Who were the first people to inhabit Alaska?

The first people to inhabit Alaska were the Alaska Native peoples, who include various indigenous groups such as the Inupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Tlingit, and Haida, among others. These groups have rich histories and cultures that date back thousands of years, long before any external influences arrived.

Archaeological evidence suggests that the ancestors of these peoples migrated from Asia across the Bering Land Bridge, which connected Siberia to North America during the last Ice Age. Over time, they developed unique ways of life, adapted to the diverse environments of Alaska, and formed complex societies.

While European explorers and Russian settlers did arrive later, they were not the first inhabitants. The presence of Asian immigrants occurred as part of a much later migration pattern, and while these groups contributed to the history of Alaska, they followed the establishment of the deep-rooted communities already present there. Understanding the significance of Alaska Native peoples is crucial for recognizing their contributions and the importance of their cultures in the context of Alaskan history.