Aleut Region
Our Corporation
Unangam Tanangin (The Aleutian Islands) of Southwestern Alaska stretch over a thousand miles into the Bering Sea and Pacific Ocean and are dominated by volcanic peaks, rugged coastlines, powerful oceans, and severe weather. It is an area rich with resources so varied and abundant that people have thrived in the area for almost 10,000 years. The people indigenous to Unangam Tanangin region refer to themselves by two names, Unangax̂ and Aleut, the former in their own Unangam Tunuu language, and the latter used only after foreigners first came to colonize the region in the mid-1700s.
About Our Region
The Aleut Region belongs to the Ring of Fire, stretching over a thousand miles into the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Altogether, there are some 70 volcanoes in the Aleutian Range, about half of which have been active in the last 250 years. While most eruptions are small, it is not uncommon for volcanos in the region to cause small seismic disruptions or spew ash into flight paths.
The Aleutian Islands are the birthplace of some of the wildest storms known to man with fierce winds and high waves continually challenging those who live, work, and travel in the region.
In the summer strong vibrant greens sprinkled with bright purple flowers and an abundance of berries paint a breathtaking landscape. In the winter, deep tans burrow into the terrain with gray and white hues filling the air with harsh clouds, winds, and rain.
Dotted throughout with volcanoes, mountians, and other sweeping land forms, the islands are known for having rugged coastlines marked with steep cliffs and rocky, narrow beaches that rise from the waters below. Though perhaps small in landmass, the islands’ treacherous shores nevertheless include about one-third of Alaska’s coastline.
The frigid deep waters are home to a rich variety of fish and seafoods such as salmon, halibut, crab, and an abundance of marine mammals like seals—all of which have sustained generations of the seafaring Unangax̂.
The ways of our beginnings are our ancestors. Respect and be aware of the Creator in all living things. Know your family tree relations and people’s history. Live with and respect the land, sea, and all nature. Always learn and maintain balance. Our language defines who we are and lets us communicate with one another.
To learn more about the Aleut Region and the Unangax̂ people, visit the Aleutian Pribilof Island Association website.
Resources
Aleut takes seriously its responsibility to connect the region’s people and share resources that can lead to new opportunities. Aleut maintains a multitude of relationships and regularly collaborates with schools, communities, and other organizations throughout the region in support of its longstanding commitment to Unangax̂ values and serving past, present, and future generations of Aleut shareholders at the highest level.
Please click through to the Resources page to view our list of in-region resources.