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Alaska is home to three native peoples. The Eskimos, although best known, share the vast land with their island relatives, the Aleuts, and with a large number of Indians.
The story of these native residents of the great northern peninsula that became a State in 1959 is told in a booklet just published by the Bureau of Indian Affairs--Indians, Eskimos, and Aleuts of Alaska.
Here is a sampling of some little known facts revealed in the new publication:
-- The 14,444 Indians, 23,323 Eskimos, and 5,755 Aleuts counted in the most recent census represent roughly one-fifth of the State population;
-- Aleut sea-hunters harvest about BO percent of the fur seal pelts taken each year on the Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea.
-- Alaska Eskimos do not live in igloos, but sometimes construct snow windbreaks when caught in storms;
-- Native jade and ivory carvings of remarkable beauty are sought by collectors throughout the world.
In the course of a tumultuous and colorful history, Alaska--or Alyeska, as the Aleuts call the region--has survived occupation by Russian fur traders; a Gold Rush; post-war land booms; the advent of Statehood; and a devastating earthquake. These and other historic highlights thread through the booklet just issued.
Amply illustrated, the 16-page publication may be purchased at 15 cents a copy from the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D. C. 20402. A discount of 25 percent is allowed on quantity orders of 100 or more, to be mailed to one address.
This booklet is the third in a current BIA series. Two earlier publications, Indians of North Carolina and Indians of Oklahoma, are for sale at the same address and price.
