Traditionally, Inuit do not call each other by their given names. Instead, a system of kinship and family terms is used, known as tuq?urausiit. Calling friends, family, and community members by kinship terms is a way to show respect and foster closeness within families. Children were named after their elders and ancestors, ensuring a long and healthy life.
As more and more Inuit refer to each other by their English first names, rather than their traditional kinship terms, the tradition of tuq?urausiit is slowly disappearing. This book presents interviews with Inuit elders from Baffin Region, Nunavut, about how names were chosen, the importance of using kinship terms, and how the practice of tuq?urausiit has changed over the years. Inuit Kinship and Naming Customs in Baffin Region helps to preserve the knowledge of this tradition for younger generations, both Inuit and non-Inuit.

Leah Otak was a historian who had profound influence on the understanding of Inuit history and culture. In her rich career Leah worked as a CBC broadcaster, medical interpreter, administrator, and scientific field coordinator. For 20 years Leah contributed to the establishment of the Igloolik Oral History Project, supporting research and caring for the extensive archive of Inuit Elder interviews.

Leah Otak's profile page

Peesee Pitsiulak-Stevens is a former Dean of Nunavut Arctic College, where she worked for 14 years. In her career as a teacher and education leader, Peesee strengthened Inuktitut language and cultural development across the territory. Peesee retired after 36 years of dedicated service to the Government of Nunavut and lives in Iqaluit.

Peesee Pitsiulak-Stevens' profile page

Louis Tapardjuk is a former Mayor (Igloolik), MLA (Amittuq) and Minister of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth. Louis was a leading contributor to the Igloolik Oral History Project, where he conducted hundreds of Elder interviews and translations. Louis continues to be highly active in cultural and language development in Nunavut and serves as a board member of Inuit Uqausinginnik Taiguusiliuqtiit (Inuit Language Authority). Louis is currently working on a book version of the Noah Piugattuk interviews.

Louis Tapardjuk's profile page