As the summer months come to an end we welcome fall and the subsistence activities that August brings.  This is a time for gathering local plants, berries, as well as setting the net or rod and reeling for salmon, and preparing the fish and meats, such as caribou for the winter months to come.  In the coastal Inupiaq dialect August is Aaqikzigvik, which translates to, “the time of storing food.” 

The traditional foods that are found within the Bering Strait region contain high levels of vitamins, antioxidants, protein, and are simply good for our souls.  Furthermore, the harvesting and processing of local food sources directly connect us to our Inupiaq ancestors, and to the land and waters.

Sitnasuak believes it is important to keep these traditions and values alive. To encourage this, the Sitnasuak Elders Committee helps document subsistence actvities and foods by producing a 12 month subsistence calendar each year.   At Sitnasuak we are curious to know what are our shareholders, descendants, and Alaskan residents’ favorite subsistence activities and traditional foods?

Do you have a favorite traditional food recipe(s) and/or photographs you would like to share with our shareholders and their descendants?  If so, the Sitnasuak Elders Committee kindly requests you submit your recipe(s) and/or photograph(s) to be considered for the 2015 Subsistence Calendar.

Please click here to download the Media Release form.  If you have any questions, please contact communications manager, Jenny Miller at or by phone at (907) 929-7000.  Thank you.