King Island Native Community

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The King Island Native Community (consisting of what was once approximately 200 Iñupiat at its peak[1]) is recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs as a community of Alaska Natives.

The Iñupiat, former inhabitants of King Island, called themselves Aseuluk, 'people of the sea', or Ukivokmiut, 'people of Ukivok'.[1]

Early history[]

The Ukivokmiut wintered in Ugiuvak/King Island for well over a 1000 years.[2] They were hunters and whalers who hunted seals and walruses, fished for crabs, and gathered bird eggs (among other things) for food.[1] The island itself was able to sustain 200 people year-round.[3]

Outside influence[]

Even though King Island ended up being US territory, Russian interest in it was much greater. One report by Dorothy Jean Ray gives an insight into the Russian's observations/opinions on King Island.[4]

Another expedite of interest was Bernard R. Hubbard, who brought Catholicism to the Island, and he ended up living on the Island in 1937 and 1938.[5] The Ukivokmiut were devout Catholics, and statue of Christ the King – brought by Hubbard – is on the 700 ft high cliffs. A church also existed on the island until the 1980s, when it was dismantled due to risk of collapse[1]

Decline[]

A tuberculosis outbreak during World War II, the closing of the school, other factors, and off-island economies lured families from the Island. Most or all of these families have been absent from King Island since the 1970s.[1][2][6]

Architecture[]

Architecture, as "primitive" as it may be, is a huge aspect in Ukivokmiut life, seeing the location of Ugiuvak (settlement) is on a 30° to 45° slope, compared to Little Diomede at an approximately 5° angle.

The winter-houses made of stone are highly likely to be the earlier form of housing for the Ukivok, and over time it's thought they transitioned over to the stilt-houses.

Culture[]

It's more faintly recalled as a tradition for Ukivokmiut women to sing on top of the rocks by the shore to welcome any new visitor.[3]

See also[]

  • King Island, Alaska
  • List of Alaska Native Tribal Entities

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e Footman, Serene (2019-03-24). "Ukivok, and the People of the Sea". Furillen. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  2. ^ a b "The Alaska Native Studies Blog: Aseuluk Relocation: No More Sleeping Villages". The Alaska Native Studies Blog. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  3. ^ a b Kinneen, Laureli (15 May 2013). "I am from King Island". KNOM Radio, adjusted to Youtube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  4. ^ "King Island Enters History". Ben Muse. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  5. ^ "Hubbard King Island". Calisphere. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  6. ^ "The haunting Alaskan ghost village on King Island". The Vintage News. 2017-05-17. Retrieved 2020-10-02.

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