Inuit youths in contemporary society

¶ … Weather Permits -- Commentary

The documentary If the Weather Permits presents the plight of the native Inuit Eskimo Aboriginal people of Northern Canada. On one hand, the introduction of elements of modern society, including modern technology, has improved their lives. On the other hand, the same changes have damaged other aspects of their traditional life style in ways that may outweigh any of the benefits of modernity.

The Importance of Traditional Lifestyles to Aboriginal Peoples

Generally, Aboriginal and other native peoples have societies that are based on ancient traditions, rituals, customs, and ways of life. Their cultures reflect the cumulative knowledge and traditions of all of their previous ancestral generations who lived before them. The Inuit People have traditionally lived in very harsh winter climates, hunting seal and other arctic wildlife and making sure to consume or use as much as possible of their kills, largely out of a cultural belief about the importance of having respect for the animals whose sacrifice is necessary for their continued subsistence.

Changes Attributable to Mixing with Modern Society

Since the encroachment of modern society on the traditional Aboriginal Inuit People have experienced significant social changes, many of which are not necessarily beneficial to them. Since the middle of the 20th century, modern governments have established settlements near the traditional territories of the Inuit. In many instances, they have required that the Inuit live on those established settlements instead of maintaining their traditional nomadic way of life across their entire traditional territory.

Ironically, the improvement in healthcare (in particular) that has been available to the Inuit in the last half century has caused their population to grow beyond their ability to sustain entirely through traditional means. Modern industry and land development has also greatly reduced the availability of their traditional hunting prey that is necessary for their existence. Likewise, the mandatory inclusion of Inuit children in formal public education systems has made it very difficult for the Inuit to retain their cultural integrity and heritage among the new generations.