Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Inuit ways of knowing the world
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Inuit ways of knowing the world
Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ) refers to the rich body of traditional Inuit knowledge developed over thousands of years of life in the Arctic. It includes philosophy, environmental knowledge, values and social structures—everything needed to live in harmony with the land and each other.
IQ is based on principles like:
- Avatittinnik Kamatsiarniq (respect and care for the land)
- Piliriqatigiinniq (working together for the common good)
- Qanuqtuurniq (being resourceful and innovative)
- Inuuqatigiitsiarniq (living well with others)
This is not a relic of the past—IQ is a living system of knowledge used in modern governance, education and healing. Inuit communities have long integrated IQ into decision-making, climate monitoring and justice systems.
Recognizing and respecting Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit means valuing Inuit sovereignty and seeing traditional knowledge as equal to Western science—not subordinate to it.
