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Nuniwarmiut School

Home of the Herders

Mekoryuk

Mekoryuk

Where is Nunivak Island? 

Nunivak Island is off the southwest coast of Alaska. It is the second largest island in the Bering Sea, lying approximately 30 miles offshore between the Yukon and the Kuskokwim delta. It occupies 1,625 sq. miles making it the 7th largest Island in Alaska, the 8th largest island in the United States, and 133rd largest island in the world. 

Nunivak Island is volcanic in origin and is covered by barren tundra. River edges grow dwarf willows with an average size of about 4 feet. Reindeer and musk oxen, in addition to red and white (Arctic) foxes, are the largest animal inhabitants. Small rodents such as weasels, lemmings, shrews, and some mink also live on the island. 

The Cup’ig Eskimos once inhabited the entire island, but today there is only one village remaining: Mekoryuk (or Mikuryarmiut in Cugtun); it is located on the northern coast of Nunivak Island with a population of about 200. 

About Cup'ig Culture 
By Muriel Amos 

The Cup’it speak a distinct language that is a sub-dialect of Central Alaska Yup’ik language and is the only dialect of its kind in the universe. A Cup’ig dictionary was published in 2003. Many English primary books have been translated into the Cup’ig language and are used by the Cup’ig Immersion class. Presently, pre-recorded traditional stories are being written and will be published in the future and be used by the Cup’ig Bilingual class. 

The Cup’ig people of Nunivak Island have thrived on subsistence hunting and fishing for many generations. Today, its people still practice survival skills and will continue to thrive as long as people desire their native foods. People are artistic; their crafts include traditional wooden masks, grass baskets and ivory carving. In current times, the musk ox wool, known locally as “qiviut”, is knitted into beautiful scarves, hats, gloves and sweaters. 

Village Climate

The climate on Nunivak Island is moderate for Alaska temperatures. The summer climate ranges from about 30 degrees F to about 60 degrees F. Winter readings generally range from below 0 to near 30 degrees F. Snow usually starts falling around mid-October and It usually doesn’t stop till May. 

A person in traditional fur clothing holds a carved object, examining it closely.
A woman cradles a baby in a decorated carrier, both adorned with traditional attire.
A close-up portrait of an Indigenous person wearing a traditional headdress with bird-like ornaments.
Two women in traditional fur and patterned clothing stand outdoors, one carrying a child on her back.
A close-up portrait of a smiling Indigenous woman wearing traditional beaded jewelry and a fur-lined hat.
A black and white portrait of an Indigenous family wearing fur-lined parkas.
A large seaplane rests on a rocky shoreline with its engines visible.
Map showing the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region of Alaska, with rivers and coastlines.
A shaggy muskox stands in a snowy, winter landscape.
An aerial view shows a winding river flowing through lush green landscape.
Two people stand by a shallow stream with a pile of freshly caught salmon on the bank.
A sepia-toned photograph shows four individuals, likely a family, dressed in traditional fur-lined clothing.
Map of Alaska showing various cities and a red marker on the western coast.
Close-up view of wooden chimes hanging from a thatched roof structure.
Several bright orange salmon fillets are hanging to dry on a wooden rack outdoors.
A group of people stand and sit in front of a blue building with a large wooden cross.
A person holds a freshly caught fish in their hands, showcasing its scales.
A person in dark clothing rides a snowmobile across a snowy landscape.
Two cows stand in a lush green field under a cloudy sky.