AAOKH Community Profiles – Single sheet
Each AAOKH community has differences in geography, climate, and culture that are expressed in recorded observations. Additionally, individual observers bring unique perspectives, knowledge, and experiences to bear in their observations. Included in this community profile section are introductions to each of the current AAOKH Observers as well as a seasonal round showing timing of seasonal important harvest activities and ice cycles based on what each observer considers “normal” for their community. Having an understanding of the timing of ice cycles and harvest activities can assist with interpreting the recorded observations in the AAOKH database.
Qaaktuġvik (Kaktovik)
The Iñupiat community of Kaktovik is located on Barter Island on the northeast coast of Alaska, 90 miles west of the Canadian border on the Beaufort Sea. The community is heavily influenced by wind and weather patterns which control snow accumulation and sea ice formation, particularly in and around the Kaktovik Lagoon.
Most observations are made from Barter Island, however areas important for harvest activities including whaling, seal hunting, and caribou hunting extend west along the coast past the Canning River and east past the Canadian Border. The Hulahula river is frequented for trout fishing. South towards the Ramonzof mountains is an important area for caribou, sheep, and geese hunting.
Carla SimsKayotuk has contributed observations since 2019. In her observations you will find consistent descriptions of weather, the arrival and departure of migratory birds, and what is being caught or hunted by community members. Carla contributes beautiful photos of Kaktovik and the surrounding area.
Kali (Point Lay)
The Iñupat community of Point Lay located on the shores of the Chukchi Sea approximately 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle. It is situated near the mouth of the Kokolik River on the Kasegaluk Lagoon behind a barrier island separating it from the Chukchi sea. The Iñupiaq name of Point Lay is Kali meaning mound.
A variety of hunting, fishing, and gathering activities occur throughout the year in Kali (Point Lay). Of particular cultural significance is the annual beluga whale hunt, which usually takes place in May. The beluga hunt is a community hunt often involving others from surrounding communities. Whales caught are shared across the community.
Robert Lisbourne began as an AAOKH observer in 2025.
Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue)
Kotzebue is a hub community located 33 miles above the Arctic Circle in northwest Alaska. The Iñupiaq name of Kotzebue is Qikiqtaġruk. It is situated on the Baldwin Peninsula which separates Kobuk Lake from Kotzebue Sound. Four major rivers feed into Kotzebue Sound, including the Noatak, Kobuk, Selawik and Buckland Rivers. The Sound is surrounded by low-lying tundra. Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue) and surrounding communities rely on river and sea ice for travel and subsistence hunting and fishing.
Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue) is home to the Iñupiat who have inhabited the region for thousands of years and whose culture and traditions are deeply rooted in subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering activities. These activities are essential for the local economy and provide nutritional and spiritual sustenance for the community. Traditional subsistence practices are still followed with beluga whaling, seal, moose and caribou hunting, fishing, and gathering of berries which are all integral parts of the Iñupiaq way of life.
Bobby Schaeffer has contributed observations since 2019 and is motivated to share his knowledge and observations of the environment, and the significant shifts he is observing as a result of climate change. Bobby has lived his entire life in the Kotzebue Sound area, commercial fishing, and learning from his dad on how to keenly observe the environment. In his observations you will find rich and dynamic descriptions of historical conditions and present day interactions between weather and ocean conditions and their impact on fish, birds, and wildlife. Bobby’s observations have high instructional value.
Tikiġaq (Point Hope)
Tikiġaq is located above the Arctic Circle in northern Alaska. It is situated on a spit of land which points west into the Chukchi Sea. The sea and inland just north of Cape Lisbourne and south of Cape Thompson provide areas important for subsistence hunting and fishing.
Tikiġaq is one of the longest continually inhabited regions in North America with a rich archeological record dating back 2,500 years. Tikiġaq relies heavily on sea ice and predictable weather patterns for travel and subsistence hunting of marine mammals in the area.
Guy Omnik has contributed observations since 2019. In his observations you will find stunning photographs and descriptions of the whaling, hunting, and fishing conditions throughout the year.
Ulġuniq (Wainwright)
Wainwright is located on the Chukchi Sea approximately 70 miles southwest of Utqiaġvik and 300 miles north of the Arctic Circle. Wainwright is situated on a spit of land between the Chukchi Sea and Wainwright Inlet. The lagoon of Wainwright Inlet is fed by waters from the Kuk River. The Iñupiaq name for Wainwright is Ulġuniq.
The land and sea provide bountiful harvest opportunities in Ulġuniq (Wainwright). Spring and fall bowhead whaling are significant harvest activities for the community. Caribou are hunted through much of the year as well as different species of seals. Spring and fall bird hunting and summer and winter ice fishing fill every season with important harvest activities.
Jason Ahmaogak has been observing for AAOKH since 2025. Jason is a local whaling captain who loves hunting and fishing to provide for his family and extended family. The AAOKH database also includes observations made by Steven Patkotak between 2018 and 2022.
Utqiaġvik
The Iñupiat community of Utqiaġvik is located on the northernmost tip of Alaska between the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. It is the largest community on the North Slope of Alaska and is a hub for smaller villages in the region and for scientists doing Arctic research. Utqiaġvik is a whaling community, and many of the activities occurring throughout the year are relevant to the preparation for either the fall or spring whale hunt. Fall whaling generally occurs during the month of October while spring whaling occurs from March to May, depending on ocean and sea ice conditions. Utqiaġvik is also a hotspot for migratory birds due to the unique climate and geography of the region. Travel access and subsistence activities are heavily influenced by wind and weather patterns which control local ocean and sea ice conditions.
Joe Mello Leavitt
Joe Leavitt has contributed observations since 2006, and is AAOKH’s longest contributing Observer. In his observations you will find intimate knowledge of the sea ice including how it forms and how to evaluate if the ice is safe to travel on.
In the seasonal calendar bellow Joe makes important seasonal harvest activities and events as well as the seasonal ice cycles.
Billy Adams
Billy Adams has contributed observations since 2015. In his observations you will find vivid descriptions and explanations of environmental conditions, sea ice formation and safety, Inupiaq terms, explanations of cultural activities and humor.
