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Luther Komonaseak

Luther Komonaseak

Luther Komonaseak was born and raised in Wales, Alaska. Starting as a young boy, he learned to hunt and survive on the surrounding ocean and sea ice as he followed his father and uncles to hunt seals, whales, and walrus. Luther is now a whaling captain himself, and has been a member of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission. He has also served as a school board member for the Bering Strait School District. Luther has shared his traditional knowledge of the sea ice in Bering Strait with scientific researchers.
Luther Komonaseak appears in the following new Jukebox projects:
Interview Title Abstract Archive #: Oral History Project Date of Interview
Luther Komonaseak, Interview 1

Luther Komonaseak was interviewed on May 9, 2008 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Wales, Alaska. In this interview, Luther talks about changing sea ice conditions, the relationship between ice conditions and whaling, the effect of wind and current on ice conditions, thinning ice, the fast movement of the ice, and the presence of open water. He also discusses dangerous ice conditions and how to be safe on the ice.

 2013-25-22 Sea Ice in Northern Alaska May 9, 2008
Luther Komonaseak, Interview 2

Luther Komonaseak was interviewed on January 24, 2018 by Karen Brewster in Anchorage, Alaska. Originally from Wales, Alaska, and only recently having moved to Wasilla, Alaska, Luther talks about his experiences as a whaling captain and hunting on the sea ice around Wales. He talks about the re-introduction of whaling to his community, different ice conditions and ice types, the effect of wind and current, selecting a good spot to go whaling from, and the importance of paying attention and observing both the ice and the weather. He also discusses changes he has observed in the ice conditions and his thoughts about the future of the sea ice environment and of whaling. Finally, he expresses how much he wants the young generation to continue their hunting and whaling traditions and how critical it is to ask questions and pay attention to your elders in order to learn.

 2013-25-44 Sea Ice in Northern Alaska Jan 24, 2018