Names- "Aleut" and "Alutiiq"

Aleut refers to the people who live on the Aleutian Islands and southern Alaska Peninsula. The word Aleut means "coastal dweller" and is derived from a Siberian native language. Russian traders, the first outsiders to come to the Aleutian Islands, introduced this term for the Alaskan Native peoples living there. The Aleut's name for themselves in their language is Unangax. Aleut is still frequently used, although Unangax is gaining popularity.

Alutiiq refers to the people who live on Kodiak Island, the outer Kenai Peninsula, the northern Alaska Peninsula, and Prince William Sound. The word Alutiiq is how these people pronounced the Russian term "Aleut." 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.

Based on their common usage, this textbook edition has continued to use the terms Aleut and Alutiiq. However, it is important to be aware of the origins of these terms and familiar with how Alaskan Natives call themselves in their own language.

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