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

They did migrate. Many people leave a rough neighborhood if they can. But some people can’t afford it (that is, they cannot compete with the people in nicer areas). And some people are actually just fine, and even though they know it’s a tough life, the thought of changing their ways, leaving their friends and family, etc is even worse.