kids encyclopedia robot

Ugamak Island facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Ugamak Island is located in Alaska
Ugamak Island
Location in Alaska

Ugamak Island is a small island in the Aleutian Islands chain, located off the coast of Alaska. It is part of a smaller group of islands known as the Krenitzin Islands. The name "Ugamak" comes from the Aleut language, and it might mean "ceremony island." This name was written down by a person named Father Veniaminov in 1840.

Ugamak Island is about 5.9 miles (9.5 kilometers) long. It is located about 32 miles (51 kilometers) east of another island called Akutan Island.

Exploring Ugamak Island

Ugamak Island is a remote and rugged place. It is part of the long chain of islands that stretch out from Alaska into the Pacific Ocean. These islands are known for their unique wildlife and often stormy weather.

Where is Ugamak Island?

Ugamak Island is found in the eastern part of the Aleutian Islands. These islands are like a natural bridge between North America and Asia. They are known for their many volcanoes and strong winds. Ugamak is specifically part of the Fox Islands group.

On the southeast side of Ugamak Island, you will find a place called Ugamak Bay. This bay is a sheltered area along the coast. To the west of Ugamak, there is a channel of water called Ugamak Strait. This strait is about three miles wide. It separates Ugamak Island from a nearby island named Kaligagan Island.

What's in a Name?

The name Ugamak comes from the native Aleut people. The Aleut are the indigenous people of the Aleutian Islands. A Russian priest, Father Veniaminov, recorded many Aleut words and names in the 1800s. He wrote down the name "Ugamak" in 1840.

According to a language expert named R. H. Geoghegan, the name "Ugamak" might mean "ceremony island." This suggests that the island may have been a special place for the Aleut people in the past. It could have been used for important events or rituals.

Ugamak Island
Ugamak Island as seen from the Unimak Pass in morning light.
Ugamak and Unimak Islands
Ugamak Island as seen from the Bering Sea looking east towards Unimak Island. Ugamak is in the foreground and Shishaldin and Isanotski volcanoes on Unimak Island are in the background.
kids search engine
Ugamak Island Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.