Alutiiq

The Alutiiq's ancestors are the same as the Yupik. However, as these early Yupik peoples moved east into the Gulf of Alaska, they adapted to the new environment and developed a language and culture distinct from Yupik. In their language, the Alutiiq name for themselves is Sugpiaq, which means "real person."  Sugqiaq is a popular self-designator on the Kenai Peninsula and is gaining use in Kodiak.

The Alutiiq were widespread in the North Pacific Ocean. The largest population was on Kodiak Island; these were known as Koniag. Smaller groups of Koniag also lived on the Pacific coast of the Alaska Peninsula. The land of Kodiak and the Alaska Peninsula was mainly tundra.

At their furthermost extent east, they lived on the islands and mainland of Prince William Sound. These were known as Chugach. Prince William Sound is the northern limit of the temperate rainforest of Southeastern Alaska. So, the environment in which Chugach Alutiiq lived was very different from that of other groups. Alutiiq peoples also settled the southern Kenai Peninsula. Today, the Kenai Peninsula villages of Nanwalek and Port Graham trace their heritage to Alutiiq. There were an estimated 12,000 Alutiiq at the time of the Russian discovery of Alaska. 

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