The community Akkani

G.V. Inankeuyas, Head of the community Akkani

The indigenous community of the northern indigenous peoples, Akkani, was established in 2002 in the Chukotskiy District, Chukotkan Autonomous Okrug. The members of community are occupied with sea mammal hunting (whales, in the future walruses and seals), fishing, gathering wild plants, and sewing traditional ethnic clothing. This year four grey whales have been caught in the Bering Strait.

The most difficult task for the community was the purchase of weapons and fuel for the boat because of a lack of funds. In the future, revenues from seal hunting (sale of skins and furs) are expected to pay for such supplies and equipment.

The community Akkani consists mainly of young men who have grown up with sea mammal hunting, while elder women teach young girls which edible plants and roots to gather and how to preserve them. In summer, the members of Akkani live mostly in the native village of Akkani, which was closed at the end of the 1960s and which they are now trying to revive through common efforts. The village is situated in picturesque surroundings near the Bering Strait, between the district settlement of Lavrentiya and the village of Lorino in the Chukotskiy District.

The community Akkani is willing to cooperate with other organizations interested in the preservation of traditional occupations and environmental protection.

E-mail for contacts: galinadiatchkova@hotmail.com