Introduction / History

The Yupiks are the main cluster of indigenous groups in Alaska. They are divided into subgroups, one of which is the West-Central Yupik Eskimo. They probably have their origins from Siberian peoples who migrated south and east thousands of years ago. They are unique among North American native peoples in that they name newborns after whomever died most recently.

Spring and summer were times when they were able to catch salmon and seals for food and clothes. Men and women had separate houses where adults would teach the children survival skills. For the men that meant hunting and fishing skills. Girls were taught how to weave, sew, tan hides and how to dry and cook foods. Boys stayed with their mothers until they were five before they joined the men’s quarters.

There was a 3-6 week period where boys would teach girls the survival skills they learned from the men.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Some of the West-Central Yupik Eskimo have retained their traditional lifestyle in Alaska. Others have joined White Americans in a very different lifestyle.

What Are Their Beliefs?

West-Central Yupik Eskimos believe that nothing in the universe dies out, but instead it is recycled or reincarnated. That might be why they name newborns after someone who just died. They also have shamans who are religious and healing specialists.

Early missionaries regarded the shamans as adversaries. Shamans stood in the way of Christianization. As time passed, more Yupik Eskimo people became Christian. Today about half identify as Christian.

What Are Their Needs?

Like people everywhere, the West-Central Yupik Eskimo people need a Christ-centered faith. It is easy for all Christians to put their hope and identity in an institution or a religious system instead of the eternal savior.

Prayer Items

Pray for the Lord to raise up some to produce culturally appropriate worship music for the West-Central Yupik Eskimo people.

Pray for the Lord to bless the West-Central Yupik Eskimo people both spiritually and economically.

Pray for disciples who will make more disciples.

Scripture Prayers for the Eskimo, West-Central Yupik in United States.

References

https://www.encyclopedia.com/humanities/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/central-yupik-eskimos

https://www.uaf.edu/anlc/languages-move/centralakyupik.php

https://www.uaf.edu/anla/collections/cayupik/list/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yupik_peoples