A Study of Traditional Activities in the Exit Glacier Area of Kenai Fjords National Park

Project ID: J8W07100021

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2010

Initial Funding: $15,627

Total Funding: $15,627

Project Type: Technical Assistance

Project Disciplines: Cultural

National Park: Kenai Fjords National Park

Principal Investigator: Deur, Doug

Agreement Technical Representative: Mason, Rachel

Abstract: This project is a collaborative effort between the National Park Service (NPS) and the University of Washington to use detailed oral histories already compiled among individuals from the Seward area, along with secondary sources, to research and write a report entitled “Traditional Activities in the Exit Glacier Area of Kenai Fjords National Park.” The central portion of the park contains the Harding Icefield, one of the largest ice fields in the United States, from which no fewer than 38 active glaciers exit into valleys and tidewater locations surrounding the park. Of these glaciers, Exit Glacier is the most publicly accessible, with road access from the town of Seward. The life histories and other information presented in this report will provide insights into the history of Seward that will be of value to NPS interpreters. This information will also describe Seward residents’ traditional activities, as defined by Title XI of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), in and around Seward with special emphasis on the Exit Glacier area.