Are you sure they are elk? Is that what your book says? Because from the photo I think they are caribou. That would give a slightly different symbolism.
Here is the NA symbolism for
caribou: Traveler, mobility, preference to be nomadic, adaptability to adversity
elk: Strength and agility, pride, majestic, independence, purification, strength, and nobility
deer: Compassion, peace, intellectual, gentle, caring, kind, subtlety, gracefulness, femininity, gentleness, innocence, and seller of adventure
taken from
http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-totems.html
As you say the old woman is inuit, and I think she may be, it would be more appropriate for a herd of caribou.