The Government of Nunavut is working towards bringing government processes closer to Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) – closer to Inuit ways of thinking and being.

Here’s how the Inuit Qaujimajatuqanginnut Task Force defines IQ:1

The Nature of IQ

Though we tend to think of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit almost exclusively as traditional knowledge, it is more properly defined as is ‘The Inuit way of doing things: the past, present and future knowledge, experience and values of Inuit Society’. This definition makes clear that it is the combining of the traditional knowledge, experience and values of Inuit society, along with the present Inuit knowledge, experience and values, that prepare the way for future knowledge, experience and values.

IQ, in its traditional context, consists of six basic guiding principles:

inuit story telling
  1. Pijitsirniq. The concept of serving – serving a purpose or community and providing for family and/or community
  2. Aajiiqatigiingniq. The Inuit way of decision-making – comparing views or taking counsel.
  3. Pilimmaksarniq. The passing on of knowledge and skills through observation, doing and practice.
  4. Piliriqatigiingniq. The concept of collaborative working relationships or working together for a common purpose. The community and the families who live there will only be as strong as the culture; and the culture will only be as strong as the community and its families.
  5. Avatittinnik Kamattiarniq. The concept of environmental stewardship – the intimate and respectful relationship between humans and all aspects of the land. The vast store of Inuit knowledge about the environment.
  6. Qanuqtuurniq. The concept of being resourceful to solve problems.

Could these IQ principles guide you as you plan and work on your oral history and literacy project? Your group may want to spend some time thinking about and discussing Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit when you begin your project. If the group feels the principles are valuable, you could post them in your workspace and use them as guiding principles in your work.