Several I have asked have not considered them Native American before. They had a caricature in their mind of a plains Indian, complete with bow and arrow on a horse, hunting buffalo or something along those lines.
So far as I can tell, with the exception of a few modern day conveniences they have adopted, much of their traditional way of survival is still in use today. It is still them against the elements and food availability from land and sea. They certainly are not a backwards culture -- just one based on practicality. If it works, use it. If not, stick to the old ways.
They have many of the same cultural issues as the tribes in the rest of the Country. The youth are leaning more and more toward easier pickings and adapting into different life styles of the Whites. The elders are trying to preserve their way of life and belief system.
Very few look to the Inupiat as leaders in the Country. In my books, common perceptions are oft proven wrong.
The books are available in paperback and e-book formats through Amazon and Amazon Kindle. There is a direct link on the website if you are interested in reading about another type of Native American.