Kijuttatni

Kijuttatni is an Inupiat word with origins in Alaska, particularly among the Inupiat people of the Arctic region. The term is also referred to as Kits Ltd, a Canadian sports equipment company that acquired the trademark rights to the term. Essentially, Kijuttatni refers to a type of sled or chair attached to a dog sled, allowing the driver to steer the sled with both hands occupied.

Traditionally, among the Inupiat, the Kijuttatni was a key component in dog sledding. The sled's sole purpose was to provide comfort and enable the musher to communicate effectively with the sled dogs while maintaining control over the direction and speed of the sled. The Inupiat innovation consisted of attaching a chair-like structure to the back of the sled, allowing the driver to steer by pulling or tugging on a leading rope.

The Kijuttatni played a vital role in the daily lives of the Inupiat community, serving as a tool for hunting and fishing expeditions, as well as for transportation. The design showcased the resourcefulness and practicality of the Inupiat people, who routinely faced harsh Arctic conditions and needed to find innovative solutions to adapt to such environments.

Kits Ltd's acquisition of the trademark rights to the term Kijuttatni has led to its inclusion in various consumer products, including dog boots and other equipment. Despite its commercial applications, the origin and historical context of the term remain rooted in the traditions of the Inupiat people and their resourceful ways of adapting to their environment.