Beaver–Paluqtaq Pingayun paluqtat kuigmi. – There are three beavers in the creek. Although beavers (Castor canadensis) thrive around Kodiak today, they are not part of the region’s original fauna. Beavers were introduced to the archipelago in 1925 in an effort to provide valuable game for trapping and a commodity for the fashion industry. Most beaver […]
Tunturpak—Moose Maani Sun’ami tunturpanek piitukut.— Here on Kodiak we don’t have moose. Moose (Alces alces) are the biggest member of the deer family. These large-bodied, long-legged creatures are known for their droopy nose and dewlap: a flap of hair-covered skin beneath their chins. Only the males have antlers. Moose live in forests across North America, […]
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 […]