We are a Federally Recognized Tribe
The Akiak Native Community has over 500 residents, comprised of descendants whose ancestors lived on the same lands for centuries. Many still speak their traditional language and maintain their subsistence living. Climate change has significantly affected the Community with the thawing of the permafrost layer causing erosion of land, while also having adverse effects on many ecosystems and species, and is creating new hardships for those living there.
Yuuyaraq
Is well defined cultural values, rules and roles "to live a full and fruitful life without doing harm to oneself, others and nature with all that it brings." Everything is centered around subsistence with animals caught for food, fishing, hunting, even the wood we gather and dancing ceremonies. It is living in harmony with our lands and kinship connections to our tribal clans. Yuuyaraq is everything in our Yup'ik way of being.
We Call Ourselves Yupiit, which means 'real people'
Our Yup'ik heritage extends our foundational commitment to living our values and the cornerstone for our company and represented by the dedication of each employee.
Cultural Traditions
Cultural traditions are important to the Community, including storytelling, fish camping, potlatch, and the arts of song, dance and carving. Being Yup'ik also means being indigenous with strong spiritual connections to the land, each other and the Universe.