Welcome to Iñupiat Nunat: The Story of the Real People of the Arctic

An immersive picture book that follows a modern Iñupiat family as they share their connection to their land, heritage, and history in the Arctic, culminating in Nalukataq, an annual celebration, illustrated by Newbery Honoree Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson.Welcome to Iñupiat Nunat, where the Arctic wind blows over frozen tundra.The Iñupiat live here. They always have.With snow as their compass, Iñupiat ancestors first trekked by foot, and later by dog team. With snowmobiles, modern Iñupiat still use the ice and snow as their roadway.The Iñupiat treat the land with respect. The seal, caribou, polar bear, and ducks feed and clothe the Iñupiat, who in turn honor and respect those lives and spirits. In the summer, at the Nalukataq, the Iñupiat celebrate the bowhead whale, which has provided warmth and food for thousands of years, through today and beyond. The whales are the spiritual heart of the culture. Thousands gather in gratitude to eat, sing, dance, and share stories. This tradition, and their histories and stories, continue on.The Iñupiat, the real people of the Arctic, have always lived there – and they always will.Powerfully written by Saġġan George Edwardson and National Book Award finalist Debby Dahl Edwardson, with gorgeous illustrations by Newbery Honoree Nasuġraq Rainey Hopson, Welcome to Iñupiat Nunat is a joyful exploration of indigenous environmentalism, the cultural strength of Arctic communities, and the importance of preserving oral history. Read more