Unalaska, AK – The signature watercraft of the Aleutian Islands is the subject of two events this weekend. An exhibit called "Kayaks of Alaska and Siberia" opens at the Museum of the Aleutians on Saturday, and local historian and kayak enthusiast Jeff Dickrell will be giving a talk and a slideshow about the kayak on Friday.

The museum show is a traveling exhibition that started at the State Museum in Juneau 21 years ago. It features kayaks, kayak models and related artifacts. Collections Manager Jaime Robinson said it covers the whole geographical range of the kayak, but with an added local emphasis.

Dickrell's talk and slideshow, called "The Aleut Kayak," will be locally focused, and will address the unique aspects of the Unangan kayak, and how they were built and used.

"Kayaks of Alaska and Siberia" opens at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Museum of the Aleutians. "The Aleut Kayak" is at 7:30 p.m. Friday in the high school auditorium.