Image for qallunaat (non-Inuit people)

qallunaat (non-Inuit people)

"Qallunaat" is an Inuit term referring to non-Inuit people, often used specifically to describe white or Western Canadians and Americans. Historically, the term distinguishes between indigenous Inuit populations and outsiders, especially during interactions involving culture, land, and governance. While it literally means "those who are outside the land," it functions as a cultural identifier. In contemporary contexts, it helps preserve Inuit language and identity, but its use should be respectful and contextually appropriate, recognizing the diverse relationships and histories between Inuit and non-Inuit peoples in the Arctic and northern regions.