Subsistence activities, including whaling, are a way of life in the traditional Iñupiat Eskimo village of Kivalina.
Yesterday, the residents of Kivalina had the opportunity to enjoy tradition as they have for generations – sharing the first beluga whale kill of the year. In this time-honored harvest ritual, Monday’s beluga whale kill allowed each of Kivalina’s 77 families to enjoy five pounds of muktuk and meat.
According to a local news source, whaling captain Reppi Swan was at work when he heard via radio that three whales were swimming 20 feet from the shore. His boss allowed him to take a break and chase the whales.
In 10 minutes, an eight-foot beluga whale surfaced. The small whale was harpooned, and then shot.
Beluga whales reach an average of 15 feet when fully grown. Newborn whale calves are three to five feet long.
Kivalina is located at the tip of an eight-mile barrier reef between the Chukchi Sea and Kivalina River. The population is approximately 398. Most food sources are provided by subsistence activities, such as whaling.
In addition to beluga whales, the village of Kivalina is allowed to harvest bowhead whales.
Image source: flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
About Rhishja Cota-Larson
Just because things are traditional doesn’t make them right: foot binding and female circumcision to name just two.
There’s a very good chance that the last members of various species will be killed ‘traditionally’ – we should stop the practice. Now.
Mental note to self – don’t shed a tear on hearing news that the last Iñupiat Eskimo has lost their habitat/indigenous life – like be-gets like.
I’m just always wondering….
CAN THERE BE A BETTER WAY ?
ARE THERE REALLY ABUNDANCE OF WHALES IN THAT AREA..
THAT IT SHOULD BE KILLED ?
WHAT ABOUT TOURISM ?
WE CERTAINLY DON’T GET TO SEE THOSE CUTE BELUGAS IN
OUR AREA!
BEING ‘Traditional’ IS ONE THING…..
Dear Fair Trade,
You show a complete lack of understanding of how important whaling is to the Inupiat. They have to get their protein from things they hunt, since they can’t grow vegetables on the North Slope. The practice of whaling is completely woven into their lives and has been for centuries. Whether it’s preparing for, participating in or packing up from a harvest, it’s integral to what they do. I may be a white guy from MA, but I know several Inupiat very well. They thank each whale for giving its life to the people. This is not trivial or recreational to them. They don’t sell any of the whale. They eat it and share it.