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Article: Reverse oddities: igloos and school houses; nasivvik.(changes to Inuit life )
- Article from:
- Wind Speaker
- Article date:
- December 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Aboriginal Multi-Media Society of Alberta (AMMSA). This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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During my lifetime, many aspects of Arctic life have undergone an about-face from what they once used to be. These changes, which we wrestle with even now, seem beyond anybody's control. The pace of life in modern times has gathered speed beyond leisurely upkeep, and nobody seems capable, or inclined, to slow it down. In this quickening of time, what were oddities then are normal now, and vice-versa.
Prior to present-day town life, Inuit lived in encampments, in extended family groups, rarely exceeding 40 people. Everybody knew each other intimately, and strong family bonds were the backbone of life itself.
"When we lived alone, in total isolation", is a ...