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Umiak Research Paper

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It is hard to imagine living in the frigid, inhospitable climate of Alaska, Northern Canada, and Greenland. Unforgiving winters, barren tundras, freezing temperatures, and days without sunlight were all challenges faced by the Eskimos (Inuit). These Native Americans had to exercise their ingenuity to make up for the inability of Arctic lands to produce viable crops. They created vessels called "umiaks" to hunt for whales, which were a vital part of their diet. Umiaks were created by first building a frame composed of driftwood. Then, the frame was covered by walrus skin. Surprisingly, these crafts were very durable and able to carry large loads. This was absolutely necessary because they had to transport giant whales which had been harpooned

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