KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | Point Lay celebrates first successful whale hunt in decades
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Whaling Captain Julius Rexford and crew with the first bowhead whale caught in the village in 72 years. (Courtesy Sophie Henry)
Point Lay elder Lily Aniskett (Scott Elnes/KTUU-DT)
Point Lay's Nalukataq celebration took place Friday and included the traditional blanket toss. (Scott Elnes/KTUU-DT)by Scott Elnes
Sunday, June 28, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The North Slope village of Point Lay celebrated the landing of their first bowhead whale in 72 years this spring, and that has led to the first spring whale festival there in as many years.
The traditional Nalukataq took place Friday.
The Nalukataq features time-honored traditions like serving maktak and enjoying the blanket toss.
Whalers believe that a whale gives itself to the hunters -- and the celebration is the community's way of giving thanks to the animal for sacrificing itself so that others may live.
"We can't thank god enough for this wonderful gift he has given us," said Point Lay elder Lily Aniskett. "Our first whale in Point Lay -- thank you."
Whaling Captain Julius Rexford praised his crew as he presided over the celebration.
At one time, the village of Point Lay, known as Kali to the locals, was on the brink of abandonment.
It has since rebounded and regained its subsistence whaling rights, which in turn led to the historic event celebrated on Friday.
Contact Scott Elnes at selnes@ktuu.com
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