
Baffin
Island
Igulik
Caribou
Netsilik
Copper
Western Arctic