Kaktovik
Carla SimsKayotuk
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.
Carla's seasonal calendar (click to enlarge)
Circular diagram showing timing of seasonal harvest activities and ice cycles identified by observer Carla Simskyotuk. This circular seasonal calendar illustrates ice conditions and subsistence harvesting activities across twelve months.
The outer bands track ice safety, showing safe travel on sea and lagoon ice from roughly December through April, break-up and open water during summer, and freeze-up in autumn.
he inner rings map harvesting windows for wildlife: caribou and ice fishing span late autumn to winter; geese, seals (ringed and bearded), and whales (beluga and bowhead) are hunted during spring and summer open-water periods; and rod fishing and berry gathering occur in late summer.
