Workshop 1.2.1 Experiencing Inuit Innovation

Warm Up Exercise (10 Mins)

Customize a community building warm up activity for your group needs. You can consult the following resources for ideas:
● Warm Ups in Design Thinking
● Partners for Youth Empowerment
● Icebreakers & Teambuilders
● Inuit Games

Experiential Activity: Inuit Innovation (30mins+)

1. Lay out 3 different Inuit innovations in front of the classroom. Divide students into 3 groups and give each
   group one of the Inuit innovations. Each group must then discuss and research answers to the following
   questions:
   ➔ What is the name of this innovation?
   ➔ Why was the innovation created?
   ➔ What need were the Inuit trying to solve?
   ➔ What value did they bring to Inuit society?
   ➔ What is it used for?
   ➔ How did this innovation make the lives of the Inuit better?
   ➔ What is this innovation made of?
   ➔ How is this innovation used today? Has it changed over time?
   Students can use online resources, or interview members of the school community, their family, or other
   community experts.
2. Each group can do a short 2-3 minute presentation of their findings to the class.
3. Students look at the image from the workbook on p.47, which includes the main resources the Inuit had at their disposal pre-european contact. Students race to make a list of all of the innovations that were created
   using only these resources. They can be encouraged to ask family members, friends, and local elders for
   guidance.

Possible Answers:

• Igloo
• Harpoon
• Kakivak
• Parka
• Kamik
• Amauti
• Snow goggles
• Kayak
• Qamutik (sled)
• Seal skin rope
• Dog boots
• Bow drill
• Umiak
• Kudlik
• Sleeping bag
• Dolls
• Bone games
• Inukshuk

Debrief and Reflection (10 mins)

1. What? What is an innovation?
2. So what? What did you learn about Inuit innovation?
3. Now what? What are the innovations around you today?

Other Workshops