The Kodiak Environment

Abstract

The focus of this book is the Kodiak Archipelago of Alaska and, in particular, the southeast region around Sitkalidak Island. At the time of contact with Russians, people on Kodiak were among the most densely packed as well as socially, militarily, and politically complex groups known in the Gulf of Alaska region. Before examining the archaeology and ethnography of this region, it is necessary to understand some basic aspects of the environment where the Kodiak Alutiiq made their home. This chapter outlines the climatic, geological, and ecological character of this region. As noted in Chapter 1, Kodiak is representative of the North Pacific Rim in general while being unique in several ways.