You’ve probably used the word “Eskimo” at some point—maybe describing a cold weather outfit or referencing ice fishing techniques. Most of us grew up hearing it everywhere, from movies to casual conversations. But here’s something that might surprise you: this familiar term carries baggage you never knew about.
The word “Eskimo” has roots that many Indigenous communities find outdated and even offensive. It’s time to expand your vocabulary with terms that show respect while still capturing exactly what you want to say. Your words matter more than you think, and making this small shift can have a big impact on how you communicate with others.
Ready to upgrade your language toolkit with alternatives that are both accurate and respectful?
What to Say Instead of “Eskimo” (20 Cool Ideas)
These alternatives will help you communicate clearly while honoring the rich diversity of Arctic peoples and cultures. Each option serves different contexts and situations.
1. Inuit
This is your go-to replacement in most situations. The Inuit are the Indigenous people of the Arctic regions of Greenland, Canada, and Alaska. When you’re talking about traditional Arctic lifestyles, ice fishing, or cultural practices, “Inuit” works perfectly.
The word comes from their own language and means “the people.” It covers multiple groups, including the Kalaallit of Greenland, the Inupiat of northern Alaska, and various Canadian Inuit communities. You’ll sound more informed and respectful using this term, especially when discussing topics like traditional hunting methods, Arctic survival skills, or Indigenous knowledge systems.
2. Arctic Indigenous Peoples
Perfect for formal writing or when you want to be broadly inclusive. This phrase acknowledges that many different groups call the Arctic home, not just one unified culture.
Use this when you’re writing reports, giving presentations, or discussing policy issues. It’s respectful because it doesn’t lump everyone together under one label, recognizing the diversity within Arctic communities.
3. Northern Indigenous Communities
This works well when your focus is on location rather than specific cultural groups. It’s especially useful in Canadian contexts where you’re discussing multiple Indigenous communities across the northern territories.
The phrase captures the geographic aspect while maintaining respect for Indigenous identity. You might use this when talking about climate change impacts, resource management, or economic development in northern regions.
4. Circumpolar Peoples
Here’s a term that sounds sophisticated and scientifically accurate. “Circumpolar” refers to the area around the North Pole, making this perfect for academic or technical discussions about Arctic populations.
This term is particularly valuable when you’re discussing research, environmental studies, or comparative cultural analysis across different Arctic regions. It shows you understand the global scope of Arctic Indigenous cultures, from Siberia to Scandinavia to North America.
5. Alaska Native
When you’re specifically talking about Indigenous peoples from Alaska, this is your most accurate choice. Alaska Native is the legal and preferred term that encompasses Inupiat, Yup’ik, Athabascan, Aleut, and other Indigenous groups.
Alaska Native corporations, cultural centers, and government agencies all use this terminology. It’s especially important when discussing business, politics, or cultural events specific to Alaska.
6. Traditional Arctic Hunters
This descriptive phrase works beautifully when you’re focusing on lifestyle and practices rather than ethnic identity. It emphasizes the skills and knowledge that make Arctic survival possible.
You might use this when describing hunting techniques, traditional tools, or survival strategies. It highlights expertise and capability without making assumptions about specific cultural groups. The phrase respects the sophisticated knowledge systems developed over thousands of years.
7. Ice Fishers or Arctic Fishers
Sometimes you don’t need to reference ethnicity at all. If you’re talking about fishing techniques, equipment, or strategies, these terms focus on the activity itself.
These alternatives work great in outdoor magazines, fishing guides, or instructional content. They’re practical and descriptive without unnecessary cultural references. You’re talking about what people do, not who they are.
8. Sami People
The Sami are the Indigenous people of northern Scandinavia and northwestern Russia. If your context involves reindeer herding, Arctic Europe, or Scandinavian cultures, “Sami” is the accurate and respectful term.
Many people mistakenly use “Eskimo” when they actually mean the Sami, especially when discussing European Arctic cultures. Learning this distinction shows cultural awareness and prevents embarrassing mix-ups.
9. Arctic Dwellers
This neutral, descriptive term works when you want to emphasize location without cultural specifics. It’s useful for general discussions about Arctic life, climate adaptation, or geographic topics.
The phrase doesn’t assume anything about culture, ethnicity, or traditional practices. It simply indicates where people live, making it safe for contexts where you might not know specific cultural details.
10. Indigenous Arctic Communities
This combines respect for Indigenous identity with geographic accuracy. It’s formal enough for official documents but accessible enough for everyday conversation.
The plural “communities” acknowledges diversity within Arctic Indigenous populations. You’re not treating everyone as identical, but recognizing the variety of distinct groups and cultures across Arctic regions.
11. Cold-Weather Specialists
Focus on expertise rather than ethnicity with this alternative. It highlights the impressive adaptations and knowledge required for Arctic survival.
This phrase works especially well when discussing survival skills, outdoor gear, or extreme weather preparation. It emphasizes competence and specialized knowledge developed through generations of Arctic living.
12. Polar Region Inhabitants
Geographic and neutral, this term works for scientific or educational contexts. It’s particularly useful when discussing multiple polar regions or comparing Arctic and Antarctic populations.
The formal tone makes it appropriate for research papers, documentaries, or educational materials where precision matters more than casual conversation flow.
13. Yup’ik People
The Yup’ik are Alaska Native people primarily from western and southwestern Alaska. If your discussion involves this specific region or culture, using the correct name shows respect and accuracy.
Yup’ik communities have distinct languages, traditions, and practices. Using their proper name instead of a generic term demonstrates cultural awareness and avoids the assumption that all Arctic Indigenous peoples are the same.
14. Greenlandic Inuit or Kalaallit
Greenland’s Indigenous people prefer these specific terms. Kalaallit is their own name for themselves, while Greenlandic Inuit provides helpful geographic context for readers.
These terms are especially important when discussing Greenlandic politics, culture, or current events. Greenland has significant autonomy and a distinct cultural identity that deserves accurate representation.
15. Arctic Survival Experts
This alternative emphasizes skill and knowledge while avoiding cultural assumptions. It’s perfect for contexts involving outdoor education, survival training, or wilderness skills.
The phrase recognizes the sophisticated understanding of Arctic environments developed by people who live there year-round. It’s respectful without being overly formal or academic.
16. Northern Peoples
Simple and inclusive, this works well in casual conversation or when you need a brief, respectful alternative. It’s geographic without being overly technical.
The term acknowledges that many different groups live in northern regions without making specific cultural claims. It’s broad enough to be safe while still being more respectful than outdated alternatives.
17. Traditional Knowledge Holders
This phrase highlights the valuable wisdom and expertise of Arctic Indigenous communities. It’s particularly powerful when discussing environmental knowledge, sustainable practices, or cultural preservation.
Arctic Indigenous peoples possess sophisticated understanding of weather patterns, animal behavior, and sustainable resource use. This term respects that expertise while focusing on knowledge rather than just geography or ethnicity.
18. Subsistence Hunters and Fishers
When your focus is on traditional food systems and resource management, this descriptive phrase captures the lifestyle without cultural assumptions.
Subsistence hunting and fishing require extensive knowledge of animal behavior, seasonal patterns, and environmental conditions. The term emphasizes the skill and sustainability of traditional food systems.
19. Arctic Indigenous Nations
This term recognizes the political and cultural sovereignty of Indigenous groups while maintaining geographic accuracy. It’s especially appropriate for discussions involving governance, treaties, or self-determination.
The word “nations” acknowledges that these are distinct political entities with their own governments, laws, and international relationships. It’s respectful of Indigenous sovereignty and contemporary political realities.
20. Ice-Adapted Communities
This scientific-sounding alternative emphasizes the remarkable adaptations required for Arctic living. It works well in environmental or anthropological contexts.
The phrase highlights the sophisticated cultural and technological adaptations that make Arctic life possible. From specialized clothing to unique architectural techniques, these communities have developed remarkable solutions for extreme environments.
Wrapping Up
Switching your vocabulary doesn’t require a complete overhaul of how you speak. Start with one or two alternatives that feel natural to you, then gradually expand your options. Your conversations will become more accurate, respectful, and engaging as you develop this awareness.
These alternatives aren’t just about political correctness—they’re about precision and respect. Each term carries a specific meaning and shows that you understand the rich diversity of Arctic cultures. Small changes in language can build bigger bridges between communities.