UNANGAX CULTURE

Unalaska’s Church of the Holy Ascension hasn’t had a resident priest for a few months, but that didn’t stop parishioners from organizing their annual Christmas celebration.

Weaving has been part of Unangax̂ heritage for thousands of years, from large baskets to small ornaments. An exhibit at the Museum of the Aleutians in Unalaska shows the art form’s evolution.

The Museum of the Aleutians in Unalaska has received 22 boxes of archaeological artifacts from the Islands of Four Mountains in the central Aleutian Islands. While some may never be displayed, they remain crucial to understanding Unangax̂ history.

Unangax̂ filmmaker Kanesia McGlashan-Price released a new short film in September for the PBS science documentary program NOVA. The film is called “Tides of Tradition,” and it’s part of a six-part series called “Legacy of the Land,” produced exclusively by Indigenous filmmakers.

In this episode of "Island Interviews," Taytum Robinson discusses the workshop, how her grandma inspired her to create earrings and why everyone should join, even if they are hesitant about making art.

If you’ve visited a holiday market in Iluulux̂, or Unalaska, you’ve likely seen a table covered in small white gift boxes tied with neat blue bows. The little boxes contain Tugidam Ungii’s signature confections, which have become a staple at the island’s artisan markets.

The last surviving person from Attu, Gregory Golodoff, passed away earlier this month at the age of 84. Golodoff was a young child in 1942 when the Japanese Imperial Army invaded his village in the western Aleutians. The Battle of Attu was the last major action of the Aleutian Islands campaign of World War II.

The traditional design of the large skin-on-frame vessel used by the Unangax̂ people was thought to be lost after Russian colonizers destroyed the last remaining examples in the 1800s, according to historic journals. But after decades of work, the design has been restored.

In this episode of “Island Interviews,” MOTA's Thomas McLenigan and Jenya Anichtchenko shared their thoughts on the fall exhibition and the impact they hope “Family Mosaics” will have on visitors.

Unalaska’s Unangax̂ dance group — Iluulum Ax̂anangin — had their first performance at the Ounalashka Corporation's 50th anniversary over the summer. Dance instructor Laresa Iklax̂ Syverson said the group had been working overtime to prepare for their debut, which for most of the group, was their first time performing.