Probably adapted from the name Skræling,[5] Kalaallit historically referred specifically to Western Greenlanders.

[6][7] Kalaallit are descended from the Thule people but probably not from their predecessors in Greenland, the Dorset culture.

[9] The Eastern Inuit, or Tunumiit, live in the area with the mildest climate, a territory called Ammassalik.

There are many remains of former Inuit settlements in different locations of the now desolate area, but the population died out before mid-19th century.

[10] The Kalaallit have a strong artistic tradition based on sewing animal skins and making masks.