Asiagmiut facts for kids

Asiagmiut (also called Aziagmut) were a group of Inuit people who lived along the Arctic coast in what is now the Kitikmeot Region of Nunavut, Canada. They were part of the larger Copper Inuit community, known for their traditional way of life in the challenging Arctic environment.

Asiagmiut: People of the Arctic Coast

The Asiagmiut were a specific group of Inuit who made their homes along the northern coast of Canada. They were known as Copper Inuit because they used native copper found in their region to make tools and weapons.

Where Did They Live?

The Asiagmiut lived near Ogden Bay, which is located east of the Coppermine River. Their territory stretched between the Coppermine River and the Tree River. They were also found both west and east of the Kent Peninsula, and across from an island called Melbourne Island. This area is a very cold and remote part of the Canadian Arctic.

Their Way of Life

Like many Inuit groups, the Asiagmiut were skilled hunters and gatherers. They relied on the animals of the Arctic for their food, clothing, and shelter. This way of life, called "subsistence hunting," means they hunted just enough to survive and provide for their families.

It's interesting to note that some historical records, like those from Hudson (1989), also mention an Asiagmiut group that was part of the Caribou Inuit. These Caribou Inuit lived further inland, near the Kazan River area, and were also subsistence hunters, focusing on caribou. This shows how different Inuit groups adapted to their specific environments, whether coastal or inland.