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The Arctic Coast Deanery consists of six Episcopal congregations, all
situated above the Arctic Circle.
There are no roads in the Arctic to connect one village with another and
travel is restricted to airplane, boat, or snow machine. The Brooks Range
runs west to east across this Deanery with peaks rising to elevations
between 4,000 and 9,000 feet.
The people live a largely subsistence lifestyle, consisting of sea
mammals, ducks, and berries. The people do not live in igloos, as many
early school books depict, but have modern frame homes. Their villages
have modern facilities, schools and small stores.
On special occasions the people of the Arctic participate in what is
called a "blanket toss." The blanket toss (actually a canvas) was
originally used to allow Eskimo hunters to spot game, such as walrus and
seal, in the distance. Notice the absence of trees. The white objects at
the front of the photo are whale bones. Whale bones have been used as
grave markers and as fence posts.
In Point Hope, the children in the old village followed a line of whale
bones from the school to the village whenever a blizzard caused "white
out" conditions where they could not see. The bones served as markers so
that they wouldn't get lost.
For a complete
listing of churches, clergy, and addresses, please see the directory.
Fr. Milton Swan of Kivalina, first Eskimo priest of the
Episcopal Church ordained in 1964. Died February 2, 1982.
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Mother and Child
Point Hope, Alaska
Date Unknown |
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Episcopal Congregation
Barrow
St. Alban's-in-the-Arctic
Point Lay
St. Thomas' Church
Point Hope
Epiphany Church
Kivalina
Episcopal Congregation
Noatak
St. George's-in-the-Arctic
Kotzebue |
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