ANAKTUVUK PASS 93 



Later, when the observer of the raven's death met with the owner 

 of the whalebone trap, it developed that it had been set near Publatuk 

 Creek along the John River, about 150 miles from the cliffs of the 

 Colville. Traces in the snow had shown that a raven had made off with 

 the bait from Publatuk on the morning of the same day during which 

 it had died 150 miles away on the Colville. This incident is considered 

 by the Nunamiut to substantiate their impression that the common 

 daily travel of ravens extends over wide areas. 



Simon Paneak reported ravens nesting in March among cliffs about 

 20 miles north of the mountain line. A group of about five, which 

 appeared like a family, were heard and seen high among the pinnacles 

 of Napaktualoitch mountain during several days when we camped 

 near there about June 15, 1951. On June 24, I surprised this group 

 on a hillside as I walked over a moraine slope just south of Kango- 

 mavik. Two ravens flew at once, but the other three, which were full 

 sized, waited until I walked within 40 yards of them, and we decided 

 that they behaved like young birds. 



I consider ravens to be established residents. I believe that some 

 ravens come into the Anaktuvuk Valley from distant resorts, and that 

 as the old Nunamiut believed, ravens often make long daily flights. 

 In the mountains, there is no indication of seasonal migration. 



Although displaying a certain cleverness, ravens have not always 

 been successful characters in old Nunamiut stories. At one time a 

 young raven was much admired for his bold manner and glossy dark 

 feathers. He was singled out for attention by the richest man in the 

 village and eventually Raven won the affection and hand of the richest 

 man's daughter. But the affair turned out badly, for Raven was 

 unable to procure any meat but carrion and the young lady's proper 

 disparagement of that fare made Raven's life miserable. 



Before the time of this story and doubtless long ago. Raven and 

 Pacific Loon both had coats of light-colored feathers about like those 

 of the glaucous gulls. One day Raven and Loon were discussing the 

 handicap of their light feathers, which were so conspicuous on the 

 summer tundra. They decided to darken each others coats with 

 charcoal. 



Raven first worked on Loon and applied the symmetrical black and 

 white pattern which we now see on Loon's back. Since Loon could 

 not hold his belly off the ground it retained the original lightness, 

 but both of them were rightly pleased with the result. As Loon started 

 work on Raven's back the curious bird could not restrain his impatience 

 to see the progress. After standing a certain amount of Raven's 

 fidgeting. Loon said the constant inspection unnerved him and had 

 already caused him to mark the two sides unevenly. 



Then Raven agreed to close his eyes while Loon completed the work 



