The indigenous Canadian communities comprising of First Nations, Métis, and the Inuit are diverse people characterized by unique cultures, histories, and heritage. Indeed, the socio-economic wellbeing and quality of life differ among these people. Nevertheless, it is significant to comprehend how the indigenous communities, especially the Inuit population work and live. Understanding Inuit’s way of life is important in enhancing sharing, creation of equal opportunities, and fulfillment of desired needs.
In the past, I possessed little knowledge regarding the indigenous communities living in Canada, especially the Inuit population. However, I have learned that the Inuit community maintains it roots and principles in the belief that the world around them is inter-reliant, interrelated, evolving, and holistic. The lesson is important in teaching children to interact and relate with one another through actions. In this regard, children are taught on sharing and are given tools and skills to live a quality life and foster survival. Additionally, I possessed little knowledge regarding the relationship between the indigenous community and the environment. However, as learning continues, I understand that the Inuit and environment are from a matching tapestry of life. As such, I believe Canada stands to benefit from the relationship between the Inuit and the environment because Inuit’s spiritual practices are seen to be connected to other dimensions of life. For example, Pearce et al. (2015) believe that the Inuit had already been at the moon before the first rockets made it there. Therefore, Inuit’s view of reality continues to provide varied dimensions of life activities and aspirations.
Businesses and society stand to benefit from understanding how the Inuit interact with the environment. As mentioned above, the Inuit and environment are from a common tapestry of life. Therefore, understanding how they work and live creates and fosters respect among Canadians. The climate change and global pressures surrounding the Arctic sovereignty has highlighted how socioeconomic status influences a various aspect of human life such as mental health (Pearce et al., 2015). As such, businesses and society stand to benefit from enhanced cooperation and peace. Kylie (2018) claims that Inuit and other indigenous tribes are remarkable people capable of stimulating social and economic growth in Canada. Canadians can, therefore, empower their own communities while equally presenting equal social and economic opportunities for all.
Understanding Inuit will help me be a better person and a much better professional who appreciates the diversity of Canadian society. The Inuit represents the vast majority of the indigenous populations. I believe each of these communities has well-defined cultures, customs, beliefs, languages, histories, and traditions. Freeman (2010) implies that diversity determines ways of knowing and learning. In this view, I will be able to appreciate the rich Canadian diversity both as a student and future professional. I will be able to address the complexities associated with the indigenous communities as I serve them. As learning continues, I have established that Canadian share a communal identity even though individuals who come from diverse communities have their own experiences, beliefs, and attitudes. I am certain that becoming familiar with the diversity within the Inuit population will support me to effectively respond to their needs.
Understanding how the Inuit live and work is necessary to enhance sharing and stimulate social and economic prosperity in Canada. Indeed, Canadians stand to benefit from the Inuit population because some of the latter’s spiritual practices are applicable in life. Additionally, understanding the way of life of the Inuit population is critical in revitalizing communities that the creation of equal opportunities for all. Ultimately, as a professional, I believe that understanding the work and life of the Inuit population will help me to appreciate the rich cultural diversity of Canada, as well as put me in the best position to address their needs.
References
Freeman, M. (2010). Inuit. The Canadian Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/inuit.
Kylie, A. (2018). The Inuit future. Canadian Geographic. Retrieved from https://www.canadiangeographic.ca/article/inuit-future.
Pearce, T., Ford, J., Willox, A., & Smit, B. (2015). Inuit Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), subsistence hunting and adaptation to climate change in the Canadian Arctic. The Arctic, 68(2), 233-245.