Quick links
Tunit
[< Esk.]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
n.
a word used by the Eskimo to indicate "a people earlier than themselves," possibly either Dorset or Thule culture Eskimos.
See: Toonik(def. 1)
Quotations
1918
It appears that a larger race of Eskimos called "Tunits," to whom the present race were slaves, used to be on this section of the coast. At Nakvak there are remains of them.
1936
The ancient Eskimos--the Tunnits--are said to have been somewhat fierce and warlike, but this may be only garbled folklore.
1966
He [said] . . . that the inukshuks were built to commemorate a notable Eskimo victory over the Tunits, the ancient inhabitants of the Island [Baffin].