NOTES ON THE NUNAMIUT ESKIMO AND MAMMALS OF ... - arctic

THE NUNAMIUT ESKIMO AND MAMMALS OF THE ANAKTUVUK PASS REGION 149
Fig. 3. Travelling north up the Anaktuvuk valley, just beyond the divide, 27 April 1949.
The Nunamiut Eskimo in particular have contributed to whatever success this
work can claim. Not only did they do all within their power to assist me, but have
made the time spent in their country an unforgettable experience through their
hospitality and companionship. Mr. Homer Mekiana, a Point Barrow man who
married a Nunamiut woman, and who has lived for many years among the Nunamiut,
contributed greatly in several ways. Having been educated in the Point Barrow
Native School, he was able to do much to clear up difficulties with the Nunamiut
dialect. He has kindly checked the spelling of all Eskimo words given, and has
read the manuscript for accuracy as to details of the life and customs of the
Nunamiut. To Paneak, Maptigak, Inyualuruk, Kakinya, Ahgook, Ahkmalik, Pilala,
Akurak, Ahngak, Aknaniak, and many others, go the best thanks for their aid in
obtaining specimens, contributing observations, and, above all, for their excellent
hospitality and friendship.
The biological interest of the Anaktuvuk Pass region is now widely
recognized. Dr. Laurence Irving, of the Arctic Health Research Center, has
studied the avian fauna for more than three years; Mr. Vladimir Walters, of
New York University, has investigated the fishes, and Mr. Lloyd Spetzman
and Dr. George Llano have made botanical studies. During the summer of
1951 numerous field parties entered this region, and it would seem that much
valuable information on arctic biology will eventually be obtained.
I. THE COUNTRY
My own field work has been centred in the vicinity of Tulugak Lake
(68 O 20 N., 15 1'26 W.). Observations were made along the main valley of the
Anaktuvuk and John rivers, from the north edge of the Brooks Range south