10. Traveling on Makeshift Rafts and Canoes
Rivers and coastal waters provided vital arteries for transportation in Alaska’s rugged landscape. Early inhabitants constructed rafts and canoes using driftwood or animal skins stretched over lightweight frames. These ingenious watercraft enabled movement, trade, and hunting during the brief summer months, when overland routes were often blocked by dense forests or wetlands. To explore more about traditional Alaskan watercraft and their significance, visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
