Eli5: Why did civilizations such as the Pre Dorset, Thule, and Inuit not migrate south if their environments were so harsh and extreme?

Question

I read a few articles where some of these civilizations main focus was keeping warm because they were located so far north. So why would they not migrate more south?

In: 661

Answer 1

Maybe some food for thought is the fact that early researchers visiting Inuit populations were told that they had never known that other people existed elsewhere. Also, at least for other Arctic populations, they stick to ancient migration routes, so there would be no need to go elsewhere. There is also the possibility that they just really love their lifestyle in the snow!