Aiaktalik Island — Angyaartalek Angyaartalek sugyataallia cuumi. – There used to be a lot of people at Aiaktalik Island. Aiaktalik Island, one of the Trinity Islands, lies at the southern end of the Kodiak Archipelago at the tip of the Aliulik Peninsula. Surrounded by the rough waters of Sitkinak Strait, this small, triangular landmass covers […]
Salvage-Pukuk Allrani suu’ut caqainek pukugtaartut. – Sometimes people salvage some stuff. Pukuk is an Alutiiq word that has made its way into English conversation in the Kodiak area, like the Yiddish word schlep or the French word café. There is no exact English translation. Generally speaking, this Alutiiq verb means to salvage, although its more nuanced […]
Laugh — Englarluni Humor is an important form of communication. It relieves tension, helps people express their frustrations, and builds friendships. Alaska’s Native societies are well known for their frequent laughter and abundant humor. From Alaska to Greenland, scolding, fighting, and displays of anger or aggression are considered extremely inappropriate, and difficult social situations are […]
Loon Uyaqurtulit ikegtaartut. – There’s not many loons. Alaska is home to all five of the world’s species of loons (Gavia spp.). Three of these species—the common loon, the red-throated loon, and the Pacific loon—are frequent visitors to Kodiak. This can make it difficult to differentiate between types of loons. Although each species has distinctive plumage […]