Kasuulluni – Married Ikuk kasuutkutartuk unuaku. – Those two are going to get married tomorrow. In classical Alutiiq society, preparation for marriage began at puberty. At the onset of her menstrual period, a girl was secluded in special hut for at least ten days. Menstrual blood was considered so extremely offensive to animals that great […]
Qaataq – Fern Qaatanek pisurciqukuk. – We (two) will gather ferns. The spreading wood fern (Dryopteris dilatata) is one of at least nine varieties of ferns commonly found in the Kodiak Archipelago. This large fern, which thrives in moist forests and coastal meadows throughout the north, can often be found growing near sourdock and nettle […]
Alagnaq – Berry Pingaktaanka alagnat. – I like berries. Kodiak’s Alutiiq people harvest seventeen varieties of berries, which are used for food, medicine, and natural dyes. Salmonberries are collected in the largest quantities, although crowberries, lowbush cranberries, and early blueberries are other favorites. Berry picking begins in late June and continues well into the fall. […]
Anguyartaasqaq – Warrior Qangiq, anguyartaasqat agellriit Swaacit nuniinun. – Long ago, warriors went to the Tlingits’ lands. In the Gulf of Alaska, Native people traditionally raided each other’s communities to avenge a wrong, secure hostages, and obtain wealth. Members of the elite class led raids. These were wealthy individuals who maintained their status by accumulating […]