Unit 6: Seasons and Animals

LEAP Curriculum • Level 1

Explore Unit 6

Seasons and Animals

This unit integrates Alutiiq language learning, social emotional learning, social studies, science, and cultural knowledge to help students learn about animals that can be observed in each season: spring, Summer, Fall, Winter to help them better understand the world around them, while also bringing awareness to the cultural significance of each animal.

Use any of the orange buttons below to be redirected to see each Unit Lesson’s vocabulary list and audio recordings as well as find links to the lesson slideshows, vocab cards, and supplemental materials.

Lesson 1

Lesson 2

Lesson 3

Lesson 4

Unguwacirpet

“Our way of living”

The central Alutiiq value for this unit revolves around animals and the natural world. The term Unguwacirpet stems from the word for heart, unguwan, and the word for animal, unguwallriaq, which translates to ‘living being’. Alutiiq people understand that subsistence means having a very close relationship to the land and the living beings that reside on it. When hunting, Alutiiq people have customs and ceremonies that show respect to the animals that have given their lives to us, including traditions that teach when and where to hunt, and ensure we do not take more than we need. Staying in balance with the natural world ensures that there is plenty of food both for humans and animals for the years to come.

Alutiiq Cultural Value • Unit 6