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 […]
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 […]