- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, which is celebrated during the month of November, Google today used as its daily theme a kayak on its homepage.
This Native American History Month Doodle, created by Inuit Nunangat artist Natashia Allakariallak, honors the kayak—a remarkable watercraft with a history that spans thousands of years. Originally designed for hunting, fishing, and transportation, the kayak has evolved into a popular recreational activity and competitive sport enjoyed worldwide today.
Indigenous people from the Arctic communities, including the Inuit, Aleut, Inupiat, and Yup’ik peoples, used the kayak for hunting purposes. The word kayak itself is rooted in the Inuit language, where "qajaq" means "hunter’s boat."
These early kayaks were meticulously crafted from animal skins, bones, and driftwood to navigate cold and often perilous waters. The boats were crucial tools for hunters, offering stealth and agility to capture fish, seals, whales, and other prey in even the most challenging conditions.
The kayak term originates from one of the 14 dialects in the Inuit-Yupik-Unangan language family. Kayaks were custom-built by hunters, each one tailored to their specific size, weight, and needs—considered not just tools, but an extension of the person using them.
Today, kayaking has become a global sport, from tranquil lake excursions to thrilling whitewater challenges. Yet, we owe its existence and widespread enjoyment to the ingenuity of the Northern tribes, whose ancestral designs continue to inspire this beloved activity.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (December 22, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Washington Post Reports Indian School Deaths are Three Times What the Federal Governement Reported
Federal Government Shutdown Averted: How Native Americans in Congress Voted
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
