Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

Brevig Mission resident, Olanna, receives Statewide VPSO of the Year Award

illage Public Safety Officer Director, Gina Appolloni is pleased to announce that VPSO Winfred Olanna, Jr. received V the coveted VPSO of the Year Award. Olanna is stationed in his hometown of Brevig Mission, Alaska and has served in this posi‐ tion for three and half years. Currently, he has earned the rank of Ser‐ geant within the State of Alaska, Division of Public Safety. Sgt. Olanna has successfully completed the Drug Awareness Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) instructor school and a 48 hour Alaska Marine Safety Instructor training. He has also served as a Training Assis‐ tance Counseling Officer at the VPSO Academy. Pictured above is Colonel Keith Mallard, director with the Alaska State Appolloni notes, “Winfred is an exemplary employee and continually Troopers presenting the award to Sergeant Winfred Olanna, Jr. receives accolades from outside agencies for always willing to assist Photo by Beth Ipsen, Information Officer II. when needed.” For more information about the VPSO Program or how to become a From the Editor: This is the 2nd time that a Kawerak VPSO has received VPSO in your community, call Gina Appolloni, VPSO director at this award. Sergeant VPSO Dan Harrelson from White Mountain re‐ 1(877)219‐2599 or via electronic mail at [email protected] or ceived the Award in 2010. visit our website at www.kawerak.org. Kawerak celebrates 40 Years at the Regional Conference by Donna James, Senior Planner rom the opening day keynote address land Singers & Dancers. They all truly touched gional conference theme to life—Celebrating by 2012 Iditarod champion John everyone in the audience‐with their exuber‐ our Past while Owning our Future. She men‐ F Baker, to the final drum beat of the ance and energy. The Sivuqaq Dancers even tioned past and present leaders; William King Island Singers and Drummers; it was revived an old tradition of handing out gifts Oquilluk, Joe and Ron Senungetuk, Herbie three days and nights filled with engaging dia‐ during their final dance with the distribution Nayokpuk and Loretta Bullard. Honestly, I logue, dance and reindeer stew. Attendees of necklaces. could not move from my chair until her speech enjoyed the hands‐on cultural workshops A new addition to the conference was the was over. She inspired me to read all their (string games, qivuit process‐ presentation of awards to individuals and or‐ books, learn my Inupiaq language, eat niqip‐ ing, yarn basket weaving and ganizations that have enriched the lives of iaq food more often and teach my children to agutuk making) and were Alaska Native people and were modeled after hunt and gather as we have always done and I moved to dance by the the Alaska Federation of Natives President’s know especially Alaska Pride group. Mao Tosi Awards (see page 2 for their full nominations). after attending this and his team energized the year’s conference‐ youth to their feet with their There were many highlights to the 2013 com‐ our people will incredible dance and song. memorative conference; but most notewor‐ continue to do so thy was the final keynote address by a legend I will never forget the final night performances long into the fu‐ in her own field of writing prose and novels‐ ture. by the Inalit Dancers from Diomede, Qughsat‐ Joan Kane. I listened to her speech on KNOM kut Dancers (from Gambell) and the King Is‐ and I was truly inspired as she brought our re‐ Photos clockwise from top right: Culture Bearer Award recipient John Sinnok, Elder Leadership Award recipient Vera Kaneshiro’s family of Gambell, Youth Leadership Award recipient Beverly Nakarak of Elim, Hunter/Subsistence Award recipient Jolene Nanouk Jones of Unalakleet and Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation receiving the Community Impact Award with Sterling Gologergen, Janice Ivanoff and Paul “Bebuks” Ivanoff. Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. 40th Year Celebratory Awards 2013

The Community Impact Award acknowl‐ sented to Beverly Nakarak. Island Yupik dictionary, an important first edges an individual or organization whose step in preserving the language. She trained work has affected change or impacted Alaska Beverly was born in Nome, but has been liv‐ teachers of the language, holding workshops Natives in their community. We would like to ing in Elim all her life. Her parents are Morris in Nome and Gambell. She translated many recognize all the outstanding nominations and Lolita Nakarak and her grandparents are works including a documentary film which received for this category: Gladys Pete of Wallace and Jessie Amaktoolik and Andrew won a blue ribbon in a United States film fes‐ Stebbins, Donna Barr of Shishmaref, Lew and Ida Nakarak. Beverly comes from a fam‐ tival for documentaries (A Time of Whaling) Tobin of Nome, NSEDC, Savoonga Youth ily of two girls and five boys. During her high and translations for “On the Spring Ice.” Leaders, Teller Youth Leaders, Teller Future school years Beverly was active in the Elim These were accomplished in the 1970’s. Educators of Alaska and Golovin Youth Students Against Uranium, Alaska Youth for Track. Congratulations to all for receiving Environment Action and participated in mul‐ Throughout her life and travels, involvement well‐deserved nominations. This year’s tiple meetings and trainings to become more with her language and culture remained fore‐ award is being presented to NSEDC’s knowledgeable about environmental issues most along with her family. She took linguis‐ Small Business Initiative (SBI) pro‐ that impact her community and to share her tic courses wherever and whenever possible and met many people who were dedicated to gram. knowledge with others. Beverly was a youth the preservation of their culture and lan‐ delegate at the Western Mining Action Net‐ guage. She taught Native Studies and lan‐ Nominations for NSEDC stated, “SBI is an work training and presented at the Bering guage at the University of Alaska Anchorage avenue for individuals to promote and de‐ Strait Norton Sound Environmental Confer‐ in the 80’s and 90’s and participated in Glas‐ velop business ventures in an effort to help ence. She has written letters to the editor nost and Peristroika during the Gorbachav alleviate social and economic issues facing about issues that impact her community and era of Russia, exchanging ideas and learning the Norton Sound region”. Since inception, was recently appointed as the Youth Repre‐ of Russian counterpart Yupiks. SBI has injected a total of $509,000 for the sentative to the Inuit Circumpolar Council’s start or expansion of small businesses into Food Security Advisory Committee, repre‐ Her latest and probably final work was the the Bering Strait region. senting the Bering Strait region. Beverly is editing of a book called “Faces We Remem‐ currently training to be a health aide. ber” with Igor Krupnik of the Arctic Studies, NSEDC ignited a culture of entrepreneurism Other words describing Beverly include: Smithsonian Institution. It is a collection of within our communities and sparked hope for “Beverly is a very smart and talented young photographs by a visiting dentist in the early those who have always wanted to start a lady.” “Beverly is passionate about environ‐ part of the 90’s. It contains photographs and business. The number one barrier to business mental issues that impact her community portraits of people narrating, and preserving development within our region is financing, and making sure that subsistence resources images which otherwise would be lost and and this program has bridged that gap for stay safe and available for Elim and other re‐ unknown. those who have been awarded funds. gion communities.”

Her persistence in preserving her culture and Thanks to NSEDC and their commitment to The Elder Leadership Award recognizes an language reflect urgency to all people who entrepreneurs within our region, dreams Alaska Native Elder who exemplifies the are in the precipice of losing a large part of have become reality. This has made a huge highest of values and qualities important to what and who they are. Along with her impact on our Alaska Native communities Alaska Native people. Vince Pikonganna of works for the preservation of her heritage, where economic development is underdevel‐ King Island, Vera Kaneshiro of Anchorage, she firmly stands in her belief and faith as a oped. The SBI program continues to make Morris Kiyutelluk of Shishmaref, Francis Christian. She was on the committee to form our region stronger and healthier and break‐ Wright of Solomon and Davis Sookpik of a Church which provides a welcoming place ing trail for a strong economic future for new Shishmaref. This award is being presented for Natives and people of all races to worship. entrepreneurs. to Vera Kaneshiro Her efforts to include people of all races and

backgrounds in whatever endeavor has re‐ The Youth Leadership Award commends a Vera Kaneshiro (Oovi) was born and raised in sulted in many friends of many backgrounds. young Alaska Native individual for their lead‐ Gambell and currently resides in Anchorage. ership and outstanding efforts to raise Vera has been a strong advocate and teacher Nominations for Vera shared, “This St. Law‐ awareness of issues within their peer group for her Yupik Culture and language through‐ rence Island Siberian Yupik lady has enriched or community on a local or regional level. out her adult life. She began her work at the many lives and improved the lives of Alaska Rayna Buck Nassuk of White Mountain, Mor‐ Alaska Native language Center at the Univer‐ Natives, who she has taught the way of our gan Lockwood of Stebbins, Beverly Nakarak sity of Alaska Fairbanks. Her first works were heritage, our culture, our stories and our writ‐ of Elim, Linda Cooper of Unalakleet, and the translations of Yupik stories and creating ten language.” Jacob Okbaok of Brevig Mission. Congratula‐ literacy materials for the language system tions to everyone nominated as you are all developed at the Center. Along with four truly deserving. This award is being pre‐ other people, she produced a St. Lawrence Continued on Page 5, See Awards 2013

KAWERAK’S VISION: “Building on the inherent strength of our cultural values, we shall assist our tribes and residents to create a positive future.” In keeping with this Vision Statement, Kawerak has increased our training and technical assistance services to tribes in the following communities:

BREVIG MISSION GOLOVIN SAVOONGA ST. MICHAEL COUNCIL KING ISLAND SHAKTOOLIK TELLER DIOMEDE KOYUK SHISHMAREF UNALAKLEET ELIM MARY’S IGLOO SOLOMON WALES GAMBELL NOME STEBBINS WHITE MOUNTAIN

Kawerak Divisions are: Children & Family Services | Community Services | Education, Employment & Training | Natural Resources | Transportation

Kawerak Newsletter Page 2 Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

School Visit: Never Give Up! By Seth Kantner

his afternoon I volunteered at Miss Jurs’ I found that bear in the brush. My wife fifth grade class, something I’ve done and daughter helped skin it in the dark T randomly this winter. I went in today night. planning to show slides of West Africa: of kids The second visit I made to the class‐ sifting through dumps, dismantling radios and room, I told the kids we had just lost phones to sell the tiny bolts and nuts and our prop nut off our outboard motor. screws, and those same children fashioning tin Plunk‐‐in the river. Right after cans into funnels and lamps and watering cans. Breakup; ice was flowing and floating It all started with Miss Jurs talking about her beside the boat. ‘deconstruction zone’, a box of old torn‐apart “Want to dive down under the ice and electronics and appliances and cameras she swim for it like I did when I was a teen‐ uses to teach her students how things work—an ager? Or should we make a magnet idea straight after my own heart, and straight out of nails and wire?” from my past, too. The kids were excited about making As kids my brother and I didn’t have electricity, things out of junk—especially some‐ so our first love of electronics was to go to the thing electric—so we started making village dump and tear AM radios and CB’s and an electro magnet, with a long stick electric motors apart, to see how all the magic and wire and a “20D” nail. It took inside worked, and then make things from the awhile; once again things were not parts. working out well. I kept suggesting My first trip to this fifth grade class, I told them that if we failed, we’d need one of we needed to make a light to look for a them to swim in ice water and feel wounded brown bear. The kids didn’t know me. around on the bottom of the river. They gathered around, interested. I filled them “We never give up,” they reminded in on the story. me. Do we give up?” One fall, hunters had slightly grazed a bear with Finally we had a working magnet. I blindfolded a bullet, and for as few day the bear had hung They were tense and excited. “No!” our first volunteer, Brian Stalker, so he couldn’t around our camp along the river. My daughter “We never give up.” see down into the river‐‐and then had him lie was five years old and she liked to roam around across ‘the boat’ which was actually a table, and outside, playing in the leaves on the hill and We tried a bunch of bulbs and wires and various batteries. Nothing would work. My hands were reach that stick with the nail taped on the end picking cranberries. I was worried about that down into the ‘water’. bear showing up again. shaking—from too much coffee that morning— but it added to the wounded‐bear affect. I I assigned another volunteer Deborah Stein to In the evening at dusk I spotted the golden knew we were running out of time, too‐‐Miss be the ‘current’. She caught on instantly;e sh shoulders that bear had‐‐coming across the Jurs had only allotted me half an hour. I re‐ gently pushed the bottom end of the stick back tundra. I hid under my dad’s log cache. The peated, “Do we give up? and forth, making it harder for the blindfolded dusk kept getting darker and the bear closer “No, we never give up.” boy to line up with the steel nut lying there on and closer, camouflaged in all the new brush to the carpet. the north. My vision is terrible in low light, and While I scraped the terminals on a Makita drill the bear was dark brown except that bright battery, I filled them in on the rest of the story. The students were keyed‐up and mesmerized. patch. Once in awhile through my binocs I It was a great success. We had to keep throw‐ Upriver, that night, I’d scotch‐taped four AA ing that prop nut back over the side, so other caught a glimpse of golden fur. I kept staring, batteries and a broken spotlight reflector and and blinking and staring. Finally, I was pretty kids could have a shot at rescuing it. It was fun. bulb to a stick of kindling, then used alligator Those kids sure are fun. certain a bear was standing in front of me. clips and wire to make it come to light. I I peered through my scope and fired. The bear headed out on the tundra in the pitch black al‐ Today we intended to see those slides of Africa, dropped, thrashed around and disappeared in ders‐‐with a shotgun and my little lamp turned but I forgot them at home, so instead I told the dark, back the way it had come. I ran up to off to save power. When I got close to where I’d them stories of bandits and police in West Af‐ the house and started flinging junk around— shot, I clipped the wire on. rica—and how it was hard to tell the two apart— trying to make some sort of spotlight out of kin‐ both groups liking to drag nail‐filled boards Every few steps one of my alligator clips jumped across the road in front of your vehicle, and dling, AA batteries, and old reflector, tape and off, plunging me into darkness. “Yoo‐hoo, Mr. wire. then suggest you might want to give them a Wounded Bear?” I didn’t really say that, but ‘gift’. “Ready?” I asked the kids. that’s about how pathetic the whole search Cadeau is the West African French word for gift. They were wide‐eyed. “Yes!” seemed. Actually, I was somewhat sure I made a good shot and if I could ever find him in the The class caught on right away. The kids were We dumped a box of junk on the carpet. “We dark that bear would be dead in the brush. fast, laughing and picking up on to the humor of need batteries,” I told them. “We need some using naily boards in that manner. A few of sort of a bulb. We need wire to get the electric‐ In the classroom, finally we broke pieces of plas‐ them said they were going home to “ask Mom ity to the bulb. We need to hurry; we have to tic out of a phone to wedge wire against the for a cado.” drill battery terminals. We connected that to a find that wounded bear. It’ll suffer and the By now they probably have. I hope I haven’t warm meat will rot if we wait until morning.” four‐wheeler taillight bulb, tied twine to the battery to hang it around my neck, and wired started anything. I just wanted to show them a I snipped a power cord off a smashed radio, the bulb inside a flashlight reflector, and taped different view of stuff some people might call wired it to a bulb socket and an AC bulb, and junk. that to my hat. It wasn’t very pretty. plugged it into the wall. It lit up. The students Editor’s Note: Seth Kantner is a writer who has were impressed. Someone flipped the lights off. Our contraption sent a beam of light across the dark room. The attended the University of Alaska and studied “Are there wall sockets on the tundra? kids were enthralled. Miss Jurs’ fifth‐grade class journalism at the University of Montana. He has “No.” was prepared to go look for the bear. worked as a photographer, trapper, fisherman, mechanic and igloo‐builder and now lives in “Okay. Save the wire. We have to keep trying. Ten years ago my light worked about the same. Kotzebue, Alaska.

Page 3 Kawerak Newsletter Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. Wellness Program brings Youth to Regional Conference by Bridie Trainor, Wellness Program Director

outh from throughout the re‐ gion spent four nights in Nome Y to share in the Bering Strait Re‐ gional Conference. Activities included: Elders and youth conversations on life goals and education, traditional knowl‐ edge of hunting and respect, a lively af‐ ternoon with Daryl Tonemah, discus‐ sions on intervention, music and dance with Mao Tosi and his crew, drug pre‐ vention education, pot luck and the tra‐ ditional dance celebration.

Youth attended the Regional Confer‐ ence after answering the question, “What does culture mean to me?” Ethan Shayen of Unalakleet gave this perspec‐ tive on his culture below.

Amazing youth at the 2013 Kawerak Re‐ gional Conference attending the Beringia Center of Culture and Science Traditional Clothing Exhibit at the Old Saint Joseph’s Church in mid‐town Nome, Alaska. Our leaders of right now and in the future!

What does Culture Mean to Me? By Ethan Shayen, from Unalakleet y culture is my way of life. Whether INUPIAQ VALUES: All those values plus my other culture values, it be how I act or how I treat others, Knowledge of Language | Knowledge of affect your future or my future. The people it has a beautiful impact on or in my back then were wise, they knew about survival, M Family Tree | Sharing | Humility | Respect life. If a problem comes there's that part of me and how important it is to keep our peoples' that's a warrior, won't give up easy. Then for Elders | Love for Children | Cooperation heritage alive. The way I take these values to there's that part of me that's loving, caring and |Hard Work | Respect for Others | Respect heart and apply it to life will help me in the long gentle. I really don't think that's how I was for Nature | Avoid Conflict | Family Roles, run. Just like knowing right from wrong and born, but how I was raised. Humor | Spirituality | Domestic Skills | showing you know the difference.

Growing up, I was taught to love others. Hunter Success & Responsibility to Tribe. Knowing my culture and taking it to my heart

Whether they do something very wrong, it and applying it to life shows others I'm serious. Now I realize that Responsibility to Tribe doesn't matter, they're human. Teaching others helps keep our culture and means not just to your Tribe but to where you heritage going. We do that, and that affects are. We're so spread out now a days. All those, My Gram and the rest of the family told me our future generation. One day I'll be an Elder, how you are, or how I am reflects your family. about our and I know by teaching young ones, we who

are young will be respected.

Kawerak Newsletter Page 4 Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. New GED Testing Attention Veterans: Effective 1/1/2014 A Grateful Thank You for Your Service by Ron Huffman, Community Education Director

he GED Testing Service has announced its big‐ ecently, the Veterans Administration (VA) and Indian Health Service gest revamping of the GED program in its 69 signed a Native Health Sharing and Reimbursement Agreement au‐ T year history. The project includes new rewrit‐ R thorizing the VA to reimburse the Native Health Program for direct ten GED Tests, a shift from paper and pencil testing to services provided to eligible veterans in clinics across Alaska. However, in or‐ computers, and a testing fee of $120 charged to take der for any reimbursement to take place the veteran must be enrolled in the the tests. This new policy becomes effective on January VA Healthcare system and considered eligible by the VA. A big obstacle ham‐ 1, 2014. pering the success of the sharing agreement is many veterans across the state are not enrolled. The revised GED tests will have alignment to Common The VA rules state that Veterans’ who served in the active military service and Core curricula adopted by most states to increase col‐ separated under any condition other than dishonorable may qualify for VA lege and career readiness. Tests will be harder and have Healthcare benefits. Current and former members of the Reserves and Na‐ multiple performance levels like high school equivalency tional Guard, who were called to active duty (other than training only) by a and college career readiness. The one required short Federal order and completed the full period for which they were called or or‐ essay in the current GED writing exam will likely be dered to active duty, may also be eligible for VA Health Care. transformed into two longer essays. Shorter essays will be embedded across other subject areas of the tests. How to Enroll in VA Healthcare The reading test will be combined with writing, reducing To enroll in VA Healthcare you must complete a VA Form 10‐10EZ, APPLICA‐ the number of tests to four. TION FOR HEALTH CARE S.BENEFIT The application is available online at the VA web site www.va.gov/1010ez.htm. The form may be completed on line or We urge adults who began working toward the GED to printed and mailed to the: Alaska VA Healthcare System, Attention: 136‐A Eli‐ finish this year before the new tests for a high school gibility, 1201 North Muldoon Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99504. To help speed equivalency diploma changes and any previous passing processing, send a copy of your DD Form 214 along with the 10‐10EZ. Once test scores expire. Otherwise, everyone starts again un‐ the VA receives and verifies your information, you will be notified of their deci‐ der the new polices in 2014. sion regarding eligibility.

For assistance, please contact the Regional Tribal Veterans Representative The good news is that there is still time to finish and get (TVR) Ron Huffman at (907) 443‐4468 or toll‐free at 1(800)478‐7574 or by email the diploma. Any tests you have studied for and passed are good until the end of the year. We provide testing at [email protected]. NO CHARGE TO YOU for the remainder of 2013. Please don’t put this off!

Contact our Community Education Department, ABE/ GED program now at (907) 443‐4470 or call the toll free line at 1(800)478‐7574.

Continued from page 2 Awards 2013 The Culture Bearer Award recognizes an and has been presented to governors, sena‐ dents how to gather, preserve and to share all Alaska Native who demonstrates strong in‐ tors and other well‐known leaders. John con‐ from subsistence with Elders. Jolene is a hard volvement in the arts. Individuals nominated tinues to produce outstanding pieces despite working mother of four that is always out for this award may be involved in theater, mu‐ the fact he has been legally blind since 1985. somewhere fishing, berry picking or gathering sic, dance, painting, sculpture, or storytelling. “He truly is a culture bearer in every sense of greens and roots. She always includes her We would like to recognize the outstanding the word.” children and students in these activities. nominations received for this category: Maria Jolene is out fishing year round – salmon in Dexter of Golovin, John Sinnok of Shishmaref, The Hunter/Subsistence Award recognizes the summer – cutting and hanging to dry, and Mary Jane Litchard of Nome, Marjorie Ta‐ an Alaska Native who exemplifies and pre‐ in the fall setting and checking lush lines. Her hbone of Nome and Sheldon Nagaruk of Elim. serves the spirit of successful subsistence winter/spring fishing is for trout, whitefish, Congratulations to all who were recognized. hunting, trapping and sharing, our way of life. Tim Pehle of Nome, Sylvester Ayek of Nome, and grayling and when the berries are ripe she This award is being presented to John Sin‐ Jolene Nanouk Jones of Unalakleet and Fran‐ is seen out every day with her students, teach‐ nok. cis Ozenna of Diomede. Congratulations on ing them how to make the foods and to al‐

ways share with the Elders. Jolene is an expert John was born and raised an Inupiat in Shish‐ receiving nominations. This award is being at cutting and always cherishes the land and maref, as were his parents, and he has lived a presented to Jolene Nanouk. sea animals and uses the hides for sewing. traditional Inupiat lifestyle. John has been in‐ Jolene Nanouk and her family are from She encourages and ensures that her children structing students in art and culture for 40 Unalakleet and Egavik. She currently works and her students know the importance of liv‐ years and many of his students continue to for the Bering Strait School District as the bi‐ ing a subsistence lifestyle. carve for a living and have received cash lingual/bicultural teacher and teaches stu‐ awards. John’s work is renowned for its beauty

Page 5 Kawerak Newsletter Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. Traditional and Fancy clothing of the Bering

Strait Exhibit by Patti Lillie, Project Assistant, Beringia Center of Culture & Science

n April 8, 2013, the Beringia Center of O Culture & Science held its first‐ever museum ex‐ hibit in Nome, “Traditional and Fancy Clothing of the Bering Strait,” at Old St. Joe’s. This exhibit was the culmination of six months work gathering clothing items from around the region such as fancy squirrel skin parkas, contemporary uġałqaqs (kuspuks) and muk‐ luks, to be shown that night Figure 3: Photo by Julie Raymond‐Yakoubian. Visitors check and every day during the Kaw‐ out the parkas and uġałqaqs during the public exhibit on erak Regional Conference. Monday, April 8, 2013, at Old St. Joe’s. Some of the items acquired for the exhibit were added to the museum collections, such as mittens made of ronment in which we have learned how to traditionally tanned polar bear fur made by not only survive, but actually thrive, for mil‐ Etta Ahkinga from Diomede and a pair of chil‐ lennia. dren’s fancy bleached sealskin boots from St. Lawrence Island. Highlights of the Traditional and Fancy Clothing of the Bering Strait exhibit include Most of the items put on display were bor‐ such rarities as a special sealskin headband rowed from individuals who wanted to share from King Island, a qawilidaq, that Vince Pik‐ their family treasures with the public, such as onganna says was made to protect a the beautiful traditional style parkas made by hunter’s eyes from freezing while out on the Lily Walker from White Mountain, and the ice. Luci Washington from St. Michael also modernized sealskin pants made by Washing‐ lent us a very fragile seal gut poke made by ton Olanna that had blue jean cuffs and a blue her great‐great‐grandmother that was used jean waist added for a more convenient fit. to store sinew, as well as a small bundled Middle parka: Women’s fancy squirrel skin parka sewing kit that belonged to her great‐ with a sunshine ruff made by Grace Maniiq Tocktoo One thing all these items had in common was grandmother that even included a coil of of Brevig Mission and Nome, courtesy of Helena they were handmade by artisans steeped in traditionally processed sinew. Seetot in Brevig Mission. Lower left: Men’s fancy traditional and contemporary skills that in‐ squirrel skin parka made by Lily Walker of Point volve several processes, such as trapping, fur While preparing the mounts and displays for Hope and White Mountain, courtesy of Anne & Jay tanning, and then designing clothing articles these clothing items, the fine craftsmanship Sears of Nome. BCCS Photo. that were durable and customized for the involved in their creation was plain to see – wearer. tiny, even stitches were used to piece to‐ That is to gether squirrel skin parkas that were deco‐ say, this rated with trade beads, red yarn, tanned fish exhibit skin, and other embellishments, and on encapsu‐ some of the older items patches, discernible lated tra‐ only from the underside, had been carefully ditional applied to extend their utility for another skills, season. The variety of materials used in talents, making the parkas, hats, mittens, gloves, and aes‐ boots, slippers, vests, and pants illuminated thetics our ancestors’ ingenuity and pragmatism. that re‐ The furs themselves offer a avariety of fe ‐ flect our tures essential to good arctic gear – polar cultural bear fur is not only a great insulator, but it is heritage, water and frost repellent, just like seal skin; our re‐ wolf and wolverine furs are sturdy and beau‐ spect for tiful at the same time, and muskrat is very animals soft to the touch, which is probably why it Culture bearer & community cura‐ and the was used for children’s hats. tor, Alice Irrigoo, wears her dancing natural belt as she explains Yupiit tradi‐ world, and The clothing exhibit also featured commu‐ tions and knowledge of clothing our nity curators – culture bearers from the re‐ Visitors examine educational posters featuring his‐ construction and design from the knowl‐ gion – who were invited to share cultural toric photographs from the Eskimo Heritage Pro‐ edge of Stebbins and St. Michael area. Continued on page 7, see Traditional gram and other archives Photo by Julie Raymond‐Yakoubian. the envi‐ Clothing Exhibit Photo by Julie Raymond‐Yakoubian.

Kawerak Newsletter Page 6 Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

Recycled Art in the Schools Anahma Shannon, Regional Backhaul & Recycling Specialist

ecently, I received two similar and project. I contacted the teachers and sug‐ interesting email requests from gested that both schools collaborate on a R school teachers. Both Amelia Budd project. at Nome Belts Jr. High and Lisa Leeper at the Anvil City Science Academy (ACSA) asked if I After a few logistical planning sessions, the would help their classes with a recycled art pro‐ two groups began working on their projects. ject. It was an excellent opportunity to work With only 9 days to complete their piece stu‐ with youth and educate them about the impor‐ dents had to gather materials, create a de‐ tance of recycling. While I’m not a visual artist, sign, and work quickly. Some of the projects my work at Kawerak implementing the Re‐ are two‐dimensional wall hangings and some gional Backhaul and Recycling project can cer‐ are three‐dimensional pieces. The students tainly help provide recycle materials for the have been collecting “cleaned” trash from their households for over a month and have brought in everything from plastic bottle caps to cereal boxes to electronic waste.

ACSA is planning to host a gallery night to display the artistic endeavors that students are involved with as part of the Artist in Schools curriculum. In addition to the re‐ cycled art project students were given the opportunity to participate in an “upcycled” Recycled Art class students sort through clothing class. plastics, metals and other recycle materials. Bubba and Brayden work on creating a moose out of miscellaneous materials.

Upcycled Clothing Class Anahma Shannon, Regional Backhaul & Recycling Specialist

his “upcycled” clothing class is another bags from used clothing. dents then brought their finds to the classroom fun art class that Anvil City Science where they learned to take the clothing apart, T Academy featured during their Artists We took a field trip to the United Methodist cut out a pattern, pin together and sew. The in Schools curriculum. Students signed up to Women’s Thrift Store where the students upcycled clothing pieces were featured by the learn how to take old clothing that they might sought out certain fabrics, textures, prints that students at the ACSA Gallery Night event held be tempted to throw away and make some‐ would help complete their projects. The stu‐ May 17, 2013. thing new and useful with them. I volun‐ teered along with Jennifer Kinneen and Laureli Kin‐ neen to help students envi‐ sion, design and create pieces of clothing or Sidney, Amber & Kastyn engrossed in their projects. Students having fun looking at different textures of clothing

Continued from page 6, Traditional Clothing Exhibit knowledge about clothing construction. Alice rary arctic clothing included different patterns the environment and a willingness to learn new Irrigoo, Maggie Olson, Betsy Pikonganna, and for kuspuks, also known as qaspeqs (Yupiit skills as a way to ensure that hunted animals Nadejda Soudakova were all on hand for the spelling), uġałqaqs, or atiqluqs (from farther are used to their fullest possible extent, out of public exhibit, to share Yupik, Fish River, In‐ north), and “fashionable” modern‐day gar‐ respect for their sacrifice and the hunter’s good upiat, and St. Lawrence Island knowledge of ments such as a sealskin baseball cap and a fortune. the processes involved in fur tanning and sew‐ woman’s fancy dress belt made of sealskin with ing to make parkas, mukluks and slippers. ivory toggles. Several qiviut (musk ox wool) Now that this exhibit has been shown in Nome, pieces were loaned to BCCS by Loretta Bullard, BCCS staff will begin organizing a traveling Those who visited this special “tip of the ice‐ and are exemplars of modern arctic gear that is version of the exhibit to be shown in communi‐ berg” exhibit were able to note the variety of versatile, comfortable, and warm at the same ties within the region. If you are interested in materials available to make arctic clothing, and time. Her sweaters and winter hat, all knitted helping coordinate an exhibit, please contact to see the artistry involved in both the embel‐ from musk ox wool that she processed from the Beringia Center of Culture and Science Pro‐ lishments and construction alike. Contempo‐ start to finish, demonstrate a commitment to ject Director, Amy Russell at 443‐4340, or by email, at [email protected].

Page 7 Kawerak Newsletter NWC HORIZONS News and Notes from Northwest Campus, part of the College of Rural and Community Development at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Keeping an eye on passing ships Ever wonder what that ship is The AIS base station at NWC is doing in the waters off your coast? part of an open, community-based What if a passing ship were mov- project called Marine Traffic. Learn ing through your hunting grounds more at www.marinetraffic.com. during a walrus or whale hunt? Base station equipment was pro- What if you wanted to contact vided at no cost to the UAF Marine a passing ship to find out whether Advisory Program by the University crew had seen missing hunters? of the Aegean, in Greece. Anyone can get the scoop on Nome-area ship traffic informa- ships passing within at least 10 tion gathered by the NWC base miles of Nome now, thanks to a ship station—and AIS information col- tracking system installed at North- lected worldwide—can be accessed west Campus in June. real-time at the Northwest Campus Installing similar systems would web site. Go to www.nwc.uaf.edu, be an inexpensive opportunity click on “Degrees and Programs,” for communities along the coast, then on “Marine Advisory Pro- according to Gay Sheffield, NWC gram.” Marine Advisory Program agent. If your community is interested in The Automatic Identification Sys- monitoring local large vessel traffic, tem, or AIS, is a tracking system please contact Gay Sheffield at the Above: Screen shot from the Northwest Campus web site showing AIS informa- used on ships for safety since 2004. Marine Advisory Program: 855-443- tion about a tanker off the shore of Nome. Below: Maritime Symposium at the AIS allows ships to electronically 2397 (toll-free). Mini Convention Center. identify and locate other vessels. The system was created to reduce collisions and help port authorities Maritime traffic topic of symposium control shipping traffic—but it’s also The summer of 2011 saw a record ■■ Bering Strait maritime overview a great tool for anyone who wants to 33 ships carrying 850,000 tons of ■■ Large vessel traffic know what’s going on off shore. cargo on the Northern Sea Route, ■■ Proposed shipping routes All vessels over 300 gross tons and which runs along Russia’s northern ■■ Safety standards for large ves- merchant ships of any size that carry coast and through the Bering Strait. sels passengers are required to carry an Bigger ships—and more vessels ■■ Oil spill response AIS system, which includes a GPS of all sizes—are in the waters of the ■■ Search and rescue/emergency receiver and a VHF transmitter. Bering Strait, taking advantage of response Many smaller vessels also choose to decreasing sea ice. ■■ Charts and mapping use AIS for safety. Meanwhile, more than 85 per- ■■ Sikuliaq research vessel Vessels using AIS can be tracked cent of local subsistence-harvested marine mammals is important. ■■ Automated Identification Sys- by base stations onshore and even by resources in this region are marine- In February, Gay Sheffield,tem (AIS) and public access to large some satellites. Information trans- derived. Residents have many con- Marine Advisory Program agent vessel monitoring mitted includes a vessel’s identifica- cerns about increased shipping at Northwest Campus, organized a ■■ Marine Mammal Coalition to tion, position, course, and speed. activity and its potential impact. two-day conference that connected address ship traffic Vessel call signs are also shared. Information on vessel traffic, safety area tribal and city government The conference was sponsored This means that if a community standards, oil spill response, and leaders with experts from the U.S. and supported by Alaska Sea Grant, has an AIS system, residents who the impact of increased traffic on Coast Guard, NOAA, the U.S. Fish Northwest Campus, Kawerak, Inc., want to ask a passing vessel for and Wildlife Service, and the Alaska and the Pew Environment Group, search-and-rescue help, or ask a Department of Environmental Con- with major funding provided by the ship to move out of active hunting servation. National Sea Grant NOAA Regional grounds, would know how to con- More than 60 people from the Team Collaboration Grant. tact the ship with such requests. region attended. Topics included: Science conference spotlights Bering Strait research “Rural Science in Action” was This was the 6th annual West- the theme of a 2-day conference ern Alaska Interdisciplinary at Northwest Campus in March. Science Conference, or WAISC, Over 60 presenters from the hosted by UAF’s rural campuses. Bering Strait region, Alaska, and NWC last hosted WAISC in 2009. beyond shared research on topics Next year’s conference will be in ranging from electric snowma- Kotzebue. chines to climate change to cancer Photos of the March 2013 con- rates in rural Alaska. ference can be viewed at www. Löki Tobin of Nome gave a facebook.com/uaf.nwc. keynote address on inspiring The conference booklet, with diversity in the next generation of summaries of all presentations, scientists. Members of the Rein- can be found at www.seagrant. deer Herders Association gave uaf.edu/conferences/waisc/. a well-attended presentation on Under “Schedules and Abstracts” Ted Katcheak of Stebbins speaks as part of a panel discussion on reindeer challenges and opportunities in in the middle of the page, click on herding in the Bering Strait region during the science conference. the reindeer industry. “conference program.”

Kawerak Newsletter Page 8 Traditional crafts classes coming to area villages Are you interested in learning Strait region. Staff are working with some of the traditional arts and IRAs and traditional councils in crafts of your community? the region to determine which tra- UAF Northwest Campus has been ditional arts should be taught, and offering traditional crafts courses who could teach them. in area villages in recent years. In fall 2012, the Cargill grant Students in Shishmaref learned to funded a 1-credit course in grass make hard soles for mukluks from basket weaving in Stebbins, taught instructor Flora Weyiouanna, while by Pauline Klementson. In spring Koyuk residents learned to carve 2013, the grant funded a 1-credit wooden spoons from Wayne Nas- course in ulu and berry comb mak- suk. Those courses were made pos- ing in Elim, taught by Sheldon sible by funding from Kawerak, Inc., Nagaruk. Alice Bioff, small busi- Norton Sound Economic Develop- ness specialist from Kawerak, gave ment Corporation, and a Northwest a short workshop as part of each of Campus Title III grant. these classes, offering basic infor- Traditional crafting courses are mation in marketing handmade art. becoming even more of a focus in Courses for the coming academic our region, thanks to a grant from year are still being planned. Com- the Margaret A. Cargill Founda- munities have suggested courses in Above: Pauline Klementson demon- tion that is being managed by the carving, wooden bucket making, strates traditional grass basket weav- Native Art Center at the University basket sled building, Eskimo danc- ing techniques to Agatha Pete during of Alaska Fairbanks. ing, skin sewing, drum making, and a traditional crafts course in Steb- The grant provides funding for kuspuk or parka sewing. bins. Right: Sheldon Nagaruk dem- two workshops per year for three Cargill grant funds are making onstrates making an ulu handle dur- ing his course in Elim. Below: Berry years in the Bering Strait region. similar courses available through combs from the class in Elim. The purpose of the workshops rural campuses serving other parts is to ensure that traditional Alaska of Alaska. Native arts and artistry are passed If you have an idea for a tradi- from Alaska Native master artists tional crafts course for your com- to Alaska Native new and emerging munity, contact Carol Gales, NWC artists. program development manager, at Northwest Campus is organiz- 800-478-2201, ext. 8407, or email ing the workshops for the Bering [email protected].

Guide to fall semester courses Bob Metcalf new director for our region coming your way! at Northwest Campus Watch your post office box for Bob Met- consistent leadership,” Joseph noted. a copy of the Northwest Campus calf has been “Bob brings over 20 years of knowl- fall semester guide to local and named direc- edge, leadership and experience to distance courses. tor of UAF the position.” Even if you’ve never enrolled N o r t h w e s t As director, Metcalf is continu- in a college course before, take Campus. ing NWC’s push to renovate ageing the guide home and check it out! Metcalf was buildings, primarily with funds from If you don’t see what you’re look- appointed to the U.S. Department of Education ing for, contact Northwest Cam- the position Title III funding. He is also working pus; we organize courses to meet in January by to hire a full-time faculty member to community needs and can help Bernice Joseph, who at the time teach applied business courses, and individuals find needed courses. was vice chancellor for the College has completed arrangements with the Please save your copy of the of Rural and Community Develop- Sámi Education Institute in Finland to guide, or pass it on to someone ment (CRCD) at UAF. CRCD repre- share faculty member Jackie Hrabok- who needs to use it! sents UAF’s five rural campuses. Leppäjärvi, who will teach courses in “I am thrilled to take on the role reindeer range management and tra- as the director,” said Metcalf. “This ditional crafts in the region. Kids get a taste of college will give me and my management Claudia Ihl granted tenure team more solid footing to conduct Claudia Ihl, assistant professor of A group of 54 Nome 6th-graders in Nome. Kids signed into a mock long-range planning for the campus. biology at Northwest Campus since got a sneak peek at college life during online college distance course with “I’m even more enthusiastic to be 2006, has been awarded tenure and the UAF Northwest Campus seventh NWC information technology spe- a part of an excellent team at North- is being promoted to associate pro- annual “Kids 2 College” event. cialist Jack Gadamus. UAF Coop- west Campus that works together so fessor of biology. Ihl earned a doc- The event is coordinated by NWC erative Extension agent Kari van well in bringing educational oppor- toral degree in biology from UAF in conjunction with the Alaska Com- Delden taught a session about brain tunities to the Bering Strait region,” mission on Post-Secondary Educa- development. Students also enjoyed he added. tion in an effort to get kids and their a game of “College Jeopardy” to get Metcalf moved to Nome in 1976, families to plan, save and think about them thinking about scholarships, and joined Northwest Campus in college or training early on. grants, loans, and the different types 1991. For many years, he served The 6th-graders had a busy day, of degrees. as NWC’s registrar and was called attending five different sessions. Each student took home a back- upon to filled in on numerous occa- in 2007, based on her research into NWC biology instructor Clau- pack with information, a piggy bank sions as director. muskox ecology and behavior. dia Ihl showed kids a model of holding a $1 bill, and other resources Metcalf served as interim director Ihl primarily teaches pre-nursing the human body and how to use a to start them saving for college. for nearly 15 months before being courses such as human anatomy and microscope. Nursing student Cath- It’s never too early to start think- appointed in January to the director physiology, and microbiology. She erine Neumann introduced stu- ing about college yourself! Contact position formerly held by Lee Hau- also teaches a field biology course for dents to the field of nursing and Miranda Musich, advisor, at 443- gen, who left NWC in October 2011. high school students at NACTEC. how nursing classes are taught here 8427 or [email protected]. “Bob has provided steadfast and Fall classes begin SEPTEMBER 5 • Take placement tests by Aug. 29

Page 9 Kawerak Newsletter Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

to the following employees & board members who were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the mission of Kawerak. Please join me in recog- nizing their performance for 2012! Melanie Bahnke, Kawerak President 2012 Board Member of Year

ach year, during the December Full Board meeting, the Kawerak Board E selects the Board Member of the Year. Robert Keith, Kawerak Board Chair is pleased to announce that the Kawerak Board selected Merlin Koonooka as Board Member of the Year for 2012 by secret ballot. Merlin received a Kawerak jacket, a plaque and two round trip saver tickets on Alaska Airlines. Congratula‐ tions Merlin on this recognition. Quyanna!

Pictured in the center is Merlin Koonooka, Kaw‐ erak Board Member of the Year 2012 with Melanie Bahnke, president and Robert Keith, chairman to his right. Willa Ashenfelter seated to the left and Irene Aukongak to the right. Photo taken by Myra Ambrose, human resource specialist. Matthew Iya Award Employee of the Year Award Kara Mills, Office Assistant This award is given to an employee who helps make Nominated by Glennette Christian, Revenue Accountant Kawerak a great place to work, who has a fun, posi‐ tive attitude, a great work ethic and is supportive and Kara is always helpful, friendly and kind. Her warm and friendly attitude appreciative of other employees. This employee rec‐ is always welcoming. She works hard and took on added responsibility ognition is in memory of Matthew Iya who was our to fill in until an Executive Assistant was hired. Kara is great at keeping Eskimo Walrus Commission Director at the time he records of grants, contracts and funds. She always takes the time to help passed away in 1992. find paperwork when accounting staff asks for help. Kara does a great job at planning fun times like Halloween and other employee relation Charles Ellanna is such a hardworking employee, al‐ things. ways has a smile on his face. He is always willing to help when asked even if he is extremely busy. I have not heard him complain about anything since he started working with Kawerak. It is great to have him working for Kawerak. Even when I have a bad day, Charles can always cheer me up enough to smile by

his infectious laugh and just being kind enough to say hello and how are you doing. Nominated by Kara Mills, Office Assistant.

Employees of the month in 2012 June: Dr. Lily Ray December: Cheri McConnell July: Luisa Machuca January: Maggie Kowchee August: Malinda Besett February: Leo Charles September: Aisha Conch March: Alice Bioff October: Kara Mills April: Kara Mills November: Bobby Evans Other nominees include : Austin Ahmasuk, Gina Ap‐ May: Anna Nashoanak polloni, Cheri McConnell and Obie Simonis.

Kawerak Newsletter Page 10 Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

Kawerak Employee Highlights

overnor Sean Parnell appointed Kaw‐ museum professionals and volunteers in order to of Council tribal member and has a bachelor’s erak’s very own Bernadette Yaayuk provide opportunities for improvement of mu‐ degree in psychology and a master’s degree in G Alvanna‐Stimpfle, Eskimo Heritage seum and culture center services in Alaska and to clinical psychology. Program director along with Stephen Walkie enhance public understanding of the purposes Ms. Machuca is excited about her new journey Charles, Delores Churchill, April Gale Laktonen and functions of with Kawerak and is proud to utilize her educa‐ Counceller, and Annette Evans‐Smith to the Alaska’s muse‐ tion that she received through financial assis‐ Alaska Native Language Preservation and Ad‐ ums and culture tance from Kawerak’s Higher Education Program visory Council. The council advises both the gov‐ centers. and now she is able to give back to Kawerak in ernor and Legislature on programs, policies, and her new capacity. Luisa can be reached at 907‐ projects to provide for the preservation, restora‐ To accomplish 443‐4354 or thru email at lma‐ tion, and revitalization of Alaska Native lan‐ its organiza‐ [email protected]. guages in the state. All of the appointments to tional purpose, the council represent professional language ex‐ Museums perts. Alaska main‐ nahma Shannon, regional backhaul and Alvanna‐Stimpfle, of tains a central recycling specialist recently received the Nome, is the Eskimo office to receive A Alaska Tribal Conference on Environ‐ Heritage Program and disperse mental Management’s (ATCEM) individual Director at Kawerak information Award for cleaning up and organizing a commu‐ Inc., and an Inupiaq about museums, cultural centers and their activi‐ nity backhaul program in Nome and the Bering instructori at the Un ‐ ties, and to collect and share professional oppor‐ Strait Region. ATCEM meets annually and this versity of Alaska tunities. Museums Alaska publishes the quarterly years theme was, “Education, Equipping and Fairbanks Northwest newsletter, Network, and organizes an annual Employing Healthy Campus. She has meeting and conference to focus on the needs of Alaska Communi‐ also worked as an Alaska museum professionals, volunteers, and ties.” More than Alaska Native educa‐ their institutions. More than 60 cultural institu‐ 325 participants tion coordinator and classroom teacher, and as a tions are represented in Museums Alaska with attended the four teaching mentor with the Alaska Statewide Men‐ members as far north as Barrow and as far south day conference toring Project. She also is a member of the King as Ketchikan. The organization serves museums held in Anchorage Island Drummers & Dance Group and a former as remote as Anaktuvuk Pass Cultural Center, to discuss building member of the King Island Traditional Council. and as urban as the Anchorage Museum of His‐ stronger Alaska Alvanna‐Stimpfle holds a master’s degree in tory and Art. Membership is open to all individu‐ Native communi‐ education and a bachelor’s degree in Inupiaq Es‐ als and institutions concerned about Alaska’s ties through envi‐ kimo language from UAF. cultural heritage. ronmental health efforts. “I am honored and humbled to be appointed to the Alaska Native Language Council. I am looking for‐ ary David, executive vice president is ward to serving on the council with the other new pleased to announce that Luisa Ma‐ enise Michels, transportation director members. It will be exciting to learn about other M chuca was selected as the new Edu‐ was recently appointed to the Alaska parts of Alaska and seeing what the Native com‐ cation, Employment and Training Division vice Arctic Policy Commission. Michels president. She D munities are doing successfully to maintain their joins 23 members on the commission with a languages. While our job will be tremendous in started her new membership of three senators, representatives, revitalizing our Native languages, it will be re‐ position on and 14 members from areas ranging from federal warding to help each other ,” noted Bernadette June 3 and pre‐ and tribal governments, to the logistics industry Alvanna‐Stimpfle. viously held the and tribal entities. The Commission, recom‐ positions of mended by the Northern Waters Task Force was workforce de‐ created with passage of House Concurrent Reso‐ my Russell‐Jamgochian, Beringia Cen‐ velopment di‐ lution 23. Denise was also recently appointed by ter of Culture & Science program direc‐ rector and in‐ the Kawerak Board of Directors to the Inuit A tor was appointed to the statewide mu‐ take coordina‐ Circumpolar Conference Alaska Executive seum association—Museums of Alaska. Their tor. Luisa is a Council. mission is to maintain an association of Alaska’s Native Village

Open your home & become a foster parent today! By Stacy Nassuk, Foster care Recruiter ome people believe that they are not served in Alaska Native foster homes. Foster dren are sent to Kotzebue, Barrow or Anchor‐ able to become foster parents due to families are temporary and the goal of children age. the size of their home or because they in care is to have them reunited back to their S I have heard people say they do not want to are not married. This is a misconception. Other family as soon as possible. become a foster parent because they would misconceptions include: the need for a big The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) and under potentially miss the child (or children), if the home, to be married, earning a lot of money, the tribal ordinances or codes of most tribes foster child returned home to their family. having a full time job, owning your own home prefer the use of extended family as a 1st op‐ However, it is better for a child to have a posi‐ and accepting any child brought to you. Fos‐ tion for placement. Extended family care is the tive attachment with foster parents for how‐ ter parents can be licensed to care for a spe‐ most valuable substitute care available to In‐ ever long or short this may be that could last cific number of children and can specify an age dian Child Welfare programs. If family is not long after they leave the foster home. If you range or gender. Foster parents can be a single available, it is important for children to be in are interested in becoming a foster parent, person, earn a small amount of income, have a the care of people from their own tribe or re‐ please contact Stacy Nassuk, foster care re‐ part‐time job or rent an apartment. gion. Currently, if foster homes are not avail‐ cruiter at 907‐443‐6229 or toll free at 1(800) Alaska Native children in need of care are best able, especially for larger sibling groups, chil‐ 478‐5153. Thank you!

Page 11 Kawerak Newsletter Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

Social Science Projects approach Completion! By Freida Moon‐Kimoktoak, Lily Gadamus and Julie Raymond‐Yakoubian

articipants from the Kawerak Ice Seal and Walrus project gathered P in Nome for a Hunter workshop February 25 & 26, 2013 to review Oceana’s atlas of Important Ecological Areas for our region and to discuss policy recommenda‐ tions to protect marine mammal hunting. The hunters also visited the NACTEC stu‐ dents to share Traditional Knowledge of safety and respect and spoke on topics such as boating and gun safety measures. Examples of discussion include: “Always treat your gun as if it were loaded and wear ear protection. Ear plugs are easy to put in your pocket and easy to put in your The Ice Seal and Walrus Project participants and NACTEC youth discuss hunting safety and respectful ears” –Bivers Gologergen, Nome. “Floating hunting at NACTEC in February. ice moves with the tide, it’s always good to watch the ice. As it hits a boundary it keeps building up” –Nicholas Lupsin, Saint Michael. Traditions of Safety & Respect

Kawerak’s Social Science Program hosted a session titled “Traditions of Safety and Re‐ spect” at the 2013 Regional Conference. Youth had the chance to meet 7 of the 82 Ice Seal and Walrus project participants

and ask them questions.

One of many session highlights came from Vincent Pikonganna of King Island on the subject of respect: “Boasting is not the Iñupiaq way, it is not in our nature.” On the subject of safety Vince also advised: “ Don’t ever think you’re stronger than Mother Nature.”

Participants in the Shishmaref Traditional Knowledge of Non‐Salmon Fish data review workshop: Morris Kiyutelluk, Johnson Eningowuk, Clifford Weyiouanna, Tommy Obruk, Stanley Tocktoo and Davis Sockpick. Not pictured: Nancy Peter Martin, Sr of Stebbins, makes a correction to a map as Kokeok. Freida Moon‐Kimoktoak and Arnold Gologergen look on.

Kawerak’s Social Science Program is in the final stages of a project documenting traditional knowledge related to the subsistence harvest of non‐salmon fish. This ongoing project is being carried out in collaboration with Shishmaref, Wales, Brevig Mission, Teller and Stebbins. Earlier this year, Kawerak held a series of data review workshops in the participating communities. Local non‐ salmon fish experts and Tribal Council members were invited to attend a workshop to review the information documented in their community and provide feedback and suggestions. Workshop participants provided guidance to the Social Science Program that is now being utilized to create the final report. Draft reports will be sent to project participants and Tribal Councils for review in June. A final report should be available to the public by the end of September.

For more information about Social Science projects contact Julie Raymond‐Yakoubian, Kawerak Social Science Program Director at [email protected] or 907‐443‐4273.

Kawerak Newsletter Page 12 Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. Kawerak Ice Seal and Walrus Workshop elected participants in Kawerak’s for habitat or subsistence. Ice Seal and Walrus Project came Participants also discussed potential ship‐ S to Nome for a workshop on Feb‐ ping recommendations. Hunters noted ruary 25‐26. Participants reviewed doz‐ that ships need to treat the ocean here ens of draft regional and synthesis maps, with respect, as it is the garden and which will go into Oceana’s Atlas of Im‐ breadbasket for the region. They also portant Ecological Areas. The maps were need to recognize the potential dangers made using Ice Seal and Walrus Project of the ocean here. Hunters here prepare data combined with information gath‐ carefully before going out, paying atten‐ ered by Oceana from other sources. tion to environmental conditions and These maps show important seal and wal‐ making sure that their boat, gear, and rus habitat and subsistence use areas, and crew are in good condition. Likewise, tribes will be able to use the maps to ships coming through this region need to make policy recommendations related to be familiar with environmental conditions marine shipping or development. For ex‐ and have appropriate vessels, equipment, ample, tribes can propose that develop‐ and crew. ment avoid areas identified as important

Left column; from top to bottom: Chris Krenz (Oceana), George Noongwook (Savoonga), Edgar Jackson Sr. (Shaktoolik), Brandon Ahmasuk. (Kawerak & Ice Seal Committee), Sheldon Nagaruk (Elim), Julie Raymond‐Yakoubian (Social Science Program). Middle: Vera Metcalf (Eskimo Walrus Commission), Kristie Livingston (Oceana), Lily Gadamus (Social Science Program), John Pullock (King Island), Joe Kunnuk (King Island), Merlin Henry (Koyuk), Arnold Gologergen (Savoonga). Right: Freida Moon‐Kimoktoak (Kawerak Social Science Program), Edward Soolook (Diomede), Peter Martin Sr. (Stebbins), Axel Jackson (Shaktoolik), Bivers Golo‐ gergen (Nome and Eskimo Walrus Commission), Nicholas Lupsin (St. Michael), Paul Nagaruk (Elim). Not pictured: John Ahkvaluk (Diomede), Roy Ashenfelter (Nome), Austin Ahmasuk (Nome) & Rose Fosdick (Natural Resources).

Shishmaref receives Loader by Pearl Mikulski, Vice President Community Services What Do the Fish and Game Advisory Committees Do? Examples of Impacts Advisory Committees Have Had In Our Region: he community of Shishmaref is part of Con‐ • It gives local people around the state a chance to HAVE THEIR VOICES HEARD • Resource allocation for Shaktoollik River about not only current fishing and hunting regulations but also proposals for new gressional District 40. Former representative sonar fish counting project regulations. Reggie Joule had served this district since • It gives people a chance to share traditional knowledge and have it incorporated • Supporting Bering Sea Elder’s Group to keep T into state regulations bottom trawlers out of the Bering Sea 1996. In 2010 he submitted Alaska appropriations • Zhemshug‐Privilof Canyon conservation funding for Shishmaref for heavy equipment. He saw first hand how the relocation plans have left Shish‐ maref out of many funding opportunities. Governor Sean Parnell approved this funding in the amount of $245,000—a five year project to be administered by How can I get involved? Kawerak. Pearl Mikulski with Community Services • Keep track of your observations, Division worked with the City of Shishmaref and ven‐ experiences, and difficulties. • Contact your local advisory committee dors to purchase a low mileage 2008 Caterpillar 950H members or your local Regional Loader. This equipment arrived in Shishmaref on the Coordinator to find out when the next Alaska Logistics barge on August 5th. The City will use meeting in your region will be (see next page for coordinator contact info). the loader for construction projects in the summer • Attend advisory committee meetings in and for snow removal in the winter. Most of the other your region or participate telephonically. • Give your comments as a general member city heavy equipment is very old and worn out. Fishing Regulations are made available to the public by ADF&G, of the public or run for an AC member and are enforced by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Department of position.

Meet Your 2013 Norton Sound Advisory Committee Representatives NorthernNorthern Norton Sound Norton Sound E Vernon Rock‐Brevig Mission Chuck Okbaok‐Teller Jack Fagerstrom‐Golovin Daniel Stang‐Nome Clifford Seetook‐Wales Adem Boeckman‐Nome Northern Norton Sound Roy Ashenfelter Charlie Lean Paul Kosto Chair Nome Vice Chair Nome Nome

Southern Norton Sound

Charlie Saccheus Tom Gray Nate Perkins Stanley Tocktoo Kevin Knowlton Elim Nome Nome Shismaref Nome A Special Thank You to Kawerak and the St. Southern Norton Sound Michael IRA for hosting our last two meetings!

Shishmaref received a loader in August 2012 thru a State of

Art Ivanoff Wade Ryan‐Vice Merlin Henry‐ Michael Alaska grant. Pictured above, from left to right: Vice Mayor Chair Unalakleet Chair Unalakleet Koyuk Sookiayak Karla Nayokuk, Mayor Howard P. Weyiouanna, Sr. & heavy If you would like to learn more or become involved with the advisory Shaktoolik committees please contact the Arctic Regional Coordinator: Kris Mashiana Secretary Unalakleet Norbert Otten‐ St. Michael equipment operator Warren Ningeulook. Photo taken by Carmen Daggett at: Milton Cheemuk‐St. Michael Peter Martin Sr.‐ Stebbins 442‐1717 or email at [email protected]. Allen Atchak‐Stebbins Henry Oyoumick‐Unalakleet Anna Kuzaguk, Shishmaref city clerk.

Page 13 Kawerak Newsletter Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. Tribal Coordinators receive training in Nome by Cheri McConnell, Tribal Affairs Program Director

awerak’s Tribal Affairs Program held their an‐ nual refresher training with tribal coordinators K in Nome, Alaska April 1 thru 5, 2013.

The following were those in attendance: Starting at the bottom and from the left: 1st row: Vanessa Tingook, Wales; Cora Ablowaluk, Mary’s Igloo and Velma John‐ son, Unalakleet. 2nd row: Kim Aluska, Stebbins; Char‐ lene Isabel, Teller and Janice Knowlton, King Island. 3rd row: Donna Brown, Golovin; Walter Seetot, Brevig‐ Mission and Jane Kakoona, Shishmaref. 4th row: Doro‐ thy Barr, White Mountain and Cheri McConnell, Tribal Affairs Kawerak. 5th row: Arlene Charles, Tribal Affairs Kawerak, Karlene Sagoonick, Shaktoolik and Emily Kobuk, St. Michael. 6th row Barb Gray, Council and Joleen Oleson, Tribal Affairs Kawerak.

Topics include IRS instructions, computer maintenance, QuickBooks update, budget review, fiduciary responsi‐ bilities, Timeforce training and progeny. For more infor‐ mation about the Tribal Affairs Program, please call Cheri McConnell, Tribal Affairs director at (907)443‐4257 or by email at [email protected]

Strategic Regional Business Spotlight Energy Planning by Alice Bioff, Business Planning Specialist by Bryant Hammond, Director Johnny’s Corner, LLC is a small, family‐run business owned by John & Darla Community Planning & Development Jemewouk. The store is located on the main street in Elim and open 9:00 am – n December 2012, Kawerak Community Planning 9:00 pm seven days a week. John and and Development initiated a strategic regional en‐ Darla each have 2 years of experience I ergy planning process. The ultimate goal of the pro‐ working and managing the store success‐ ject is to stabilize and/or reduce the cost of energy for fully. John also has 10 years of executive residents and businesses in the Bering Strait Region. One management experience and is a commu‐ outcome of the energy planning process is to create a nity leader and educator. Darla has 19 forum, through which regional and local entities can co‐ years of management experience as the ordinate energy development projects throughout the former bookkeeper for the City of Elim. region to get the most bang for the buck. Readers inter‐ Darla is currently employed at NSHC as a patient benefits specialist. She also has ested in energy issues should be able to seek out the experience working in many other capacities within the community, as a tribal “energy champion” in their community and raise issues leader and educator. that will later be discussed at the regional level. John and Darla established Johnny’s Corner—a grocery store—on May 10, 2010. Kawerak contracted with WHPacific (an engineering sub‐ Their business objective is to offer residents and visitors of Elim an affordable al‐ sidiary of NANA) for technical support during phase I of ternative to purchasing groceries and snack items. Before Johnny’s Corner the project. Kawerak convened two meetings in Nome opened there was only one grocery store in town. that were attended by representatives from Bering Strait communities, regional and state organizations. Through Elim is a small village with a population 332, located within the Bering Strait Re‐ meeting discussions and background research, the plan‐ gion, the town is 96 miles south of Nome and 460 miles northwest of the Anchor‐ ning team created a draft document that outlines exist‐ age. There are no roads that lead to Elim and is best reached by air and sea. ing conditions, issues associated with energy production In order to get basic supplies and groceries, the residents of Elim used to purchase and demand, and proposes short and medium term ac‐ all their groceries and supplies from the one and only store in Elim or freight in tions to address those issues. their own supplies. For those who needed grocery items immediately, such as dia‐ If you have any questions about energy planning or pers, milk, meat etc. there was only one place to go prior to Johnny’s Corner. With would just like to get involved, contact Bryant no competition, pricing was high and selection of items limited. The residents of Hammond, director with Community Planning and De‐ Elim and visitors to the community can now benefit from the quality products and velopment at 907‐443‐4248 or by email at services offered by Johnny’s Corner and the healthy competition of two stores in [email protected]. town instead of only one. Johnny’s Corner | P.O. Box 39046 | Elim, Alaska 99739 | (907) 890-5852

Kawerak Newsletter Page 14 Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc. GED graduates celebrate with friends and family by Kristine McRae, ABE/GED/ESL Program Specialist lthough signs of spring haven’t yet ar‐ rived in Nome, the weather couldn’t A dampen spirits at Old St. Joe’s as Kaw‐ erak’s Community Education program joined 12 of their 25 graduates for the combined cere‐ mony with University of Alaska Northwest Campus. For 13 years, the UAA and GED grads have been sharing the stage as grads from around the region receive acknowledgement for their achievements.

Our graduates have taken the first step toward further education and a bright future. Some of this year’s grads will attend classes locally or 2013 GED graduates celebrate at Old St. Joe’s. From left to right: Chris Ivanoff, Talitha Thomp‐ online, pursue vocational training, and seek son, Beau Brown, Jennifer Adsuna, Darla Swann, Summer Ozenna, Vanessa Swann, Nancy higher paying jobs. We wish them all the best as Iyapana, Eyrene Ivanoff, Kendalyn Shoogukwruk and Felicia Larsen. Photo by Kristine McRae. they move ahead with their employment and education opportunities. 2012‐2013 Graduates Jennifer Adsuna, Nome Eyrene Ivanoff, Nome Kendalyn Shoogukwruk, White Mountain Stephen Apangalook, Gambell Nancy Iyapana, Nome Kenneth Shoogukwruk, White Mountain Naomi Booshu, Gambell Felicia Larsen, Nome Rachelle Soonagrook, Gambell Beau Brown, White Mountain Theresa Muktoyuk, Nome Steffen Soonagrook, Gambell Edrick Campbell, Gambell Jodeva Oozeva, Savoonga Darla Swann, Nome Sophia Dixon, Nome Quentin Oseuk, Gambell Vanessa Swann, Nome Pearl Goodhope, Brevig Mission Summer Ozenna, Nome Talitha Thompson, Nome Tim Henry, Brevig Mission Grady Pratt, Nome Christopher Ivanoff, Nome Colton Premo‐Barron, Nome Teaching Business Skills One Stand at a Time! By Alice Bioff, Business Planning Specialist

he 2nd Annual Lemonade Day 2013 was There were stands with baked goods, ice tea, a success within the Bering Strait Re‐ coffee, trinkets and arts and crafts! Youth are T gion, despite the chill! encouraged to set a goal and plan for what Lemonade Day is a FREE community educa‐ they would like to do with their profits: saving tional program designed to teach youth how to some, spending some, and giving back to the start, own and operate their own business – a community by donating some to charity. It lemonade stand! The program kicked off in was especially remarkable to see so many of Nome for the first time in 2012, but just in the youth donate portions of their profits to: Nome. This year, the event went region wide! Nome Food Bank, the King Island Project and St. Judes Research Hospital. On May 11, 2013 across the Bering Strait Re‐ Lemonade Day is a National program brought gion approximately 182 young entrepreneurs in Noel’s Fabulous Lemonade stand in Unalakleet. Koyuk, Teller, Brevig Mission, Gambell, Shish‐ to Alaska by: UAA’s College of Business and maref, Unalakleet and Nome were willing and Public Policy and Center for Economic Devel‐ Special thanks also goes to: excited to set up shop for a day as business opment. owners, joining thousands of kids from across There is a tremendous amount of coordination Rural Development Group & Snowflake the nation! Stebbins and St. Michael post‐ that happens to support the youth. Without Multimedia for facilitating the Lemon‐ poned their event until mid June. the many volunteers, participants, sponsors, ade Day Workshop in Nome. The days leading up to the event took some and partners, Lemonade Day within the Bering Snowflake Multimedia for the creating the planning and preparation with a caring adult by Strait Region would not be possible. Lemonade Day Video. their side. Using the free “Lemonade Day” Norton Sound Economic Development Lemonade Day Planning Coordinators: Barb workbook provided, the youth learned the fol‐ Corporation for their generous mone‐ Nickels, Nome Chamber of Commerce; Carol lowing life skills: setting goals, planning for tary support. success, budgeting, finding investors, advertis‐ Gales and Kacey Miller, UAF Northwest Cam‐ All the local business partners for allowing ing their product, purchasing supplies and serv‐ pus; Trisha Walters, Bryant Hammond & Alice kids to set up stands at their business ing their customers. They learned that it is not Bioff, Kawerak; Kendra Nichols‐Takak, Snow‐ locations and all the community mem‐ impossible ‐ they can do this! Having a business flake Multimedia; Lahka Peacock, Rural Devel‐ bers who came out to support the en‐ is attainable! Most importantly, we wanted to opment Group; Emma Olanna, Brevig Mission; trepreneurs. see the kids have fun, learn the basics of busi‐ Debbie Apatiki, Gambell; Beda Prentice, ness and empower the youth to take owner‐ Koyuk; Annie Weyiouanna, Shishmaref; Shirley Most importantly, thank you to all the par‐ ship of their lives and become active members Martin, St. Michael; Anna Nashoanak, Steb‐ ents/caring adults that took the time of their community. bins; Josie Garnie, Dolly Kugzruk, Cora to help the youth through the planning Ablowaluk and Charlene Isabell, Teller and process, baking and setting up their The youth were not limited to just lemonade. Kathy Commack, Unalakleet. stands. The seeds of entrepreneurism have been planted! Quyanna!

Page 15 Kawerak Newsletter Summer 2013

Kawerak, Inc.

From l to r Bridie Trainor, Bob Evans, Evon Peter and Aprille Pitt standing in front of the Brevig Mission hills.

K AWERAK S ERVICES D IRECTORY Children & Family Services Division 443‐4375 Child Advocacy Center 443‐4376 or 443‐6231 Children & Family Services 800‐478‐5153 or 443‐4376

PAID Head Start & Early Head Start 800‐443‐9294 or 443‐9050 Wellness Program 443‐4393 PERMIT #456 PRESRT STD US POSTAGE Community Services Division 443‐4246 ANCHORAGE, AK Community Planning & Development 877‐219‐2599 or 443‐4248 Business Planning Assistance 443‐4390 E‐Commerce Center 443‐4250 Regional Recycling & Backhaul Program 443‐4249 Tribal Affairs 443‐4257 Village Public Safety Officer Program 443‐4252 Education & Employment Training Division 800‐450‐4341 or 443‐4358 Childcare Services 443‐9073 Community Education 800‐478‐7574 or 443‐4468 Employment & Training 443‐4358 General Assistance 800‐478‐5230 or 443‐4370 Higher Education Scholarships 443‐4358 Village Based Training 443‐4388

Vocational Rehabilitation 877‐759‐4362 or 443‐4362

Youth Employment 443‐4361 Natural Resources Division 443‐4269 phone

Eskimo Heritage Program 443‐4386

Eskimo Walrus Commission 877‐277‐4392 or 443‐4360 99762 Inc. 5231

Newsletter Land Management Services 800‐443‐4316 or 443‐4326

‐ 948

AK Natural Resource Advocate 443‐4384

Reindeer Herders Association 443‐4378 Box Social Science Program 443‐4273 Subsistence Resources 443‐4265 www.kawerak.org PO (907)443 Kawerak Kawerak, Nome, Administration 443‐5231 Accounting 443‐4334 Kawerak Newsletter (formerly named Uqaaqtuaq News) is an informational newsletter Human Resources 443‐4373 produced by Kawerak with contributions from UAF Northwest Campus and other partner Information Technology 443‐4357 agencies. Articles and photos can be sent to [email protected] or call (907)443‐4389. Planning 443‐4389 Ublaakun suli translated in the Inupiaq language means: Tomorrow again! Beringia Center of Culture & Science 443‐4340 Quyanna! Transportation 443‐4395 Tumet Industries, LLC 387‐0630