Eskimo, Greenlander in Greenland
Photo Source:
Arian Zwegers - Flickr
Creative Commons
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| People Name: | Eskimo, Greenlander |
| Country: | Greenland |
| 10/40 Window: | No |
| Population: | 44,000 |
| World Population: | 51,700 |
| Primary Language: | Greenlandic |
| Primary Religion: | Christianity |
| Christian Adherents: | 96.50 % |
| Evangelicals: | 6.44 % |
| Scripture: | Complete Bible |
| Ministry Resources: | No |
| Jesus Film: | Yes |
| Audio Recordings: | Yes |
| People Cluster: | Inuit |
| Affinity Bloc: | North American Peoples |
| Progress Level: |
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Introduction / History
The first people arrived in Greenland between 2000BC and 2500BC from Ellesmere, an island in Canada. They were replaced by the Early Dorsets around 700BC. Between 1000 and 1400AD, the Thules replaced the Dorsets. Thules were the ancestors of the Inuit people. Inuits are also called Eskimo, a term some find offensive. These people live in northern Canada and Greenland. The Greenland Eskimos are the majority people in Greenland, but some live in Denmark.
What Are Their Lives Like?
Greenlander Eskimos have flexible gender roles. Men are more likely to hunt while women prepare skins and food. People choose their own mates. They have extended families.
Greenlander Eskimos eat traditional and imported foods, though they prefer the former. Whale skin and dried cod are among their favorites. The two kinds of whales they eat, the Minke and Fin, are both considered endangered.
Their art forms include wooden carvings of spirits, carvings from sperm whale teeth, and sewn animal skins.
Greenlander Eskimos eat traditional and imported foods, though they prefer the former. Whale skin and dried cod are among their favorites. The two kinds of whales they eat, the Minke and Fin, are both considered endangered.
Their art forms include wooden carvings of spirits, carvings from sperm whale teeth, and sewn animal skins.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Traditionally Greenlander Eskimos believed that spirits inhabited every human joint.
In both Greenland and Denmark, most are Christian, often Lutheran.
What Are Their Needs?
Greenlander Eskimos need a reliable, local source of food. They have relied on whales for hundreds of years, and they are becoming more scarce.
Prayer Points
Pray for them to find a reliable source of food.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to do a powerful work in Greenlander Eskimo churches, drawing them into a closer relationship with Christ.
Pray for them to gain a deeper faith in the Lord of lords.
Pray for Greenlander Eskimo disciples to disciple their families and friends.