Pinguaq – Bead Makut pinguat cucunartut. – These beads are beautiful. In classical Alutiiq society, wealthy people displayed their social position through elaborate personal ornamentation. In addition to jewelry, members of the Alutiiq elite wore tattoos and ornate garments to symbolize prestige. Before the availability of European goods, clothing and jewelry were embellished with a […]
Ken’aayuq – Dena’ina Athabaskan Anaanarpet Ken’aayuq. – Our aunt is a Dena’ina Athabaskan. The Dena’ina are one of eleven Athabaskan Indian groups in Alaska. Their homeland includes the shores of Cook Inlet, interior regions of the Kenai Peninsula and the northern Alaska Peninsula, and the Matanuska and Susitna river valleys. The term Dena’ina means “the […]
Arnauciq – Person of Two Spirits Arnaurciqsaqlluni. – He has feminine ways. Many societies recognize a difference between biological and social gender. Most people are born physiologically male or female. Yet, people live and experience gender in different ways, and concepts of gender vary greatly between cultures. Throughout history, and across the globe, societies have […]
Neqlleq – Emperor Goose Neqllet taitaartut maut uksugmi. – The emperor geese always come here in the winter. Five species of geese are found across Alaska, four of which commonly visit Kodiak. One of the prettiest is the Emperor Goose (Chen canagica). This small bird has a black throat with a dramatic white head and […]