At the center of our culture is the family; which in turn is surrounded by an even larger network of social relationships. The family and larger social network forms the environment into which children are born and begin the long process of learning to become an adult. As Inuit we cherish both our young and our elders, but at each stage of life, which separates the young from the old, there are important roles to be played, knowledge and skills to be learned and expected contributions to be made for family and community.
 

A primary contribution that binds people together socially, and which has always played a part in our survival, is the sharing of food and the willingness to cooperate when the need arises. At times sharing and cooperation are based on very formal rules, while at other times, it is simply expected to be done. When animals are killed on the hunt, they are shared, when people are in need, they are looked after; it is the Inuit way and it represents a value that we continue to honour.