Life Below Zero: First Alaskans

Alaska natives rely on the land as source of life.[National Geographic]

Springtime brings new opportunities and hazards for Indigenous Alaskans. Marvin Agnot takes his nephew Justin across the bay to hunt for goats among the cliffs. John Pingayak imparts survival skills to his grandson. “Tig” Strassburg, eager to bring his seven kids to their ancestral fish camp, builds an arctic mini-van. Joel Jacko travels across melting ice to hunt for small game.

Generations of Indigenous peoples work to revive cultural practices once lost to colonization and raise the culture bearers of the future.[National Geographic]

As the land thaws, Indigenous Peoples of Alaska pursue outdoor opportunities. The Apassingoks and a family friend, travel to their camp 70 miles away to hunt for birds and beach comb for ivory. Marvin Agnot and his nephew Glyndarial White set a halibut skate in search of fresh fish. Tig Strassburg and his children build an arctic entryway to prevent bears from entering the family cabin.

As the seasons change to spring, new challenges arise for Alaska Natives.[National Geographic]

When the sun doesn't set, Alaska natives forgo sleep to seize the daylight.[National Geographic]

Alaska Natives work with family to uphold traditions of their ancestors.[National Geographic]

Alaska Natives use long summer days for harvests and projects.

The younger generation of Alaska Natives step up to new challenges.

Alaska Natives train the next generation to provide from the land.

Alaskan Native families carry on their traditional ways on their homelands.

Indigenous Peoples of Alaska rebuild their communities after Typhoon Merbok. John and Teresa Pingayak travel to camp to assess the damage and recover their shelter. Daniel and Nalu Apassingok try their luck at seal hunting and recover a boat. Tig and Evan Strassburg set spring pole snares in hopes of catching rabbits. And Joel Jacko travels to a remote lake to fish for pike ahead of winter.

An approaching Alaskan winter blurs the line between predator and prey.

On the cusp of winter, Indigenous peoples of Alaska work to secure food and safety for the brutal season ahead.