As summer approaches, Alaskans are gearing up for outdoor activities, including fishing, which has a rich history in the interior regions of the state. The University of Alaska Museum of the North (UAMN) holds thousands of ancient fish remains and fishing-related objects, providing insight into the traditional subsistence practices of Alaska Natives dating back thousands of years.
Archaeological studies show evidence of fishing in Interior Alaska dating back to the late Pleistocene to early Holocene period, with freshwater and anadromous fish becoming essential resources as larger mammal populations dwindled. Fishing techniques and tools, such as nets, hooks, and fishing lures, have evolved over time, with fish wheels and rod and reel becoming popular in the early 1900s.
Today, fishing remains a vital part of Interior Alaska Native lifeways, with subsistence fishing playing a significant role in cultural, social, and economic practices. Rural Alaskans harvest a significant amount of wild foods each year, with fish making up a majority of those harvests.
The UA Museum of the North is offering family programs focusing on travel in April, with events for children and adults to explore the history and culture of Alaska. A new exhibit, Thinking Made Visible, will open in the Special Exhibits gallery on April 27. The museum is open seven days a week, with winter hours from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
For more information about the museum’s collections, programs, and events, visit www.uaf.edu/museum or call 907-474-7505. Visitors are invited to experience the rich heritage and diverse cultural materials related to fishing in Alaska at UAMN.
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