Life Below Zero: First Alaskans

The spring thaw brings new opportunities for Alaska’s Indigenous People, but also unforeseen dangers

Alaska’s Indigenous Peoples survive and thrive in extreme climates by following the lessons passed down through the generations.

Generations of Indigenous Peoples work to revive cultural practices once lost to colonization and raise the culture bearers of the future.

With the snow beginning to melt and spring around the corner, Alaska Natives search for new resources on their ancestral lands.

With winter behind them, the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska embrace the warmer weather with new projects and obstacles.

Indigenous Alaskans make use of the long summer days, working round the clock to provide for their subsistence lifestyle.

Indigenous Peoples of Alaska share knowledge and fight to preserve sacred traditions passed on since time immemorial.

Indigenous Peoples of Alaska rely upon the lessons of the past to provide for their futures.

Following in their ancestors’ footsteps, the younger generation set out into the wild to provide for their families.

Alaska Native families travel arctic waters, ascend peaks, and journey on ancient trails to stock up food before winter.

Indigenous Alaskans continue to carve out an existence in their ancestral homelands and pass on their culture and traditions to their children.

Alaska Natives work to rebuild after an unprecedented storm surge flooded and devastated coastal villages.

As dark winter approaches, Alaska natives use the waning daylight to hunt for subsistence, keeping vigilant that they’re not being hunted themselves.

On the cusp of winter, Indigenous Peoples of Alaska work to secure food and safety for the brutal season ahead.