What is a traditional food source for many Alaska Native tribes?

Salmon is regarded as a traditional food source for many Alaska Native tribes due to its significant cultural, nutritional, and economic importance. These communities have relied on salmon for thousands of years, utilizing its abundant availability in the region's rivers and streams.

Salmon is not only a critical part of the diet, but it also plays a central role in traditional practices, including fishing techniques and preservation methods such as smoking and drying. During seasonal runs, various species of salmon provide vital sustenance, supporting food security and contributing to the cultural identity of the tribes.

While caribou, seal, and walrus are also traditional food sources and hold cultural significance, salmon's prominence and the manner in which it integrates into the lifestyle and traditions of Alaska Natives make it a standout choice for this question. Caribou is an important land animal for many tribes, especially those in the interior, and seal and walrus provide valuable resources for coastal communities, but salmon's widespread use and reliance across diverse Alaska Native groups make it particularly noteworthy.