Inuit Knowledge

Maria, Meekai, Sophie

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit

Many of us on this voyage will be visitors to these lands. We will be learning about Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (also known as IQ), Indigenous-led conservation, and Indigenous Knowledge that has supported these lands and waters since time immemorial.

Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) is the term used to describe Inuit epistemology or the Indigenous knowledge of the Inuit. The term translates directly as, “that which Inuit have always known to be true.” It is the foundation upon which social, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and physical well-being is built. The 8 main Inuit Societal Values (shared by Inuit elders as the territory of Nunavut was formed) give guidance for how to live in ways that are respectful of Inuit traditions. The Government of Nunavut has kindly provided the images below to help describe the eight IQ Principles.

The concept of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) is used across Inuit Nunangat, which means “the lands, waters, and ice of Inuit.”