Missing plant names in the Aleutian/Pribilof Region: Help us find one word

We need specific names in Unangam tunuu (Aleutian Aleut) for the following plants that grow in various parts of our region. The number on the left relates to a plant curriculum that the Association of Unangan/Unangas Educators has produced which has been out for pilot testing since May 2001. Following the number in italics is the scientific (Latin) name, then a common name(s). In parenthesis is the page on which the plant may be found in the definitive guide, Flora of Alaska and Neighboring Territories by Eric Hultén. It can be found in most libraries. Also, note the websites with color photos or line drawings of the plants for whose Unangam tunuu names we search.

We need your help. A word we need may even be listed in the Aleut Dictionary, Unangam Tunudgusii and we missed it because it was not listed in the index and our reader did not find it when she read it page by page. Maybe your aunt, uncle, grandma or cousin knows one or more of these names so we can record it before it is lost forever. The person you ask may be the last person in the world who knows it.

I will work with the appropriate folks to be sure that the person who shares the information can have it documented. Also, any listings that can be confirmed will be added to the plant curriculum. Since this is a science curriculum we must be certain that the words we include can be positively correlated. If you know that the word is listed in a resource, please also cite that.

It is important to list the name of the person who gives you the information, the place the word is from (such as St. George or the original village that person learned the information, such as Akutan). Do not worry if you only know how the word is said in one place. If we learn that, we may prod someone else’s memory. A botanist, linguist or myself will then try to get back to you with further questions if necessary. Be sure to include your contact information. (phone, snail mail, e-mail)

Each person knows something that others may not. Together we can fill these gaps. Every blank filled will enrich both our knowledge bank and that of the world.

Qa}aasakung, I thank you, for your time and consideration!

Very truly yours,

Barbara Carlson
Association of Unangan/Unangas Educators
PO Box 220196
Anchorage, AK 99522-0196
fnblc@uaf.edu

7 Return to Appendices7 Return to Table of Contents