Arctic people

Arctic people by tradition have had a nomadic lifestyle.  There are climate variations influenced by the high altitude of the wind-swept open slopes of tundra down to the low coastline of the Ocean.   The sudden change of weather can be an extreme experience threatening the survival of anyone caught outside without protective shelter.  The Arctic region is a definitely challenging environment for survival.  Even though the environment is freezing and often unpredictable and bitterly cold, it has been a home for the nomadic indigenous people and other pioneers and explorers for many hundreds or even thousands of years. Maybe they found it to be a safe haven from petty politics and irrational neighbors and another encroaching foreign conquers, at least for time.

Arctic people making it their home

Arctic people have learned to make the most of the seasons and get around the worst scenario by been able to explore and even enjoy the Arctic lifestyle. Not only did indigenous people live in the Arctic for thousands of years, but pioneers, adventurers, and researchers still go out of their way to visit and explore this region today.  Arctic people inhabited this land first, but it is still a prime region of exploration. The distinct environment and different geography are what draw explorers to this part of the world.

What Makes the Arctic so Unique?

The Arctic people know what is bitterly cold temperatures during the winter months. This is accompanied by strong chilling winds that make it necessary to wear specific gear when stepping out into Arctic temperatures. This region is also known to experience strong storms that make travel incredibly difficult. Simple tasks like heating your home and collecting firewood make survival a bit tricky. However, Arctic people have found a way to not only survive but also thrive. This shows not only their resilience but also their ability to adapt to their surroundings no matter how extreme.

Native Arctic People

Research suggests that Arctic people have inhabited this region for more than 20,000 years. Right now only about 4 million people live in the Arctic. In the past, individuals living in the Arctic hunted, fished, herded and gathered wild plants for survival. Those that migrated from the North made a priority to build warm dwellings and adapted to the frigid temperatures. Many of them even became good at predicting the weather to ensure that they were safe from approaching storms. Many Arctic people have passed on their knowledge for generations to make a living in this unique environment much easier.

Arctic Exploration

Even though indigenous people have inhabited the Arctic for almost 20,000 years, explorers arrived recently on the scene. Around the 18th century, European explorers began to venture to this part of the world. Explorers often came to the Arctic looking for the Northwest Passage, but it was Sir Robert McClure that discovered it first in 1851.

Modern Arctic People

There are currently many people that are living in the Arctic today. This means that many modern towns and cities have been constructed over the years. Climate changes and temperature variations can alter the reindeer herding calendar, and it may take some time getting used to it, but for the Arctic people to live in the Arctic is relatively similar to other indigenous peoples living in other parts of the world. For more information on the Arctic people watch this video Lapland guide Arctic people.