The Inupiat Eskimos inhabit the farthest north region in Alaska. An estimated 13,000 Inupiat live in the state, residing in their traditional homeland. Inupiat people also live in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and other Alaskan towns, often carrying on with traditional customs, such as the custom of sharing. This custom provides help and assistance within common social groups, such as assisting in a community member's life by helping with transportation, childcare, financial assistance, and food. This custom of helping can be traced back for thousands of years. However, requesting assistance is deemed inappropriate, because not everyone can partake in sharing. If you were to receive assistance, it is considered rude to give back immediately. Rather, favors should be returned over a long period of time, without drawing a great deal of attention.

Many Inupiat continue with traditional subsistence whaling and hunting. The entire community participates as clothing and food are prepared, supplies are gathered, and when the hunt is successful, everyone contributes to the dividing of the meat. Not all Inupiat partake in whaling. Some raise reindeer, a domesticated caribou, harvesting the meat and antlers. Others harvest walrus, seal, polar bear, grizzly bear, moose, caribou, a large variety of salmon and fish, waterfowl, and berries.