The King Island Native Community (Inupiaq: Ugiuvaŋmiut) (consisting of what was once approximately 200 Iñupiat at its peak[1]) is federally 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 Ugiuvaŋmiut, 'people of Ugiuvak'.
The Ugiuvaŋmiut wintered in Ugiuvak/King Island for well over 1000 years.[2] They were hunters who hunted seals and walruses, fished for crabs, and gathered bird eggs (among other things) for food. The island itself was able to sustain 200 people year-round.[3]
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
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.[6]
Architecture was a huge aspect in Ugiuvaŋmiut 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 Ugiuvaŋmiut, and over time it's thought they transitioned over to the stilt-houses.
It's more faintly recalled as a tradition for Ugiuvaŋmiut women to sing on top of the rocks by the shore to welcome any new visitor.
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