Why is eskimo no longer used

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: The term 'Eskimo' is no longer widely used because it's considered outdated and potentially offensive by many Indigenous peoples in the Arctic. The word originated from Algonquian languages and was historically used by non-Indigenous people to refer to Inuit and Yupik peoples. Since the 1970s, Indigenous organizations have advocated for using specific ethnic names like 'Inuit' (in Canada and Greenland) and 'Yupik' (in Alaska and Russia). In 2021, the Associated Press Stylebook officially recommended against using 'Eskimo' except in historical contexts or when referring to specific groups who self-identify with the term.

Key Facts

The term 'Eskimo' originated from Algonquian languages meaning 'eaters of raw meat' and was first recorded by European explorers in the 16th century
Inuit organizations in Canada began formally rejecting the term 'Eskimo' in the 1970s, advocating for 'Inuit' instead
The 2020 U.S. Census showed approximately 133,300 people identifying as Alaska Native alone, with many preferring specific tribal names over 'Eskimo'
In 2021, the Associated Press Stylebook updated its guidance to recommend against using 'Eskimo' in most contexts
The Inuit Circumpolar Council, representing approximately 180,000 Inuit across four countries, has consistently advocated against using 'Eskimo' since its founding in 1977

Overview

The term 'Eskimo' has a complex history dating back to European contact with Arctic Indigenous peoples. French explorers in the 16th century adopted the term from Algonquian languages, where it likely meant 'eaters of raw meat' or 'snowshoe netters.' For centuries, Europeans and Americans used 'Eskimo' as a blanket term for all Arctic Indigenous peoples, despite significant cultural and linguistic differences between groups. The word appeared in official documents, maps, and anthropological studies throughout the 18th-20th centuries. However, by the mid-20th century, Indigenous activists began challenging the term's appropriateness. In Canada, the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (founded in 1971) explicitly rejected 'Eskimo' as a colonial imposition. Similarly, in Alaska, organizations like the Alaska Federation of Natives (founded in 1966) emphasized using specific tribal names. The debate intensified in the 1980s as Indigenous rights movements gained momentum globally.

How It Works

The shift away from 'Eskimo' operates through several interconnected mechanisms. First, Indigenous self-determination movements have empowered Arctic peoples to define their own identities. Organizations like the Inuit Circumpolar Council (founded 1977) provide platforms for collective advocacy against colonial terminology. Second, academic institutions have revised their terminology guidelines based on Indigenous input. For example, the Smithsonian Institution updated its Arctic studies programs in the 1990s to use specific ethnic names. Third, media style guides have institutionalized the change. The Associated Press Stylebook's 2021 update reflects years of consultation with Indigenous communities. Fourth, educational systems in Arctic regions have incorporated Indigenous perspectives into curricula. In Nunavut, Canada's education system (established 1999) uses 'Inuit' exclusively. Finally, legal recognition plays a role: the 1999 Nunavut Land Claims Agreement uses 'Inuit' throughout its text, giving the term official status.

Why It Matters

This terminology shift matters because language shapes power dynamics and cultural respect. Using specific names like 'Inuit' or 'Yupik' acknowledges the distinct cultures, languages, and sovereignty of Arctic peoples. It corrects historical erasure where diverse groups were lumped together under an externally imposed label. Practically, it affects everyday interactions: government forms, media reporting, educational materials, and museum exhibits now more accurately reflect Indigenous identities. The change also supports language preservation efforts, as many Indigenous languages in the Arctic are endangered. For example, the Inuktitut language (spoken by approximately 39,000 people) gains visibility when 'Inuit' is used instead of 'Eskimo.' Ultimately, respecting Indigenous naming conventions is part of broader reconciliation processes in settler-colonial nations like Canada, the United States, and Denmark (Greenland).