Remembering Steve Oomittuk and the Power of Point Hope

[Maia Genaux]

Dear Friends, 

The Alaska Peace Center came to know of Steve Oomittuk during the February 2024 Symposium "Alaska in the Crosshairs: Climate, Arctic Environment, & the Resurgence of Nuclear Weapons.”

Our recognition of his passing is attached below.  And the text is copied here. 

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Remembering Steve Oomittuk and the Power of Point Hope

Belatedly but sincerely, the Alaska Peace Center recognizes the passing of Alzred Steve Sitchaqrauq Oomittuk, 8 May 1962 – 15 Dec 2024, of Point Hope/ Tikiġaq, Alaska.  He was a beloved teacher of Iñupiaq knowledge, wisdom, history and traditional stories. 

Peace and environmental activists are deeply indebted to all who have worked for a sane and healthy planet. Historically important in this, is the courage, wisdom and leadership of the people of Point Hope/ Tikiġaq, including Steve Oomittuk. Those of us today have powerful predecessors to follow, and, if possible, live up to and go beyond.

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In February 2024, Steve Oomittuk and Dan O’Neill, author of “The Firecracker Boys,” co-presented during the Symposium "Alaska in the Crosshairs: Climate, Arctic Environment, & the Resurgence of Nuclear Weapons.”

They discussed “Project Chariot,” a 1958 United States proposal to develop “Atoms for Peace” by detonating five nuclear bombs to create an artificial harbor at Point Hope. Steve and Dan focused on how the Tikiġaġmiut, the people of Point Hope, with others, successfully derailed the project.

The symposium was sponsored by Juneau Veterans For Peace Chapter 100 and the Alaska Peace Center, and it was recorded by KTOO 360TV television, Juneau, Alaska.

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We appreciate Steve Oomittuk’s love of his culture and his work for a better world. 

Our condolences and gratitude go out to the family and friends of Steve, and the courageous people of Point Hope. 

“They say the native people were nomadic, following the animals. That’s not true about the Tikiġaq people. The animals came to us. We knew they were coming to give themselves to us. And the animals go with the ice. If the ice goes away, the animals go away.” Steve Oomittuk

A Little Extra Information

Here is a recording of Steve telling the story of Tuluŋigraq – Raven Man – during the 2022 INU 210 “Iñupiaq Land Use, Values, and Resources” cultural summer camp in Tikiġaq, Alaska. https://youtu.be/KFIhZd-oPAM?si=FR2Oyb9WVwOxvah

Alaska in the Crosshairs: Climate, Arctic Environment, & the Resurgence of Nuclear Weapons Program 2. “Project Chariot and the Tikiġaġmiut perspective”:  

 https://www.akhopecongress.org/symposium  (1:29:30)

Sections were broadcast, by KTOO 360TV television in September 2025.  https://www.ktoo.org/360TV/where-to-watch/

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For Peace, Well-Being and Earth Wisdom, 

Maia Genaux 

for the Alaska Peace Center 

bcc: APC, CRFM

currently on the traditional homelands of the Nez Perce people, the Nimíipuu 

Practice seeing and creating our best possible future