The Inuit Thought of It: Amazing Arctic Innovations

(Paperback)

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Todays Arctic communities have all the comforts of modern living. Yet the Inuit survived in this harsh landscape for hundreds of years with nothing but the land and their own ingenuity. Join authors Alootook Ipellie and David MacDonald as they explore the amazing innovations of traditional Inuit and how their ideas continue to echo around the world. Some inventions are still familiar to us: the one-person watercraft known as a kayak still retains its Inuit name. Other innovations have been replaced by modern technology: slitted snow goggles protected Inuit eyes long before sunglasses arrived on the scene. Andother ideas were surprisingly inspired: using human-shaped stone stacks (Inunnguat) to trick and trap caribou. Many more Inuit innovations are explored here, including: Dog sleds Shelter Clothing Kids stuff Food preservation Medicine. In all, more than 40 Inuit items and ideas are showcased through dramatic photos and captivating language. From how these objects were made, to their impact on contemporary culture, The Inuit Thought of It is a remarkable catalogue of Inuit invention.

Reviews

The Inuit Thought of It is a useful classroom resource for a study of the Inuit culture as it was prior to contact with Europeans, and of the contributions made by the Inuit to modern society. Well illustrated with contemporary and archival photographs and colour illustrations, this book presents information about food, clothing, shelter, transportation, medicine and recreation through a lively combination of images and text. Maps and a timeline help to put the information into context. It is amazing how the Inuit adapted to the harsh climate of the Arctic, and thrived in this environment through ingenuity and perseverance. This book celebrates their traditional culture and shows how the people are now adapting to a new way of living.--Diane Mumford"Canadian Teacher" (09/01/2008)
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From items familiar to us to inventive concepts that shaped their lives, celebrate the creativity of a remarkable resourceful people.--The Canadian Children's Book Centre"Best Books for Kids & Teens 2008" (01/01/2008)
This book celebrates their traditional culture and shows how the people are now adapting to a new way of living.--Diane Mumford"Canadian Teacher" (09/01/2008)

Author Bio

Alootook Ipellie is an Inuit artist, writer and poet who contributes regularly to the "Nunavut News." Born and raised near Frobisher Bay on Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic, he lives in Ottawa.

David MacDonald is a freelance editor and the author of several educational books for young readers. He lives in Toronto.