The Eskimo—or Inuit as they prefer to be called—are scattered throughout the vast northern regions of North America and Greenland. Theirs is a hostile land with a fierce Arctic climate, yet the Inuit have survived for centuries. More than any other native group, they depended on hunting and fishing for survival: food, heat and light, clothing, shelter, means of transport, tools and weapons—even drinking water, for in winter, animal fat had to be burned to melt snow.

This book describes and illustrates how the Inuit built their igloos, kayaks and sledges; made their clothing and prepared their food; played games and carved beautiful objects from soapstone, and, of course, how they hunted and fished.

Heather Smith Siska is a freelance writer who has published school textbooks and articles in children's magazines.

Ian Bateson, a freelance artist, illustrated People of the Trail and People of the Longhouse.