Contact with Traders

Inuit PacksackTraders Introduction

With the establishment of posts across much of the Arctic, Inuit had to choose between their old lifestyles as harvesters and the new economy of trapping.

Some groups were very successful at doing both, particularly the Padleimiut who managed very productive traplines while maintaining their hunting practices. They were one of he last groups to give up life on the land.

However, it was the traders who had the most lasting impact on the Inuit.

Vignettes

The items of trade over years have taken over and replaced many of the traditional pack items. Many of the materials they provided have changes the way traditional items are now made. The most notable items which have survived relatively unchanged are the harpoon, the ulu, the pana and the warm skin clothing of the Inuit.

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