History

How is it possible to tell the story of Kodiak’s first residents? Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people have lived in the region for thousands of years. Yet written records of our traditions only date back to about 1763. The Alutiiq Museum explores the answers. Weaving together many sources of information, we dig into Kodiak’s past to reveal Alutiiq history. From the time Alutiiq ancestors first stood on Kodiak Island to Alutiiq life in the twenty-first century.

Emil and Polly Adonga in front of their steam bath, Old Harbor ca. 1965. Andrewvtich Collection, AM694.

Our Stories

KODIAK ALUTIIQ HISTORY

Alutiiq/Sugpiaq people have lived in the Kodiak region for over 7,500 years. Explore Alutiiq history from the deep past to the present and learn about the forces that have shaped the Alutiiq community

History Lessons

Imaken Ima’ut eBook

Images of whales pecked into the bedrock at Cape Alitak. Photo by Sven Haakanson Jr.

Petroglyphs

ALUTIIQ ROCK ART

Petroglyphs are designs carved into stationary rocks—boulders and bedrock. These ancient carving are found throughout the coast of the Kodiak Archipelago and some may be over 1,000 years old. Why did Alutiiq/Sugpiaq ancestors make rock art and what do the images mean? Click to learn more.

Rock Art Research

Field crew at work at the Nunallerpiaq Site, a 3,000-year-old settlement beside Karluk Lake.

Living at Karluk Lake

SETTLING KODIAK’S LAKES AND RIVERS

Far from the coast, on the shores of the Karluk Lake and River, Alutiiq/Sugpiaq ancestors built camps and villages. Archaeologists are learning about life in Kodiak’s interior by studying these settlements.

Karluk Lake Finds

Danielle Ringer and Chyian Heine document artifacts in the museum’s lab, 2023.

Recent Studies

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH RESULTS

The Alutiiq Museum has active research programs and supports researchers at all levels. Sharing the results of this research helps our community learn more about Alutiiq/Sugpiaq history.

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