Heritage is a word used to describe all the things that the Yup’ik, Cup’ik and Deg Xit’an Athabascan ancestors of this region passed down to their descendants. This includes the land and waters for stewardship, language, ecological knowledge, and immense troves of wisdom.

During this month, we take some time to learn about the original inhabitants of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Deg Xit’an Athabascan

Deg Xit’an, which translates to ‘local people’, are the smallest in population of the 11 Athabascan groups located in southwest Alaska on the lower Yukon and lower Innoko Rivers. The four main Deg Xit’an communities are Holy Cross, Anvik, Shageluk, and Grayling. Deg Xinag, literally ‘local language’, is spoken in these westernmost Athabascan communities. You can find more learning resources at this link.

Cup’ik

The Cupiit (literally ‘real people’) live in Chevak on the Qissunaq River and Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island. They have two distinct language dialects: Cugtun is spoken in Chevak and Hooper Bay, and Cup’ig in Mekoryuk.

Yup’ik

Yupiit (literally ‘real people’) inhabit most of the YK Delta and the Yup’ik language has the largest body of speakers of any Native language in Alaska, with 10,400 native speakers. It is one of the only Alaska Native languages still being spoken by children (in some communities) as a first language.

All these cultures have their forms of traditional dance and other forms of expression, along with their distinctive clothing and regalia for ceremonies.

To learn more about the different cultures in our state, you can find a map of Alaska Native languages at this link.