The Twelve Months of the Year

by Maggie Olson

January

Aunik

Month when you open the door and steam rolls in

February

Nachiatchiek

Month when the seals migrate north

March

Chunausiviik

Month when people carve the boat

April

Umituvik

Month when people go out with the boat (Umiaq)

May

Noghiavik

Month when reindeer lay their fawns

June

Iktlaunukvik

Month of small fish

July

Ichavik

Month when birds molt

August

Ichauilauvik

Month when birds get their new wings

September

Amighlichavik

Month when reindeer lose their velvet

October

Obrukchavik

Month when squirrels lap up the frost

November

Augivik

Month of Eskimo dancing and joyous time after harvest

December

Gipchuk

Month of the homemade top, Christmas time

 

 

Gipchuk

(December)

Month of the homemade top, christmas time