Snow-Alutiiq Word of the Week-January 13th
Qaniq (falling), Aniuq (on ground)—Snow Qaninguq.—It is snowing. Although the Kodiak Archipelago does not receive […]
Sea Lettuce-Alutiiq Word of the Week-January 6th
Kapuustaq—Sea lettuce Kapuustat aturtaarait naucestarwigmi.—They use kelp (sea lettuce) in the garden. The sea lettuce found in the Kodiak Archipelago (Ulva sp.) is a bright green, leafy, intertidal alga that thrives on rocky shores. This marine plant has smooth, transparent leaves with small holes that can grow up to a foot long. These leaves have a […]
Raven-Alutiiq Word of the Week-December 30
Qalnga’aq—Raven Qalnga’at tamarmeng teglertaartut.—All ravens steal. The common raven (Corvus corax) is a year-round resident of Alaska that lives happily in every environment, from coastal meadows to arctic tundra and even city streets. This large member of the Corvidae family that includes crows, jays, and magpies, the raven is an all-black bird with a […]
Dot-Alutiiq Word of the Week-December 23
Akarngasqangcuk— Dot Akarngasqangcugmek pilirluku.—Mark a dot. Small, round carved or painted dots are a common motif in Alutiiq graphic design. Artists use akarngasqangcuk, “tiny circles”, to embellish everything from hunting gear to clothing and ceremonial gear. Look carefully at the painted details of masks, or the embroidery along the cuff of a parka and you […]