Isuwim Suqaa – Seal StomachUquq isuwim suqani etaartuq. – Oil is always in the seal stomach. Although seal meat makes a tasty meal, seals once provided much more than food. In classical Alutiiq society, every part of the animal was used. Skins were fashioned into clothing and boat covers, intestines were sewn into waterproof bags […]
Aatunaq – Wild Rhubarb; SourdockAatunat qiurtut. – The sourdock are ready. Sourdock (Latin: Rumex fenestratus) is a member of the buckwheat family that produces tasty green leaves. It is sometimes called wild rhubarb, though there is a similar, related plant that botanists classify as wild rhubarb (Latin: Rumex arcticus). Both plants have tasty green leaves. […]
Initaq – Fish Rack Iqallut iniki initamen. – Hang the fish on the fish rack. Fish racks are an essential feature of Alutiiq communities. Although salmon, halibut and cod are abundant in Kodiak waters, each is seasonally available. Salmon return to islands waters in great numbers in summer and fall, and ocean fish move closer […]
Swaaciit; Kulusut – TlingitsSwaaciit imasinam akiani et’ut. – Tlingits are across the big ocean. The Tlingit Indians of southeast Alaska are the Alutiiq people’s eastern neighbors. Their homeland extends from Yakutat Bay at the entrance to the Alaska Panhandle to northern coastal British Columbia. Like the traditional Alutiiq societies, Tlingit communities were once large and […]