Bristol Bay Native Corporation’s land department has launched a new mobile app designed to collect, preserve and promote place names rooted in the region’s Alaska Native cultures.
The free Geographic Information System (GIS) map-based app, available in the iOS App Store, allows users to click on locations throughout Bristol Bay to learn their names in languages including Alutiiq/Sugpiaq, Dena’ina, and Yup’ik. Users can also listen to audio pronunciations of many names and test their knowledge with quizzes.
Bristol Bay Online! is closely tied to the BBNC Land Department’s online place names project, a collaborative effort between many Bristol Bay and Alaska organizations. The place names project was initially envisioned by BBNC subsidiary Bristol Environmental & Engineering Services Corporation.
Individuals looking to contribute additional place names or documents to the project can submit them through the app, fill out the online form at bristolbayonline.com or contact the BBNC Land Department at 907-278-3602.
