The Traditional Land Use of Prince William Sound by the Chugach Sugpiaq
The Chugachmiut, also known as the Sugpiaq or Alutiiq, have called Prince William Sound home for thousands of years. Their rich cultural heritage is deeply rooted in the Sound’s abundant natural resources and the traditional technologies they developed to thrive in this maritime environment.
The Chugachmiut: A Maritime People
The Chugachmiut are a subgroup of the Alutiiq people, who inhabit the southern coast of Alaska and the surrounding islands. Their name, Chugachmiut, roughly translates to “people of the south coast” (chugach, meaning “south” or “southern,” and miut, meaning “people”). For centuries, the Chugachmiut have lived in harmony with the Sound’s marine ecosystem, relying on its rich resources to sustain their communities.
Traditional Subsistence Practices
The Chugachmiut are expert hunters and gatherers, with a diet rich in seafood, including seal, fish, shellfish, and other marine mammals. They have traditionally used kayaks, known as qajaq (qajaq in Inupiaq, but qeq’rq in Sugpiaq), to hunt and gather in the Sound. These lightweight, versatile boats were crafted from cedar and spruce wood, and were an essential tool for the Chugachmiut’s maritime lifestyle.
- Seal Hunting: The Chugachmiut have long relied on seals as a primary source of protein. They hunted ringed seals and bearded seals, using traditional techniques such as harpooning and spearing.
- Fishing: The Sound’s waters are home to an abundance of fish species, including salmon, halibut, and cod. The Chugachmiut have traditionally used nets and lines to catch these fish.
- Shellfish Gathering: The Chugachmiut have harvested shellfish such as mussels, clams, and sea urchins from the Sound’s tidal flats and rocky shores.
The 1964 Great Alaska Earthquake and Its Devastating Impact
On March 27, 1964, a massive earthquake struck Prince William Sound, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.2, was the largest in U.S. history. The Chugachmiut village of Chenega was completely destroyed, with many residents killed or injured. The earthquake had a profound impact on the Chugachmiut people, forcing many to relocate and altering their traditional way of life.
“The earthquake changed everything. It changed our way of life, our culture, and our relationship with the land.” — Anna M. Sheakley, Chugachmiut elder, as quoted in The Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964 by the National Park Service.
The 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and Its Catastrophic Effect
On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spilled millions of gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, causing one of the most devastating environmental disasters in history. The oil spill had a devastating impact on the Chugachmiut people’s traditional subsistence practices, as well as the Sound’s ecosystem as a whole. The spill contaminated the waters, killing countless marine animals and disrupting the food chain.
“The oil spill was a major setback for our people. It affected our way of life, our culture, and our relationship with the land. It was a traumatic event that we are still recovering from today.” — David Katzeek, Chugachmiut elder, as quoted in The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Archaeological Sites in the Sound
Prince William Sound is home to numerous archaeological sites, providing evidence of thousands of years of human habitation. These sites include ancient villages, hunting camps, and fish traps, which offer a glimpse into the lives of the Chugachmiut people and their ancestors.
“The archaeological sites in Prince William Sound are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Chugachmiut people. They demonstrate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of our ancestors, who lived in harmony with the land for thousands of years.” — Russell E. Harritt, anthropologist, University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Modern Chugach Communities
Today, the Chugachmiut people reside in several communities throughout Prince William Sound, including Tatitlek and Chenega Bay. The village of Chenega Bay was rebuilt after the 1964 earthquake, and now serves as a thriving community with a strong cultural identity.
“We are proud of our heritage and our cultural traditions. We continue to live off the land and the sea, just as our ancestors did for thousands of years.” — James R. John, Chugachmiut elder, as quoted in Chugachmiut: The People of the South Coast by the Chugach Alaska Corporation.
Cordova Connections
The town of Cordova, located at the head of the Sound, has a long history of connection with the Chugachmiut people. In fact, the town was founded as a Chugachmiut village, and many Chugachmiut elders still reside there today.
“Cordova has always been a special place for us. It’s where we came to trade and socialize with our relatives and friends. We’re proud to have shared our culture and traditions with the people of Cordova for so many years.” — Anna M. Sheakley, Chugachmiut elder, as quoted in Cordova: A Chugachmiut Village by the Cordova Historical Society.
Learn More
For more information on the Chugachmiut people and their traditional land use of Prince William Sound, visit the following websites:
* Chugach Alaska Corporation: [www.chugach.com](http://www.chugach.com)
* Chugachmiut: [www.chugachmiut.org](http://www.chugachmiut.org)
* Native Village of Chenega: [www.chenega.org](http://www.chenega.org)
* Prince William Sound area: [www.alaskahikes.com/prince-william-sound](http://www.alaskahikes.com/prince-william-sound)
* Chugach National Forest trails: [www.fs.usda.gov/chugach](http://www.fs.usda.gov/chugach)
Sources
* National Park Service. (n.d.). The Great Alaska Earthquake of 1964.
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). (n.d.). The Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.
* Chugach Alaska Corporation. (n.d.). Chugachmiut: The People of the South Coast.
* University of Alaska Fairbanks. (n.d.). Archaeology of Prince William Sound.
* Cordova Historical Society. (n.d.). Cordova: A Chugachmiut Village.
* Smithsonian Institution. (n.d.). The Sugpiaq People.