Press Release

Shell contributes to Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission

04/08/2005

Funds to help defray cost of Nalukataq

Chandler Wilhelm, Alaska Exploration Manager, provides a donation to Maggie Ahmaogak, Executive Director of the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC). The $2,000 contribution will be used to help with the costs associated with the Nalukataq (whale festival) held in Barrow in June.

The villagers along the North Slope of Alaska maintain a subsistence lifestyle. They hunt bowhead whales, and other animals, and use this as their primary food source. After the whaling season, bounty is shared with the entire community at a Nalukataq. This whale festival is a celebration that features a public feast, singing, dancing and a blanket toss.