Tides of Tradition
Honoring Aleut Fishing and Unangax̂ Life in the Aleutian Islands
For generations, the Unangax̂ people have lived by the rhythm of the sea. From the windswept waters of the Aleutian Islands to the icy edges of the Bering Sea, fishing has sustained life, culture, and community. It’s not just an industry. It’s a way of life.
As we honor the powerful connection between our people, the ocean, and the place we call home, we hope to deepen public understanding of what fishing truly means to our region, and what’s at stake when that way of life is threatened.
Aleut visited King Cove and Sand Point last summer, interviewing fishermen and local community members to capture and share the impact of fishing in our region. Just before the Board of Fisheries met in February 2026, we released a short documentary, “Anchored Here,” to help bring these conversations to life. Click below to watch.
Meet the featured shareholders and descendants
Kiley Thompson
Sand Point, Alaska
Fanny Jo Newton
King Cove, Alaska
Taylor Lundgren
Sand Point, Alaska
Arlene Wilson
King Cove, Alaska
Warren Wilson
King Cove, Alaska
Calvin Mack, Sr.
King Cove, Alaska
Follow the Tide
These are not just fishermen. They are cultural stewards. Their work sustains more than just households—it sustains a people.
Fishing is Life in the Aleutians
Fishing is the lifeblood of the Aleutian region. Our communities depend on it economically, culturally, and spiritually. Unangax̂ people have fished these waters for centuries, whether commercially or for subsistence. They fish not just for their families, but for Elders, neighbors, and entire villages.
In our communities, fishing is passed down like language or family names. From childhood, many learn the feel of the sea, the work of the deck, and the responsibility that comes with both. This knowledge, earned, practiced, and shared across generations, is part of what defines us as Unangax̂.
A Way of Life Under Pressure
The tradition of fishing continues, but not without challenges. Poor fishing numbers, rising operating costs, and the closure of critical processing facilities have shaken the foundations of entire communities up and down the Aleutians.
Most recently, the shutdown of the Peter Pan Seafoods plant in King Cove dealt a devastating blow to families and the local economy. These impacts are felt far beyond the docks, affecting schools, healthcare, housing, and more. The ripple effects are real.
That’s why this campaign matters, we’re calling attention to the essential role that fishing plays in our region, and why it must be protected.
Support Area M
February 18-24, 2026 the Alaska Board of Fisheries determined new restrictions on the Area M June fishery based on the assumption that doing so will significantly improve salmon returns in the AYK (Arctic–Yukon–Kuskokwim) region. The scientific record, genetic data, harvest rates, and regional outcomes do not support this assumption.
If you’d like more information or talking points, please reach out to Comms@aleutcorp.com.
Our Stories, Our Sea
This is just the beginning. Over time, this page will grow to include more voices, deeper storytelling, and new media that further explore the relationship between Aleut, fishing, and the region we call home.
#AleutTides #AleutFishing #WeAreUnangax̂