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 […]
Mun’arta – Artist Mun’artet amlertut maani Qik’rtami. – There are many artists here on Kodiak Island. Art is a form of communication. Singing, dancing, drawing, sculpting, and many other types of expression help people to interpret the world and share their thoughts and experiences. The term “cultural arts” refers to the entire set of creative […]
Ugwik – Sea mammal haul out rock Wiinaq ugwigmi et’uq. – The sea lion is on the haul-out rock. The literal translation of the Alutiiq word ugwik is ‘a place to climb on top of.’ Speakers use this term to refer to sea mammal rocks, spots where seals and sea lions rest along the shore. This […]