Alaska– Alas’kaaq Guangkuta Alas’kaarmiu’at. – We are all Alaskans. Unangam Tunuu, the Native language of the Aleutian Island chain, is the source of the name Alaska. In Unangam Tunuu, Alax̂sxix̂ essentially means “great land” or “mainland.” Before western conquest, Aleutian Islanders used this word to refer to the western end of the Alaska Peninsula. From their […]
Fish Head– Iqallum Nasqua Tang’rk’gka Iqallum nasqua suupami! – I saw a fish head in the soup! From Chile to China and Jamaica to Scotland, people recognize fish heads as a delicious, nutritious, and versatile food. Some cultures make soup with whole fish heads floating in the broth. Others simmer the heads to make a flavorful […]
Cheater, Trickster– Iqlluwista Iqlluwingnaqaaten. – He is trying to cheat you. Things are not always as they seem! This is a message found in many Alutiiq legends, which feature tales of trickery. Trusting people are fooled by the seemingly good intentions of others–betrayed by loved ones, tricked by friends, or cheated by strangers. Such tales highlight […]
Teacher– Litnauwista, Uciitilaq Litnauwistarpet asirtuq. – Our teacher is good. Western-style teachers became part of the Kodiak landscape in the late eighteenth century, soon after the arrival of Russian fur traders. Although Alutiiq adults taught their children the skills they needed for life in the Alutiiq world, a small number of boys began to study […]