Inupiat

The Inupiat, also spelled Iñupiat, are indigenous people of northern Alaska. They are part of the larger Inuit family and historically inhabited the Arctic coastal and interior regions of the North Slope and Northwest Arctic areas. Major Iñupiat communities include Utqiaġvik (Barrow), Nuiqsut, Wainwright, and Point Hope.

Language and identity: The Inupiat speak Iñupiaq, a group of dialects within the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan language family. The language varies by region and remains an important aspect of cultural identity, with ongoing efforts in preservation and education.

Culture and subsistence: Traditionally, Iñupiat life centered on seasonal rounds and subsistence hunting. They rely on marine mammals such as bowhead whales, seals, and walruses, as well as fish and caribou. They used qayaqs (kayaks) and umiaks for hunting and transportation and crafted clothing from caribou hide and other materials. Social life emphasizes extended families, oral traditions, and crafts such as ivory carving and basketry.

Modern era: Today many Inupiat live in Arctic towns and pursue mixed economies that combine subsistence practices with wage livelihoods and participation in regional governance. They are represented by tribal organizations and regional corporations established under federal law. Institutions like the Iñupiat Heritage Center in Utqiaġvik preserve language, history, and culture, while issues such as climate change, subsistence rights, and economic development shape contemporary life.