Iñupiaq Whale Hunt

Video

This video, adapted from material provided by the ECHO partners, shows a whale hunt with Native Iñupiaq hunters. The Iñupiaq people have been hunting whales for thousands of years, and many of their hunting methods and traditions continue to be passed down from generation to generation. On this expedition, the crew successfully kills a bowhead whale. The entire community joins together to bring in the whale, butcher and distribute it, and then celebrate the hunt.

Comments

Kathleen Marchetti |
Kathleen Marchetti

This is a beautiful video! I am excited to show it to my students and incorporate this learning center with the lessons I already teach, based on my visit to Barrow, Alaska. The explanation of the hunter's experience as well as the explanation of the relationship between whale and Inupiaq is exquisite.