Alaska Native Culture - 2023
CULTURAL GROUPS & REGIONS
2022-08-28 16:34:36
IÑUPIAQ & ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND YUPIK
The Iñupiaq and the St. Lawrence Island Yupik people call themselves the “Real People.” Their homeland reigns from Alaska’s northern Arctic region, one of Alaska’s most remote and diverse regions—accessible primarily by plane. Filled with an amazing array of wildlife and a landscape ranging from coastline to tundra, the Alaska Native peoples here share similar subsistence lifestyle patterns as a way of life.
SUGPIAQ & UNANGAX
The Southwest region’s coastal communities and archipelago show off Alaska’s rugged shoreline and terrain. Having lived a maritime existence dependent upon the sea for their survival, water determined the Unangax̂ and Sugpiaq way of life. Their homeland stretches from Prince William Sound to Kodiak Island and along the 1,200-mile-long Aleutian Islands Chain.
TLINGIT, HAIDA, EYAK, & TSIMSHIAN
The southeastern panhandle is home to the Tlingit, Haida, Eyak, and Tsimshian—known for being talented craftspeople. Their intricate weavings and carvings can be seen on totems and canoes, as well as ceremonial objects throughout the Inside Passage—a region shaped by the staggering force of massive glaciers millions of years ago, now stretching 500 miles along the Pacific Ocean.
DENE (ATHABASCAN)
Alaska’s heartland has been the traditional lands of the Dene Athabascan people for thousands of years, with 11 distinct subgroups: Ahtna, Dena’ina, Deg Xinag, Holikachuk, Koyukon, Upper Kuskokwin, Tanana, Tanacross, Upper Tanana, Han, and Gwich’in. Known for following fish and game throughout the Interior and Southcentral regions, Athabascans created migratory communities near some of Alaska’s largest rivers, building winter villages and summer fish camps.
YUP’IK AND CUP’IK
The verdant landscapes in Southwest Alaska facing the great Bering Sea host a powerhouse of natural wonders and wild terrain. The Yup’ik and Cup’ik peoples have called this area home for thousands of years and are known as the “Genuine People.” Elders are still recognized as leaders in communities for guidance and advice in many parts of rural life in this region.
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