Arrow Game–Ruuwarluni Tamamta ruuwartaallriakut Paas’kaami. – We used to all play bow and arrow at Easter time. In the Alutiiq language, the word for “arrow”—ruuwaq—has a variety of meanings. It can be used as a noun to refer to the wooden-shafted, feather-fletched projectiles fired from hunters’ bows. Alternatively, this word can be used as a […]
Sitkalidak Island — Salliitaq, Saliitaq Agyunitua Saliitamen Ernerpak. – I Do Not Want to Go to Sitkalidak Island Today. Sitkalidak is the third largest island in the Kodiak region. Twenty-three miles long, this rugged, mountainous landform lies off the eastern coast of Kodiak Island. Sitkalidak covers 116 square miles with peaks up to 2200 feet […]
Qiawik – Crying Place Qikertaq qiawik. – The island is a crying place. In classical Alutiiq society, the relationships between communities sometimes soured. Although people from neighboring villages visited, traded, assisted each other, married, and celebrated together—they also clashed. Insults and stealing were a common source of feuds. To seek revenge, a party of warriors […]
Uqtuk – Olga Bay Uqtuk ang’sinartuq. – Olga Bay is very big. Most Kodiak bays taper from a wide mouth to a narrow head. Olga Bay, at the southern end of Kodiak Island, is the opposite. Here, a narrow channel connects this large body of water with the ocean. To enter Olga Bay, boats must […]