The angatkuq of long ago was a man or woman with magical powers. They were always private people and believed to have animal powers. The powers flowed through mystical amulets. It was said that they could watch and hear people by changing their form into that of a creature—⁠—at times, they seemed to be all around the camp using their supernatural powers.

Many angatkuq used their powers only to help people. A few were fearsome and not to be trusted, for they arrogantly used their powers against other people. The elders advised that the angatkuq could only harm those who submitted themselves to them. Stories are told over and over of people that turned to the angatkuq for help in solving their problems.

For hundreds of years, history, knowledge, and traditions have been passed on by Elders from generation to generation as stories, legends, and songs. These help young people learn about the ways of doing things and the ways of behaving. Inuk–Danish historian Knud Rasmussen commended the rich artistry and cultivation of the Inuvialuit storytelling tradition.