When GCI starts planning for a new infrastructure project, there are many things to consider and prepare for — confirming the business case, permitting for the land we’ll need access to, determining the best technology for the region, and more. But one thing that is always at the forefront of our planning is respect for Alaska Native people and cultures. We know that many of the sites we may be working in have historical significance for Alaska Native people. That’s why, at every stage of planning and construction, we’re prepared for any historical artifacts or sites we may encounter.
Life in the Aleutians is like nowhere else in the world. The region consists of 14 large islands and 55 smaller islands that have been home to the Unangax̂ and Alutiiq Alaska Native peoples for more than 9,000 years. As the Aleutians Fiber Project advances to lay more than 800 miles of subsea fiber optic cable to deliver urban-level internet to Unalaska, King Cove, Chignik Bay, Akutan, Sand Point, and Larsen Bay, our team continues to be mindful of the region’s rich Alaska Native cultures and histories.
When we undertake large infrastructural projects like the Aleutians Fiber Project, we always want to ensure that we’re careful to preserve the past. It’s why we’ve partnered with Sean Mack and cultural consulting company Area M to lead our construction monitoring team to help record and identify any unexpected and uncovered historical site or artifact.
The process started in the planning stages of the project. The team used state records to map known archeological sites along the fiber route. This allowed GCI to flag high-potential site areas to be prepared and adjust as necessary.
GCI’s Jeremiah Johnson and his team of dedicated techs are ready to support fiber-optic connectivity in the Aleutians
Since construction began, the team has been ready in case any unexpected sites or artifacts are discovered. According to Mack, when digging through an area that has been culturally used for 10,000 years, coming across unexpected sites is likely.
When any artifact or site is found, all work is stopped, and an evaluation begins. Information gathered is sent to the state, the city, the local village corporation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service. GCI then works with each entity and the local tribe to determine next steps and designate local museums to receive anything that’s found.
While no Alaska Native sites or artifacts have been found on this project, the team has uncovered a utilidor from WWII, a u-shaped cement box that power lines run through.
If any Alaska Native sites or artifacts are found, GCI is well-equipped and experienced in what to do. During the summer of 2013, while working on the TERRA project to connect Kotzebue with high-speed network capabilities, we unexpectedly found Thule artifacts. Following this discovery, GCI immediately halted construction and consulted archeologists on the best path forward. The discovery prompted a new route for the fiber being laid and when the project eventually resumed in 2015, an on-site archaeologist evaluated the contents of every bucket of soil.
After unexpectedly discovering the site, approximately 4,000 artifacts and animal bones were uncovered. Findings included ivory combs, subsistence tools and spears that represent the most advanced technologies in the coastal area during the time of use. Testing and analysis revealed the materials dated back to A.D. 1210-1275.
The artifacts moved into a new home at Alaska’s Museum of the North. As Alaska’s leading provider of connectivity, we wanted to make sure people everywhere had the opportunity to connect with the artifacts and history that were discovered. We worked with Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation, the Bureau of Land Management, Native Village of Kotzebue, National Park Service, State Historic Preservation Office and Kotzebue Middle High School to launch an interactive website giving people around the world the ability to experience and enjoy the artifacts.
Looking ahead to completing the Aleutians Fiber Project, we truly cannot wait to bring the gold standard of internet connectivity to some of the most remote locations in the world — all while preserving the rich culture and history of the region.
Find the latest updates from the Aleutians Fiber Project at gci.com/aleutianfiberproject.