Maniilaq facts for kids

Maniiḷaq (pronounced "mah-NEEL-ahk") is an important figure from the history and stories of the Iñupiat people in northwest Alaska. He lived in the 1800s, before people from other countries arrived in his area. Maniiḷaq was known as a hunter and a healer.

Maniiḷaq's Prophecies

Maniiḷaq was believed to have special abilities. People say he could hear voices that predicted the future. He had visions of new kinds of boats that moved by fire or even flew in the air. These visions likely described the ships and airplanes that would come to Alaska later.

He also heard voices from a higher power, which he called "abba." Some stories say Maniiḷaq rested every seventh day, similar to a day of rest.

Maniiḷaq made other predictions too. He said that the small village of Ambler, Alaska would one day become a large city. He also predicted that a whale would swim far upriver and appear at Ambler. The most distant event he predicted was a day that would be "split in two." Many believe this was a reference to a future solar eclipse.

Healer and Community Leader

Maniiḷaq was known for practicing traditional medicine. This means he used local plants and ancient healing methods to help people. He also stood against the common practice of shamanism at the time. Today, Maniiḷaq is a very important figure in Christian communities in Northwest Alaska.

Maniilaq Association

Maniiḷaq's name is also used for a special organization. The Maniilaq Association is a health and social services group. It is run by local tribes and is based in Kotzebue, Alaska.

The Maniilaq Association operates the Maniiḷaq Health Center in Kotzebue. This center includes a hospital, a clinic, and public health services. They also run clinics in 11 smaller villages across the arctic region. These villages include Ambler, Buckland, Deering, Kiana, Kivalina, Kobuk, Noatak, Noorvik, Selawik, Shungnak, and Pt. Hope. Trained Community Health Aides work at these local clinics to help people.