Precontact" may not be found in everyday conversation, but it describes the period prior to the time that Europeans/Americans first interacted with Native Americans. And it is commonplace in any discussion of Alaska history. "Contact" in Alaska began with the explorations of Vitus Bering in 1741. With this book, you will journey back to precontact Alaska, when ways of living had not significantly changed for 10,000 years or more. Archaeologist and author, ELLEN BIELAWSKI captivates readers with her own sense of wonder and discovery as she explains how the landscape looked in prehistoric times, how it has changed, and how those changes shaped human life into the distinctive people groups of the Far North. The book includes Native interpretations as well as scientific evidence. IN SEARCH OF ANCIENT ALASKA also serves as a travel guide to view archaeological remains throughout Alaska, from well-known sites such as Beluga Point, to sites that are unreachable to the average traveler. A list of scientific digs will be included with contact information for those who"d like to join the work crew. (These popular "vacations" are for people who pay to work hard and live in rude conditions as archaeological field assistants.)