A Viral Video Of Inuit Woman Wearing Snow Blinders Captivates Millions On TikTok

A video of an Inuit woman revealing her view through snow blinders has gone viral on TikTok. The clip was shared by @marikasila, the Instagram account of Inuit actor Marika Sila, and has amassed over 6.6 million views since its debut on January 25. Shared from her TikTok account @thatwarriorprincess, it has attracted an astonishing 39.6 million views since its posting on January 29. Captured in Canmore, Alberta—about 65 miles west of Calgary—the footage showcases the unique traditional eyewear worn by the Inuit people.

The video features Sila donning snow blinders, which are designed to protect the eyes from snow reflection and prevent snow blindness. With a narrow horizontal slit at the center, these goggles allow for visibility amidst heavy snowfall. The clip captures Sila removing the snow blinders and placing them over the camera, providing viewers with a glimpse of the narrow view through the eyewear, revealing snow blowing across a picturesque waterfront with snow-dusted mountains in the backdrop.

Sila, an Inuvialuk actor, influencer, and activist from Yellowknife—Canada's Northwest Territories capital—shares her culture through this viral moment. As of 2021, Statistics Canada reported that there are approximately 70,545 Inuit people in Canada, with around 69 percent residing in Inuit Nunangat, which includes regions like the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

Understanding Snow Blinders: Tradition and Functionality

Snow blinders are traditional eyewear that have been utilized for thousands of years by indigenous peoples of the Alaskan region, tracing their origins back to the Yupik people, who are among Alaska's original inhabitants. A January 2020 article in The Smithsonian highlights this historical significance. According to Sila, in a previous TikTok video, these snow blinders are typically hand-carved from materials such as antler or bone, showcasing the craftsmanship of her culture.

Ann Fienup-Riordan, an anthropologist based in Anchorage, emphasizes that the slit in snow blinders functions similarly to a pinhole camera. This design helps focus light, allowing distant objects to appear sharper and enhancing overall vision. She explains that this innovation leads to a "much, much better" sight experience, especially in snowy conditions.

Reactions and Insights from Social Media

The viral clip has drawn significant attention on platforms like Instagram, where users expressed their fascination with the snow blinders. One user commented, "I bet it’s like seeing in high definition, without the eye strain!! How cool, snow blinders!" Another user noted, "It’s like squinting to protect the eyes, but without the eye strain." This highlights the blend of traditional knowledge and modern appreciation for cultural practices.

Many TikTok users shared their amazement, with comments reflecting a newfound understanding of the utility and cultural significance of snow blinders. User @hashtag.turtles remarked, "OMG these look so useful..." while another added, "The camera doesn’t do it justice. You should try them out in real life on a sunny bright day in winter!" This shows the power of social media in bridging cultural gaps and promoting awareness of indigenous practices.