Tell me about the Eskimos in Alaska

People once called “Eskimo” in Alaska include distinct Indigenous peoples, such as Iñupiat and Yup’ik; many people prefer their own community’s name. This Iñupiaq clothing maker is sewing a parka—and some parkas are designed with special details to help protect the wearer from fierce Arctic winds.

A warm parka helps in Arctic weather, and language carries knowledge across generations. Here, an elder and young learner practice Iñupiaq together—a language in the Inuit branch of the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan language family.

Language is one way people share knowledge; music and dance are another. In Yup’ik communities, group dances can tell stories, and a hand drum keeps the beat—this drummer’s got a serious job keeping everyone together!