Human-Animal Relationships of the Inuit
Shamanic Perspectives on Interdependence in The Arctic
Human-animal relationships are a fundamental aspect of the culture and cosmology of the Inuit, the indigenous people inhabiting the Arctic regions of Canada, Alaska, and Greenland. The Inuit have developed a worldview based on interdependence and reciprocity among living beings, where animals are seen as non-human persons offering themselves to humans in exchange for respect and care. In this text, I will explore some of the terms and concepts that characterize Inuit human-animal relationships, and how they are reflected in the practices and narratives of everyday life.
One of the most important terms for understanding Inuit human-animal relationships is tarniq, which means “soul” or “miniature image/shadow.” Tarniq refers to the essence of a being, located inside the body, usually in a vital organ such as the kidneys or liver. Tarniq gives the being life, appearance, and intrinsic qualities. Tarniq survives the being after death and allows the reincarnation of animals through a circular process. For humans, continuity is structured through the naming of deceased ancestors. Tarniq is associated with darkness, the invisible, while physical bodies and experiences are associated with light, the visible.
