by Scott Warren
For both new, and multi-generation Alaskans, across cultural groups, chosen families can help people survive the hardships and challenges of northern life and, within a caring support network, to thrive. Often traditional northern indigenous cultures, including Inuit groups, had systems designed to provide the benefit of added security and support through forming hunting, working and social partnerships between individuals or families. One Inuit term for collaborative partners is iñuunniaqan; some people used the more informal paannaq which may have been adapted from the English term “partner” used by early outsiders who came north. Quyanaq Tatmik suli Aqpiliraq
