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Aghnaghak Lagoon

Aghnaghak Lagoon

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Extends NW from mouth of Kangik river to Bering Sea, on the N coast of Saint Lawrence Island, 10 mi. SE of Gambell and about 3 mi W of Niyrakpak Lagoon. 5 miles long.

History of Aghnaghak Lagoon

Eskimo name, more correctly transliterated Akhnakhak, which refers to two women, recommended to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in 1949 by the Gambell village council. The name was originally used for the inlet or mouth of the lagoon and refers to tw o young Eskimo women who lost their lives here. The lagoon is reported to be called Akhanam Naiva, meaning womens lagoon, by the Eskimo.