Unangax̂ Culture and History

The Aleutian Islands span 1,100 miles from the tip of the Alaska Peninsula to Attu Island, Alaska. They’re comprised of at least 14 large volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones. Most are part of the U.S., but some are part of Russia. Unalaska is the island that holds Dutch Harbor, the second largest island in the chain and about 800 miles southwest of Anchorage. While not only rich in natural beauty and opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and birding, it’s rich in history, too.

Often called “Aleuts,” a Russian term, the Native people of the Aleutian Islands refer to themselves as Unangax̂, Ungangan, or Unanga, which can translate to “original people”, “seasiders,” or “the people of the passes.” Their presence in the Aleutian Island chain predates Russian settlement in the mid-1700s by millennia. Superb seafarers, surgeons, and hunters, the Unangax̂ thrived along the unforgiving Bering Sea and established strong connections. When WWII broke out, many Unangax̂ were cut off from their ancestral villages and faced relocation, imprisonment, and other significant disruptions to their lives.

Modern Unangax̂ identity and values have both Russian and American influences but are still rooted in ancestral practices and stories. These values center on respect for family, friends, the community, and the earth, as well as honesty, modesty, happiness, gratitude, and sharing.

Tales of the Arctic

Alaska

With all that Alaska has to offer in terms of its sheer magnitude, ecosystems, landscapes, variety of cultures, wildlife, and history, it should come as no surprise that every village has its own perspective, feel, and stories.

In Unangax̂ communities, there is a focus on preserving traditions, songs, dances, stories, and language. When you see the fields of fireweed in the abandoned Unga Village and have a chance to wander the World War II National Historic Village in Unalaska, you’ll see and feel it all for yourself – hopefully with a renewed appreciation and understanding.

Alaska Cruises

Alaska Facts

The Dutch Harbor crabbing fleet was featured in The Deadliest Catch, a reality show that follows crab fishermen in the Bering Sea in one of the world’s most dangerous professions.

Shipping companies and the FAA call the island and the town of Unalaska “Dutch Harbor,” while permanent residents refer to it as Unalaska, which refers more to its geographical relationship to the rest of Alaska. It doesn’t mean “not Alaska.”

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