Located at the northernmost tip of the United States, where the Arctic Ocean meets the sky, lies a city that has been home to the Iñupiat for thousands of years. Once known as Barrow, this small city has been rechristened Utqiaġvik, a name that reflects the rich cultural heritage of its inhabitants.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a vast and remote wilderness area in northeastern Alaska, is home to the Iizhik Gwats’an Gwandaii Goodlit, or ‘The Sacred Place Where Life Begins.’ For the Gwich’in people, this coastal plain, known as the 1002 Area, is a sacred place where life begins and ends,
The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) of 1971 was a landmark legislation that marked a significant shift in the relationship between the U.S. government and Alaska Native communities. This article will delve into the history and implications of ANCSA, focusing on its relevance to hikers an
The Seasonal Round: How Alaska Native Peoples Follow the Rhythm of the Land The seasonal round is a fundamental concept
Denali, the highest peak in North America, was originally known as **Dinli** or **Denali** by the Dena’ina people, who consider it a sacred mountain. The name was restored in 1975, reflecting the cultural significance of the peak to the indigenous community. The Dena’ina word **Denali** means “the g
In the vast, majestic expanse of Alaska’s wilderness, every mountain, river, and bay bears a name and a story. For Alaska Natives, the land is not just a physical landscape, but a storied one, imbued with the memories and experiences of generations past. This concept of a ‘storied landscape’ is a co
Alaska Native Languages: A Hiker’s Guide to the Words Beneath the Map Introduction As we venture into the vast wilderness
The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage is the essential first stop for any Alaska hiker. Before setting foot on Alaska’s vast, rugged wilderness, it’s crucial to understand the land’s rich cultural heritage. The Alaska Native Heritage Center provides a unique opportunity to learn about the s
The Ancient Art of Alaska Native Watercraft For thousands of years, Alaska Natives have navigated the state’s vast waters with
Formline design is a style of art that originated among the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples of the Northwest Coast. The term “formline” refers to the sinuous, curved lines that characterize this art form. These lines are not merely decorative; they convey meaning, represent spiritual beings, a