Inuit vs Ainu

Inuit found Bering Strait to Greenland

Originally lived in NW Alaska with a whale hunting culture.
Moved east 1000 years ago.

Hunter gatherers in seasonal groupings

Little Ice Age 14 - 16 century - moved south, snow homes, smaller communities

Disease with European Contact

1905 whaling collapse

Missionaries & loss (or hiding) of traditional beliefs

Post WW2, news of starvation prompted assimilation polices

Nunavut '99
Other Inuit land claims and self government since then.

How does the situation with the Ainu compare?

To prepare

• Read page 167 to get a basic understanding of the Ainu
• Following up with a google search.
• How does the history of both indigenous people compare?
• Discuss this with your group.

Final stage
One of your group will be interviewed
The group will received a mark based on the performance of the individual.