Unangan (Aleut) existence depended on the sea. Bidarkas (Iqyax) were designed along the same lines as sea mammals. Unangan had superior skills in seamanship and navigated treacherous seas. Bidarkas were remarkable in strength, construction skills, speed and maneuverability. Unangan were said to be the best mariners in the world at times departing alone for weeks and relying on a superior knowledge of tides, currents and weather.
We are sad to announce that the creator of The Aleut Elder, Leo Merculief, passed away peacefully at his home on July 10, 2024. Please visit the following website to view his obituary and leave a message or favorite memory. His family hopes to maintain this website. - Brian Merculief (son)
https://www.wallinfuneralhome.com/memorials/leonide-merculief/5461857/index.php
https://www.wallinfuneralhome.com/memorials/leonide-merculief/5461857/index.php
Preserving Aleut History and Culture through Education and Unangan Advocacy
Welcome to The Aleut Elder Website. We are an independent organization of elders that have a passion for preserving Unangan history and our people's culture for future generations. You will find a variety of resources throughout this website that support and encourage Aleut education and the preservation of priceless historical information.
It is our passion to make sure our great-grandchildren have access to knowledge their elders hold dear—the stories, experiences and current events that shape who we are, and the future of our people. We periodically seek assistance from Elder Iliodor Philemonof, Aquilina Lestenkova and other linguists. Unangam Tunuu (Aleut language) is important and must be passed on. A conversation in Unangam Tunuu is special.
You will find periodic reminders about The Aleut Elder, thealeutelder.com on facebook so that this website can be a resource for Unangan, our families and friends. Over the coming months we will expand the content of this site. Please check back often and tell your friends and family about our website. We encourage your support and contribution of stories, art, media and other resources. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Leo Merculief, Creator/Editor
It is our passion to make sure our great-grandchildren have access to knowledge their elders hold dear—the stories, experiences and current events that shape who we are, and the future of our people. We periodically seek assistance from Elder Iliodor Philemonof, Aquilina Lestenkova and other linguists. Unangam Tunuu (Aleut language) is important and must be passed on. A conversation in Unangam Tunuu is special.
You will find periodic reminders about The Aleut Elder, thealeutelder.com on facebook so that this website can be a resource for Unangan, our families and friends. Over the coming months we will expand the content of this site. Please check back often and tell your friends and family about our website. We encourage your support and contribution of stories, art, media and other resources. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Leo Merculief, Creator/Editor