NOTE: Map is reprinted with permission from Travel Alaska (travelalaska.com) and Alaska Native Heritage Center (alaskanative.net); edited text is courtesy of Travel Alaska. IÑUPIAQ & ST. LAWRENCE ISLAND YUPIK The Iñupiaq and the St. Lawrence Island Yupik people call themselves the “Real People.” Their homeland covers Alaska’s northern Arctic region, remote and diverse, and accessible primarily by plane. Filled with an amazing array of wildlife and a landscape ranging from coastline to tundra, Alaska Natives here rely on subsistence. SUGPIAQ & UNANGAX The southwest region’s coastal communities and archipelago are defined by rugged shoreline and terrain. Having long depended on the sea for survival, water is central to 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.…
Tsimshian artist David Robert Boxley of Metlakatla carved totems to guard the newest veterans memorial cemetery in Alaska’s southernmost town.
Alaskans are bringing back a tool used by southeast Alaska Natives to catch halibut: the wooden halibut hook.
Abel Ryan, a member of the Laxiboo clan of Metlakatla, is a Tsimshian artist and teacher who has worked in wood carving, metal engraving, painting, drum making, and other art forms.
Chilkat blanket weaving is an important part of northwest coast culture. The stylized designs broadcast the wearer’s kin-group and social identity.
Native Alaskans revere their past, present, future.
[by Steve Quin]
A treasure to its denizens, human and otherwise
[by Kerrie Flanagan]







