Kali (Point Lay)

Robert Lisbourne in boat.

Robert Lisbourne, Kali (since 2025)

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.

Circular diagram showing timing of seasonal harvest activities and ice cycles identified by observer Robert Lisbourne. 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. The 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.