In Inuit mythology, an inua (ᐃᓄᐊ; plural inuat ᐃᓄᐊᑦ) is a spirit or soul that exists in all people, animals, lakes, mountains, and plants.
"[1] Among the Yup'ik near Kuskokwim Bay of Coastal Alaska, the word yua (absolutive case form of the word yuk "human; human-like spirit") has similar connotations as that of the Iñupiaq of Northern Alaska, who, similarly to the Inuit, call it iñua or inua.
This meaning is based in a common understanding of most Arctic peoples, including both the Yup'iak and Iñupiaq, that "all the world is animate, and that animals have souls or spirits",[1] a foundational belief of the continuum and inter-connectivity of all life and spirit of all that is, has been, and is yet to be.
Recognition of this dilemma lies at the centre of hunting practice, which is based upon respect and reciprocity.
The hunter will only succeed if the animal chooses to give its life as a gift in return for moral and respectful behaviour on the part of the whole community.