Whalers Introduction

Inuit were usually eager to take advantage of the trade that whalers engaged in with them. They were interested in knives and metal articles, but soon learned the value of firearms and, as whaling groups returned to the same areas or wintered over.

Inuit who worked for the whalers often were able to secure boats, tarps, tents and other significant pieces of equipment.

The establishment of whaling stations effected social changes amongst those groups of Inuit that associated with whalers that is still evident in their descendants today.

Vignettes

Many of these changes can be seen in the artifacts that were found near the whaling sites. Other changes are less visible, but can be noted in the social organization and practices of the group.

You may need Adobe Acrobat to view these vignettes:

• Whaling Tales