Nirqujaqs

Nirqujaqs

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The Nirqujaqs are an Inupiat people who traditionally resided along the coast of Alaska, specifically in the region around Sledge Island. They were a subgroup of the Yupik speaking peoples who inhabited the northern and western coastlines of Alaska.

Historical records of the Nirqujaqs date back to the early 19th century, when they were first encountered by Russian and American explorers and traders. Prior to this, they maintained a traditional subsistence lifestyle based on whaling, sealing, and fishing. They were skilled hunters and gatherers, making use of the rich marine resources available to them in the area.

During the Prohibition era of the early 20th century, the town of Nome became a major hub for bootleggers, many of whom were of Native American and Inupiat descent. While there is limited information available about their direct involvement in the bootlegging trade during this time, it is known that the Nirqujaqs maintained a significant presence in the region and played an important role in the lives of traders and outsiders.

Presently, the Nirqujaq people are still very much a part of the Inupiat community located in the surrounding area, including Nome and surrounding surrounding villages. While the specifics of their customs and ways of life have largely gone unrecorded, many members of their tribe remain actively engaged in Native American rights and cultural preservation.