Alaska Native peoples, tribes, culture and history of Inupiat, Yup'ik, Aleut, Tlingit and more.

The Twelve Months of the Year in Inupiaq

Here are the names and meanings of the months in Inupiaq.

January = Aunik

Month when you open the door and steam rolls in

February = Nachiatchiek

Month when the seals migrate north

March = Chunausiviik

Month when people carve the boat

April = Umituvik

Month when people go out with the boat (Umiaq)

May = Noghiavik

Month when reindeer lay their fawns

June = Iktlaunukvik

Month of small fish

July = Ichavik

Month when birds molt

August = Ichauilauvik

Month when birds get their new wings

September = Amighlichavik

Month when reindeer lose their velvet

October = Obrukchavik

Month when squirrels lap up the frost

November = Augivik

Month of Eskimo dancing and joyous time after harvest

December = Gipchuk

Month of the homemade top, Christmas