The Cordova daily times., 1919-12-04
NOATAKS ARE CALLED ARABS
 OF THE NORTH


 Noatak Eskimo school in the village in the Arctic circle, relates some in teresting things regarding the natives in his annual report to the bureau of education, part of which follows:
 A reorganization meeting of the Noatak native council was held early in November by the village electo- | rate. Seven men were chosen to con- duct and adjust native affairs, differ ences and disputes, and again affirm that a native village without a gov erning council is not progressive. These men met at stated periods and listened carefully to suggestions, and then did not hesitate to put measures of improvement into operation.
 All dogs were chained, even half grown puppies, which have been known to chew sled lashings and otherwise damage property. Worth less, stray, stunted and inferior sled dogs were destroyed. Old people were urged to make wills to 'avold disagreements among their relatives after their deaths. Younger men were sent into the timber land to secure fuel logs for old women and for fami- lies whose adult members were on the trapping grounds. After a fire had destroyed one village home the council made periodic examinations or each and every flue and chimney, with the result that no other fires occurred. We have seen just as efficient coun- oils at other places, and firmly believe they are organizations spelling ad- vancement.
 No attempt has been made hereto fore to cultivate the Noatak soil. Last summer we were so impressed With the house gardens at Kotzebue, Noor- vik and Kiana that we have several garden plats set to potatoes, turnips, radishes and other vegetablesS the success of which venture will mean much to Noatak. The soil is appar- ently as fertile as at Noorvlk, put slower to warm to depth. It may De that the season is backward this year, but we are willing to make every e1- fort to make potatoes grow on the Noatak.
 The Noatak is not a homesteader or stay-at-home in any sense Of the term. We are familiar with the Els kimO from Barrow to Unalakleet, the islanders and the Siberian natives; but the Noatak native is probably the most restless wanderer of them all. Early in April he begins overhaullng his seal gear, boats, spears, netc etc.. and by May he, his family, his dogs, tents, household goods, practically everything he possesses, with the sole exception of his cabin, is sledding along the ancient trail to the sealing grounds. He makes two relay camps en route, and in the course of ten days or two weeks, reaches his mecca the haunt of the Eskimo's best friend, natchuk, the seal Any time before July will do for Kotzebue, which IS seventy-five miles from the NOatak sealing camp. The summer spent at Kotzebue and autumn at hand, the Noataker turns homeward by way Of the river, stopping at will to fish, gather berries and to hunt birds. Eventually he reaches his village and goes into camp on the sand bars at the foot of the village site. There fishing and drying fish are resumed in earnest. His racks are red with salmon sides drying the fast shorten ing days. He remains in his tent un- til the frost has dried out his rain- soaked cabin, which is repaired, win dows replaced, and made comfortable for the winter. Early in December he sets out for his favorite trapping ground, and beyond trip or two back to the village for food, to sell skins, or for the Christmas festival, he spends most of his winters 100 or 200 miles from home. Sometimes his wife and a child or two are taken along, but in most cases the children are left in the village with neighbors or relatives, so they can attend school. Trapping finished, the April movement ' to the sealing ground occurs again ln due order. The same grand swing around the circle which has been as regular as the transit of Mercury for