Uummarmiut facts for kids
The Uummarmiut (say it: Oom-mar-mee-oot) are a group of Inuvialuit people. Their name means "people of the green trees." They mostly live in the Mackenzie Delta area of the Northwest Territories, Canada. This includes the towns of Aklavik and Inuvik. They speak a special language called Uummarmiutun. This language is a dialect of Inupiaq, which is part of the larger Eskimo-Aleut language family.
Who are the Uummarmiut?
The Uummarmiut are an important part of the Inuvialuit community. They have a rich history and culture. Their name reflects their connection to the land. They are known for their strong traditions and way of life.
Where Do They Live?
Today, most Uummarmiut live in the Mackenzie Delta. This is a large area where the Mackenzie River flows into the Arctic Ocean. The main communities are Aklavik and Inuvik. These towns are located in the Northwest Territories of Canada.
A Journey from Alaska
The Uummarmiut were not always in the Mackenzie Delta. They originally came from the interior of Alaska. There, they were known as the Nunamiut. Around 1910, they began to move. Several reasons led to this big move.
One reason was a higher demand for animal furs. Companies like the Hudson's Bay Company wanted more furs. Another reason was the chance to work in the whaling industry. Also, there were fewer caribou in their old hunting areas. Caribou were a very important food source for them.
The move was made easier because the local people, called the Siglit, had faced many challenges. Their numbers had become very small due to illnesses. This meant there was more space for the Uummarmiut to settle.
Becoming One Community
When the Uummarmiut first arrived, they had some disagreements with the Siglit people. This was partly because they had different ways of life and hunting. However, over time, the two groups began to live together. They started to share their cultures and traditions.
It became common for Uummarmiut and Siglit people to marry each other. This helped them become one strong community. Today, they share a common identity and heritage in the Mackenzie Delta.
