Iņupiatun Eskimo Dictionary - SIL International

FOREWORD
It is with great pleasure and pride that we present this Iñupiaq dictionary to you.
The words and meanings of this dictionary represent our unique world view which
has evolved over thousands of years, as our ancestors have struggled to survive in
order to leave this legacy to us.
The number of Iñupiaq language speakers has been decreasing since English was
introduced over a century ago. The NANA Regional Corporation has been involved
through the Iñupiat Ilitqusiat Program to promote an important Iñupiaq value:
Knowledge of Language. This dictionary is one tool that will help both fluent
speakers and learners to maintain and study the language and the ideas it represents.
It will also support the efforts of the newly re-established Iñupiaq Language
Commission, whose goal is to promote the use of the Iñupiaq language in everyday
life. In addition, this project was supported by the NANA Iñuuniaâiqput Committee
and the NANA Regional Elders Council, who have been concerned about the
development of resources for Iñupiaq language learning.
The timely publication of this dictionary fulfills a need that has been repeatedly
addressed by shareholders who live in Alaska and outside of Alaska, by staff
members in our schools, hospital and local offices, by university personnel and
students, by young people, by tourists and by many other individuals. Our hope is
that this dictionary will encourage our young people to study and maintain the
Iñupiaq language and to take pride in their Iñupiaq heritage.
Special thanks goes to Amaàuq, Wolf Seiler, who has spent many years studying
our language carefully and collecting and editing the words in this dictionary. Our
appreciation also goes to all the individuals who contributed to this publication. We
are glad that it was published while we have some Iñupiaq speakers to help us, in
our efforts to maintain our language. Quyaanna.
Kasaänaaluk
Marie N. Greene, President
NANA Regional Corporation
July 2005
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