America's Frontier (02:45)

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In this episode of "Arctic," Bruce Parry explores Alaska's untapped gold and fish resources and meets indigenous groups whose traditional lifestyle is under threat. (Credits)

Alaska Salmon Industry (04:58)

Parry begins his Alaska journey learning to fish with the Cabana family on Prince William Sound. Each crew member averages $1,000 per day; the catch is collected for processing and shipped across the world.

Alaskan Salmon Regulations (04:08)

Learn how commercial boats work together to corral salmon in nets. The Cabana family has made nearly $1 million in one summer; despite enormous profits the local fishery is managed sustainably through permits and hatcheries.

Fishing Livelihoods (02:36)

The Cabana family relaxes towards the end of the Alaskan salmon season. They are optimistic that the local fishery could last for generations if managed sustainably.

Alaska's Modern Gold Rush (02:19)

Parry travels from Prince William Sound to Nome, a 19th century gold rush town. Recent price increases have attracted a father and son team from Alabama.

Nome Prospecting Community (03:23)

Parry meets modern gold diggers using homemade dredging machines to search Alaska's Bering Sea coastline. Learn the risks of diving in sub-zero water.

Dredging for Gold (07:20)

Parry joins a prospecting team diving off the Alaskan coast in freezing temperatures. After returning to shore he learns how to pan, collecting $200 worth in the process. Prospectors are willing to risk their lives for their passion.

Alaskan Whale Hunting (02:49)

Parry flies from Nome to the Iñupiat village of Kaktovik on the north coast to learn about traditional whaling—a controversial topic. The Inuit community is wary of outside judgment and he feels unwelcome as they prepare for the bowhead hunt.

Inuit Whaling Beliefs (03:13)

Parry meets the Rexfords, an Iñupiat family that guides tourists in Kaktovik. Filming isn't allowed during the sacred hunt; Eddy explains that animals are respected in his culture as they prepare his ice cellar for the meat.

Encountering Alaskan Polar Bears (02:45)

A mother and cubs arrive in Kaktovik in anticipation of the whale hunt, hungry after swimming 150 miles from the Arctic ice pack. A cub approaches Parry and Eddy on the beach; they keep a distance for safety reasons.

Gaining Trust in Kaktovik (01:41)

Eddy's wife introduces Parry to her cousin James, a captain on the Iñupiat whale hunt. His family describes Arctic life over dinner; Parry is invited to breakfast before the hunt.

Iñupiat Whaling Process (04:38)

James shows Parry traditional and modern harpoon methods as the Kaktovik crew prepares for a hunt. After the boats leave, Parry waits for radio news with community members.

Inuit Whale Celebration (05:34)

Kaktovik villagers welcome whaling crews back to shore. Parry isn't allowed to film as they carve the carcass but he joins the feast; the captain describes the spiritual and cultural importance of the hunt.

Sharing an Inuit Harvest (03:02)

Whale meat is distributed throughout the community and Kaktovik families watch polar bears eating the remains of the carcass. Parry reflects on Iñupiat respect for their food source and Western misconceptions of indigenous whaling.

Credits: Alaska: Arctic with Bruce Parry (00:31)

Credits: Alaska: Arctic with Bruce Parry