"Jim Carter" wrote:
"Paul Schilter" ""paulschilter\"@comcast dot net" wrote in message
...
Jim,
Didn't know that. Where does the term Eskimos come from? I take it they
wish to be called "Inuit"?
Paul
Hi Paul:
The term " Eskimo" is taken from the Algonquin tribe language and the
meaning is "eater of raw flesh". It was an ancient name that the Inuit
detested as it was in reference to the, sometimes, act of cannibalism. The
Inuit have always called themselves "Inuit" as a people and "Inuk" as a

Those words have only been around for... 1500 years or so.
Eskimos have been around for at least 5000, maybe 8000 or more,
years.

person. I have traveled to Rankin Inlet in Nunavut ( Canadian Northern
Territory) to visit my niece who is a school teacher in this town. ( and to
go fishing ) She told me of how the people react to Americans who call
them "Eskimo". They definitely don't like it at all.

Depends on how you use it. People who have been abused by a
government that used the word Eskimo to implement the abuse
don't like it, particularly if there is even a hint of racism.

On the other hand, if you use it *correctly*, which is to say when
you are referring to *all* types of Eskimos, not just Inuit, even
the Inuit people of Canada don't mind it.

Of course there is very little need for it in Canada. Here in
Alaska that is an everyday usage that is very common. Besides,
nobody here calls themselves Inuit.

--
Floyd L. Davidson http://web.newsguy.com/floyd_davidson
Ukpeagvik (Barrow, Alaska)