Indigenous Peoples
Although the Arctic is sparsely populated, it is home to roughly 4 million people, 9% of whom are indigenous. More than 40 distinct minority groups make their homes here, some living in industrialized cities, and others following traditional nomadic lifestyles. The different cultures of these indigenous groups have remained strong despite the recent arrival of non-indigenous people due to the discovery of oil and other minerals and resources.
Alaska's indigenous populations include the Athapaskans, Alutiq (Aleutian people) and Inuits. The Inuit groups include the Iñupiaq and the Yup'ik. Inuits also populate the Arctic regions of Canada and Greenland. The population of Greenland is said to be 80% indigenous. In Scandinavian countries, the native peoples call themselves Saamis, preferring that to the term "Lapplanders." Russian native populations of the Arctic include Nenets and Chukchis.
Before the 20th century, Arctic peoples made their living by herding reindeer, and by hunting caribou, whales, bears, walruses and other marine mammals. Whale hunting was a cooperative exercise, carried out in skin-and-driftwood boats in areas where wood was scarce. Many were hunter/gatherers, taking advantage of the short but verdant summer season by gathering edible plants and berries.
Changes to Arctic Lifestyles
Climate change and industrialization are having an impact on traditional lifestyles of native Arctic peoples. Arctic warming is causing the permafrost to thaw, weakening the land on which villages are built. Other impacts of climate change on traditional food sources, such as movement of fish stocks and the migration of caribou, are pressuring arctic communities to adapt to new conditions.
The opening of seaways in the summer that were previously frozen or treacherous is another concern for the region. Exploitation of natural resources such as minerals and fossil fuels becomes easier with the opening of shipping lanes. Protection for these areas will involve multinational organizations such as the Inuit Circumpolar Council and the Arctic Council.
Read about Arctic warming's impact on native communities. For more information about indigenous peoples and Arctic change visit:
Indigenous Peoples Secretariat
Arctic Climate Impact Assessment
Exchange for Local Observations and Knowledge of the Arctic
ACIA's indigenous communities fact sheet
The following indigenous groups have permanent seats on the Arctic Council:
Aleut International Association (AIA), Arctic Athabaskan Council, Gwich’in Council International, ICC, Raipon and The Saami Council. Learn more
Find more information on native peoples on our Arctic links page.