There are six different native groups
that call Alaska home. They are the Inupiaq, Tlinget,
Yupiik, Aleut, Aleutiiq and Athbaskans. As we work with them it
is important to understand their values and honor
those values. Note: This page is under
construction.
Yupiik
Aleut
Aleutiiq
Athbaskans
Inupiaq
Avoidance of Conflict:
Paaqtakautainniq
The Inupiaq way is to think positive,
act positive, speak positive and live positive.
Humillty:Qinuinnq
Our hearts command we act on goodness
and expect no reward in return. This is part of our cultural fiber.
Spirituality: Ukpiqqutiqagnia
We know the power of prayer.
We are
spiritual people.
Cooperation:Paammaagigniq
Together we have an awesome power to
accomplish anything.
Compassion:
Naglikuutiqagnip
Through the environment is
harsh and
cold, our ancestors learned to live with warmth, kindness, caring and
compassion.
Hunting
Traditions: Anguniallaniq
Reverence for the land, sea and animals
is the foundation of our hunting traditions.
Knowledge of
Language: Inupiuraallaniq
With our language we have an
identity.
It helps us to find out who we are in our minds and hearts.
Sharing:
Aviktuaqatigiigniq
It is amazing how sharing
works. Your
acts of giving always come back.
Family and
Kinship:Ilagiigniq
As Inupiaq people we believe in knowing
who we are and how we are related to one another.
Humer:
Quvianguniq
Indeed, laughter is the best
medicine.
Respect
for
Elders
and
One
Another:
Piqpakkutiqaniq
Suli
qilsiksrautiqagniq
utuqqpanaanun allannullu
Our elders model our traditions and ways of being, providing a light of
hope to
younger generations. May we teach as our elders have taught us.
Respect for Nature:
Qiksiksrautiqagnig Inuunigvigumun
Our creator gave us the gift
of our surroundings.
Those before us placed ultimate importance of respecting this
magnificent gift
for future generations.
The attached values comes from the website of
Tikigaq Corporation, but they apply across the North Slope region.
Athabascan Cultural Values
Self sufficiency and hard work
Care and provision for the family
Family relations and unity
Love for children
Village cooperation and
responsibility to village
Humor
Honesty and fairness
Sharing and caring
Respect for elders and other
Respect for knowledge and
wisdom from life experiences
Respect for the land and nature
Practice of native traditions
Honoring ancestors
Spirituality
Kodiak
Alutiiq
Cultural
Values
We are the descendants of the Sugpiak, the Real People.
Understanding our environment and events that have have shaped our
lives and created the culture of our ancestors is vital for our
children's cultural survival.
The history of our People and our place in the world is a part of who
we are today. Kodiak Alutiit must learn and pass on to younger
generations our understanding of our natural world: the sky, land,
water and the
animals. As we meet the challenge of living in the 21st century, we
must continue to live in honor of those things we value:
Our Elders
Our heritage language
Family and the
kinship of our ancestors and living relatives
Ties to our homeland
A subsistence lifestyle, respectful of
and sustained by the natural world
Traditional arts, skills and ingenuity
Faith and a spiritual life, from
ancestral beliefs to the diverse faiths of today
Sharing: we welcome everyone
Sense of humor
Learning by doing, observing and
listening
Stewardship of the animals, land, sky
and waters
Trust
Our people: we are responsible for
each other and ourselves
Respect for self, others and our
environment is inherent in all of these values.
TLINGIT
VALUES
Dr. Walter (who is 100 years old) his thoughts on Native
values. Values influence a person's view of the world and guide
actions.
Respect
For self and others, including
elders
Remember
Our Native traditions, our
families, sharing, loyalty, pride, and loving children.
Responsibility
Truth
and wise use of words
Care
of subsistence areas, care of
property
Reverence
"We have one great word in our
culture: haa shageinyaa. This was a Great Spirit above us, and today we
have translated that reverence to God."
Sense of humility
Care of human body
Dignity
The Tlingit word for dignity is
yan gaa duuneek.
Peace
Peace with the family, peace
with the neighbors, peace with the others, and peace with the world of
Nature.
2."Our Way of Life"
*Discipline and Obedience to the Traditions of our Ancestors
*Respect for Self, Elders and Others
*Respect for Nature and Property
*Patience
*Pride in Family, Clan and Traditions is found in Love, Loyalty and
Generosity
*Be Stong in Mind, Body and Spirit
*Humor
*Hold Each Other Up
*Listen Well and with Respect
*Speak with Care
*We are Stewards of the Air, Land and Sea
*Reverance for Our Creator
*Live in Peace and Harmony
*Be Strong and Have Courage
From the Central Council Tlinget and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska