Kaktovik Arctic Adventures

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, USA

Rafting Trips Summer 2008 (June & July)

Barter Island & Inupiat Eskimo Culture

The City of Kaktovik is located on Barter Island, along the Arctic Ocean, and in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Barter Island is 88% Inupiat Eskimo. 98 residents voted in the November 2004 general election. In 2005, 58 voting age residents of Kaktovik signed a petition against leasing the surrounding area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for industrial oil and gas development.

The Inupiat people of Barter Island depend culturally and economically on subsistence hunting from the Arctic Refuge and bowhead whaling from the Arctic Ocean. They also produce arts, crafts and clothing from native baleen, ivory, wood, caribou, wolf, seal, wolverine and other furs.

Inupiat Language & Values Are Taught In The Kaktovik School:

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Polar Bear Vewing 2008 (Sept -Oct)

Meet Your Guide Robert Thompson

Family and Kinship

As Iñupiaq people we believe in knowing who we are and how we are related to one another. Our families bind us together.

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Hunting Traditions

Reverence for the land, sea and animals is the foundation of our hunting traditions.

Respect For Nature

Our Creator gave us the gift of our surroundings. Those before us placed ultimate importance on respecting this magnificent gift for their future generations.

Love and Respect for our Elders and One Another

Our Elders model our traditions and ways of being. They are a light of hope to younger generations. May we treat each other as our Elders have taught us.

Spirituality

We know the power of prayer. We are a spiritual people.

Humor

Indeed, laughter is the best medicine!

Compassion

Though the environment is harsh and cold, our ancestors learned to live with warmth, kindness, caring and compassion.

Humility

Our hearts command we act on goodness. Expect no reward in return. This is part of our cultural fiber.

Sharing

It is amazing how sharing works. Your acts of giving always come back.

Cooperation

Together we have an awesome power to accomplish anything.

Positive Attitude

The Iñupiaq way is to think positive, act positive, speak positive and live positive.