Nalukataq

Nalukataq (pronounced English pronunciation: /nɐlukɐtɐq/) (naluk- 'to throw it underhand; to toss it up' + kataq) is the spring whaling festival of the Iñupiat Eskimos of Northern Alaska, especially the North Slope Borough. It is characterized by its namesake, the dramatic Eskimo blanket toss. "Marking the end of the spring whaling season," Nalukataq creates, "a sense of being for the entire community and for all who want a little muktuk or to take part in the blanket toss....At no time, however, does Nalukataq relinquish its original purpose, which is to recognize the annual success and prowess of each umialik, or whaling crew captain....Nalukataq [traditions] have always reflected the process of survival inherent in sharing...crucial to...the Arctic."

After the spring whale hunting season, successful crews celebrate with a Nalukataq festival. Associated with the summer solstice, these take place in June, and are scheduled to avoid conflicts between villages in order to allow friends and relatives from distant communities to share the bounty and the fun. In Barrow, for example, Nalukataq is usually held in the third week of June. Other villages may be in the week before or the week after. Scheduling depends on how many whales were caught as well as other factors.

Over the course of a couple of weeks, multiple Nalukataq celebrations may be held, and each of these may be put on by several captains. Barrow, because of its large population, has the most events, but Point Hope, Alaska and other villages along the North Slope also stage several. For example, Kaktovik and Nuiqsut.

Nalukataq serves two purposes. First, it is a celebration of thanksgiving for success. Second, it is the first of several times during the year when quaq (frozen whale meat) and muktuk (whale blubber and skin) are distributed to the community. The ability to produce and distribute wealth among the community is highly valued in Eskimo cultures. Whaling captains who always give away large portions of their whales, gain great stature and respect within the village for every whale they catch. A captain, umialik, is able to sponsor or host, nalukataqtitchi, a festival after catching a whale.

...
Wikipedia