The Inupiat Heritage Center was created to ensure that the contributions of Alaska Natives to the history of commercial whaling are recognized. Many Alaska Natives, particularly Inupiat Eskimo people, participated in commercial whaling. In addition to crewing on the more than 2,000 ships from New Bedford that hunted bowhead whale in the late 19th and 20th centuries, the Alaska Natives hunted for food for the whalers, provided warm fur clothing and sheltered many crews that were shipwrecked on the Alaska coast.
Activities and Attractions
The Cape Smythe Whaling and Trading Station located approximately 2 miles north of the Barrow airfield in Browerville is the oldest frame building in the Arctic. The Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow houses exhibits, artifact collections, a library and a traditional room where people can demonstrate and teach traditional crafts. Song and dance demonstrations are presented in summer. In spring and fall Native whaling crews in traditional watercraft, can be seen preparing for the whaling season. Subsistence hunting, including an annual whale hunt, still plays an important part for both traditional and economic reasons. If the whalers are successful, there is a festival called “Nalukataq” when whaling season ends in May.
Accessibility
The Inupiat Heritage Center can be reached via commercial and charter flights from Anchorage and Fairbanks. The center is owned and operated by the North Slope Borough.
Weather and Climate
Summer can bring wind and rain, and temperatures ranging from 30°F to 70°F. Winter temperatures often drop to -30°F and lower. Visitors should bring raincoats in summer and cold weather gear in winter.
Facilities
Inupiat Heritage Center – 907-852-4594 – Located in Barrow (Open year-round, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.)
http://www.nps.gov/inup/