Community councils were formed in all Inuit communities in the 1970’s. These partnered in projects with other levels of government. The councils seek to maintain and enhance the Inuit way of life. They strive to reduce harmful effects of change. The councils also seek a greater say for the Inuit in how their culture evolves.

The Labrador Inuit Association (LIA) was formed in 1973. In May 2004, LIA members approved the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement. The land claim settlement area is called Nunatsiavut. The word Nunatsiavut means our beautiful land. The Nunatsiavut constitution was adopted in December 2005. The Nunatsiavut Government has the power to pass and enforce laws. They can also raise and spend Inuit public money.

Questions ?

1. What does the word Inuit mean?
2. Where did the Inuit store caribou, seal and whale meat?
3. How did Inuit hunters get close enough to seals to kill them with spears?
4. What did the Inuit use to pull their komatiks?
5. Who made decisions and settled disputes in Inuit society?
6. When was an Inuit boy seen as an adult?
7. Why would the Inuit have found it strange to be asked to sign over land to missionaries?
8. Why did the Moravians promote literacy?
9. Why did the Moravians not approve of the large winter sod dwellings used by the Inuit?
10. How did the use of food imports affect the Inuit?