Life Below Zero: First Alaskans

Alaska natives rely on the land as source of life.[National Geographic]

Springtime brings new opportunities and hazards for Indigenous Alaskans. Marvin Agnot takes his nephew Justin across the bay to hunt for goats among the cliffs. John Pingayak imparts survival skills to his grandson. “Tig” Strassburg, eager to bring his seven kids to their ancestral fish camp, builds an arctic mini-van. Joel Jacko travels across melting ice to hunt for small game.

Generations of Indigenous peoples work to revive cultural practices once lost to colonization and raise the culture bearers of the future.[National Geographic]

Alaska Natives use methods passed down from their ancestors to search for resources.[National Geographic]

As the seasons change to spring, new challenges arise for Alaska Natives.[National Geographic]

When the sun doesn't set, Alaska natives forgo sleep to seize the daylight.[National Geographic]

Alaska Natives work with family to uphold traditions of their ancestors.[National Geographic]

Alaska Natives use long summer days for harvests and projects.

The younger generation of Alaska Natives step up to new challenges.

Alaska Natives train the next generation to provide from the land.

Alaskan Native families carry on their traditional ways on their homelands.

An approaching Alaskan winter blurs the line between predator and prey.

On the cusp of winter, Indigenous peoples of Alaska work to secure food and safety for the brutal season ahead.