The Inuit way of life continues to change. As we recognize the 17th International Inuit Day on Nov. 7, the landscape of Nunavut is literally and figuratively transforming.

SA国际影视传媒淚n my life, in my 50 years, ISA国际影视传媒檝e seen big changes,SA国际影视传媒� says Jimmy Akavak, chair of the Amaruq Hunters and Trappers Association in Iqaluit. SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e getting outsiders from the south, which I welcome, and seeing more of a multi-cultural society.SA国际影视传媒�

However, Inuit traditions are being affected not only by influxes of population, but by changes to the environment. Akavak also emphasizes that SA国际影视传媒渉unting is very different to what it used to be. We canSA国际影视传媒檛 get to animals. ISA国际影视传媒檓 thinking of ice travelSA国际影视传媒� areas that used to be safe have an earlier melt. ISA国际影视传媒檝e seen changes where very knowledgeable hunters fall through the ice. Some get lucky and get pulled out, and some donSA国际影视传媒檛 make it. WeSA国际影视传媒檙e using Ski-Doos [over ice] and a week later weSA国际影视传媒檙e boating. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 unheard of.SA国际影视传媒�

Akavak says that the hunters and trappers organizations in communities SA国际影视传媒渁ct as kind of watchdogsSA国际影视传媒� on both the cultural and environmental fronts. SA国际影视传媒淲e listen to what the Inuit want and push for the people. We have the right to be respected, as well as our animals, culture, and especially preserving our language. Inuit can conserve and keep their culture and learn at the same time. We look to the research process SA国际影视传媒� we believe global warming is affecting us and our way of life. We always want to hear more from scientists while also using Inuit knowledge.SA国际影视传媒�

This marriage of ongoing education and conservation is perhaps the predominant theme among the challenges ahead for Nunavummiut as temperatures continue to climb and English dominates commerce.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 our way of life. You canSA国际影视传媒檛 live on education or work alone. You need a balancing act between the two worlds,SA国际影视传媒� says Akavak.

Hunting, he says, has always been SA国际影视传媒渧ery soothing for mind and soulSA国际影视传媒� for Nunavummiut. SA国际影视传媒淧eople keep active, enjoying life in general. Inuit people are very adaptable, but weSA国际影视传媒檒l [have] to keep an eye out and hope we can keep our way of life.

SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 hard now, you have to make money and speak English to succeed, and weSA国际影视传媒檒l never get away from that. You have to travel south if you want to learn more, or see specialized doctors, and our Elders are moving away. We have the right to stay home. For us getting older, what do we face now in our future?SA国际影视传媒�

This uncertainty about literally navigating new waters is at the crux of the changing question of what it means to be Inuit. ItSA国际影视传媒檚 something to ponder on International Inuit Day, which the Inuit Circumpolar Council established in 2006.