About People of the Arctic
The Arctic is not an empty wilderness. Indigenous peoples have lived across northern regions for thousands of years, developing detailed knowledge of sea ice, animals, weather, travel, food, and seasonal change. Modern Arctic communities also include cities, industries, schools, and research centers.
Inuit
Inuit peoples live across parts of Alaska, Canada, and Greenland.
Learn MoreYupik
Yupik peoples live in western Alaska and the Russian Far East.
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The Sámi are Indigenous people of northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia.
Learn MoreNenets
Nenets communities live in northern Russia.
Learn MoreTraditional Knowledge
Local knowledge records patterns in wildlife, sea ice, weather, and seasons.
Learn MoreLanguages
The Arctic contains many language families.
Learn MoreModern Life
Arctic residents use modern transportation, schools, medicine, media, and technology.
Learn MoreClimate Change
Rapid environmental change directly affects northern communities.
Learn MoreInuit
Languages, political systems, and local traditions vary across this enormous region.
Yupik
Their communities have strong cultural connections with marine and river environments.
Sámi
Sámi languages and livelihoods include reindeer herding, fishing, crafts, and modern professions.
Nenets
Some families continue long-distance reindeer-herding traditions.
Traditional Knowledge
Scientists increasingly recognize the value of respectful collaboration with Indigenous knowledge holders.
Languages
Language revitalization is important where colonial policies reduced intergenerational transmission.
Modern Life
Traditional practices and modern life are not opposites.
Climate Change
Thinner sea ice, erosion, permafrost thaw, changing wildlife, and infrastructure damage can alter everyday life.