Respecting Sacred Sites While Hiking in Alaska: A Guide for Responsible Visitors

Respecting Sacred Sites While Hiking in Alaska: A Guide for Responsible Visitors

Understanding Sacred Places

For Alaska Natives, many places throughout the state hold deep spiritual significance. These areas are often referred to as “sacred sites.” A sacred site can be a place of spiritual power, a location of ancestral importance, or a site of cultural significance. It’s essential to recognize the difference between a scenic viewpoint and a sacred place.

Imagine walking through a forest and stumbling upon a beautiful waterfall. This could be considered a scenic viewpoint, a place to take in the natural beauty of the area. However, if you were to walk a short distance further and come across a burial ground, this would be considered a sacred site. Burial grounds, like those found in the Yup’ik village of Bethel, are places of reverence and respect.

Types of Sacred Sites

There are several types of sacred sites found throughout Alaska. Some of these include:

• Burial Grounds

  Burial grounds are places where Alaska Natives have traditionally buried their loved ones. These sites are often marked with cairns or other traditional markers. It’s essential to respect these areas and not disturb the remains.

• Spirit Houses

  Spirit houses are structures built to honor the spirits of the land. These can be found in various locations, including near traditional hunting and fishing grounds. Spirit houses are often used for prayer and ceremonial purposes.

• Petroglyphs

  Petroglyphs are ancient carvings found on rocks and other surfaces. These carvings often depict animals, people, and other figures. Petroglyphs are a valuable part of Alaska Native cultural heritage and should be treated with respect.

• Vision Quest Sites

  Vision quest sites are places where Alaska Natives have traditionally gone to seek spiritual guidance and connection with the natural world. These sites are often located in remote areas and can be difficult to find.

• Gathering Places

  Gathering places are areas where Alaska Natives have traditionally gone to hunt, fish, and gather food. These sites are often located near traditional hunting and fishing grounds.

Guidelines for Respectful Visitation

When visiting sacred sites, it’s essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure respectful visitation:

• Don’t Move Rocks at Cairns

  Cairns are traditional markers used to mark burial grounds and other sacred sites. It’s essential not to move or disturb these rocks, as this can disrupt the spiritual energy of the site.

• Don’t Touch Petroglyphs

  Petroglyphs are ancient carvings that should be treated with respect. It’s essential not to touch or damage these carvings, as this can cause irreparable harm.

• Stay on Trails Near Cultural Sites

  When visiting cultural sites, it’s essential to stay on designated trails. This helps prevent damage to the site and ensures that visitors are not inadvertently disrupting sacred ceremonies or activities.

• Ask Permission Before Visiting a Sacred Site

  Before visiting a sacred site, it’s essential to ask permission from the local Alaska Native community. This ensures that visitors are aware of any specific protocols or restrictions associated with the site.

The Legal Framework

There are several federal laws that protect Alaska Native cultural sites, including:

• NAGPRA (Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act)

  NAGPRA is a federal law that protects Alaska Native burial grounds and other cultural sites. The law requires that human remains and cultural items be treated with respect and dignity.

• NHPA (National Historic Preservation Act)

  NHPA is a federal law that protects historic and cultural sites throughout the United States. The law requires that any project or activity affecting a cultural site undergo a thorough review and assessment.

• ARPA (Archaeological Resources Protection Act)

  ARPA is a federal law that protects archaeological sites and cultural resources. The law requires that any project or activity affecting a cultural site undergo a thorough review and assessment.

Penalties for Disturbing Sacred Sites

Disturbing sacred sites can result in severe penalties, including:

• Fines

  Visitors who disturb sacred sites can face significant fines, including up to $10,000 per offense.

• Imprisonment

  Visitors who disturb sacred sites can face imprisonment, including up to 5 years per offense.

• Community Service

  Visitors who disturb sacred sites can be required to perform community service, including cleaning up cultural sites or participating in cultural education programs.

How to Recognize You Might Be Near a Sacred Site

There are several ways to recognize that you might be near a sacred site:

• Look for Traditional Markers

  Traditional markers, such as cairns or petroglyphs, can indicate the presence of a sacred site.

• Observe Local Traditions

  Local traditions and customs can provide clues about the presence of a sacred site.

• Consult with Local Alaska Natives

  Consulting with local Alaska Natives can provide valuable insights about the presence of sacred sites.

What to Do If You Find Artifacts

If you find artifacts while hiking, it’s essential to follow these steps:

• Leave the Artifact in Place

  Leave the artifact in place and avoid touching or disturbing it.

• Document the Artifact

  Take a photograph of the artifact and note its location.

• Report the Artifact

  Report the artifact to the local Alaska Native community or a cultural resource management agency.

Cultural Protocols

When visiting sacred sites, it’s essential to follow cultural protocols, including:

• Ask Permission

  Ask permission from the local Alaska Native community before visiting a sacred site.

• Offer Respect

  Offer respect to the site and the local Alaska Native community.

• Take Nothing

  Take nothing from the site, including artifacts, rocks, or other materials.

Voices from Alaska Native Communities

Alaska Native communities have shared their perspectives on respectful visitation:

“We want visitors to understand that our cultural sites are not just historical relics, but living, breathing parts of our communities. We ask that visitors respect our traditions and customs, and not disturb our sacred sites.” – Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation

“We are proud of our cultural heritage, and we want to share it with visitors. However, we also want to ensure that our sacred sites are treated with respect and dignity.” – Alaska Native Tribal Council

Learn More

For more information on respecting sacred sites while hiking in Alaska, visit the following resources:

• Alaska Native Heritage Center
• National Park Service (NPS) – Cultural Resource Management
• Bureau of Land Management (BLM) – Cultural Resources

Sources

* National Park Service. (2022). Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.
* Bureau of Land Management. (2022). Cultural Resources.
* Alaska Native Tribal Council. (2022). Cultural Protocols for Visitors.
* Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation. (2022). Respectful Visitation.
* Alaska Native Heritage Center. (2022). Cultural Heritage and Sacred Sites.

Note: This is a general guide and should not be considered a comprehensive or exhaustive resource. It’s essential to consult with local Alaska Native communities and cultural resource management agencies for specific guidance on respecting sacred sites while hiking in Alaska.