King Island Native Community

King Island Native Community was originally located on King Island in the Bering Straits, approximately 40 miles due south of Cape Prince of Wales and the village of Wales, or 80 miles northwest of Nome. The village site on King Island which is located on the south side facing Russia, is called Ukivok (OO-Q-Vok). In the early 1960’s, social and economic pressures and opportunities persuaded island residents to relocate to Nome. King Island Native Community »»

Arctic Youth Ambassador Fighting for Our Way of Life

I never know what to say when people ask me about growing up in Kotzebue, Alaska. It’s one of those experiences that is hard to explain, but it helped shape who I am today. Arctic Youth Ambassador Fighting for Our Way of Life »»

Eskimo, Inuit, and Inupiaq: Do these terms mean the same thing?

There seems to be a lot of confusion about what to call the Alaskan Eskimo people. Here are the terms that are often confused and an explanation of the differences. Eskimo, Inuit, and Inupiaq: Do these terms mean the same thing? »»

Eyak Culture Area

The Eyak Culture Area is the smallest native group in Alaska. Their traditional village on the Copper River highway on the Malaspina Coastal Plain was absorbed into the town of Cordova, Alaska in 1906, when their numbers had dwindled to only about 60 Eyak remaining. Eyak Culture Area »»

Aleut Culture Area

The Aleut Culture Area includes the Aleutian Islands and the nearby Alaska Peninsula at the Southern edge of Alaska. The term “Aleut” was introduced by Russians and comes originally from the Koryak or Chukchi languages of Siberia. Aleut comes from the Russian word Aleuty. Aleut Culture Area »»

Athabascan Culture Area

The Athabascan Culture Area, also known as the “Interior” of Alaska, runs from south of the Brooks Mountain Range down to the Kenai Peninsula. The Athabascans  of Alaska traditionally lived along five Alaskan rivers: the Yukon, the Tanana, the Susitna, the Kuskokwim, and the Copper River. Athabascan Culture Area »»