Preserving the values, knowledge, language‚ and traditions of the people of the Middle Kuskokwim has been identified as a priority by our Shareholders. Feedback provided tells us that it is important for us to provide opportunities for our Shareholders to connect, stay connected, or re-connect with the rich culture and heritage of the Middle Kuskokwim. 

In response to this feedback, the Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) and our Board of Directors developed and recently launched the TKC ROOTS (Raising Our Own Traditional Stewards) program. Through TKC ROOTS, we work to preserve and promote Middle Kuskokwim culture and traditions through cultural learning activities; tools and resources to share traditional knowledge and wisdom; and providing access to opportunities beyond TKC. 

CULTURAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES

One way we work to provide opportunities for our Shareholders to participate in our culture is through cultural learning classes. We continue to reach out to Shareholders, Elders, Alaska Native artists, and other community members to teach classes and share knowledge about Alaska Native culture, traditions, art, and language. Learning from our people of the Middle Kuskokwim and Alaska Native experts enhances the cultural authenticity of the learning environment. Not only do our classes create space for our Shareholders to connect with our community and rich cultural heritage, but they leave the class with knowledge of a traditional skill, craft, or practice. They can share with that knowledge with others to further promote and preserve our culture. They also have the option of turning their knowledge into a source of income so they can sustain and provide for themselves and their families. 

In the last year, we hosted a variety of cultural learning classes including a Traditional Qaspeq Making Classes with Nikki Corbett of Sew Yupik and a Caribou Hair Tufting Classes with Emma Hildebrand. Classes were offered both in Anchorage for our urban-based Shareholders and at the Arviiq Center in Aniak. We also offered a Piicikaq (Birchbark Basket) Making Class with Annie Morgan in Sleetmute and supported a Beaver Hat Sewing Class with Michelle Samuelson in Kalskag. 

TOOLS & RESOURCES ABOUT TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM

We understand we have Shareholders who are unable to attend our cultural learning classes and other in-person events. We want our Shareholders to be able to participate in and benefit from the opportunities we provide through our TKC ROOTS program, no matter where they are located. 

To bridge the gap we are working with those teaching cultural learning classes to offer classes virtually. We also plan to record videos of the classes we offer (when appropriate) so our Shareholders can learn traditional skills, crafts, or practices from anywhere at any time. Current recoding can be found on you YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@TheKuskokwimCorporation.

We also continue our work on TKC’s Stories of the Middle Kuskokwim Project, which aims to capture and share traditional knowledge from our region. In the Fall of 2023, TKC Elders from Sleetmute, Crooked Creek, Chuathbaluk and Aniak gathered at the Arviiq Center to share stories about fish, food, and family, past and present. Those stories and others collected will be part of TKC’s Stories of the Middle Kuskokwim Project.

Soon, through our TKC ROOTS Program, we will offer Culture Kit Boxes to our young Shareholders. Each box will include materials and instructions so our Shareholders can learn and connect with some of our cultural traditions. We are in the development phase of this project and expect to launch the application process for our urban youth before summer. 

Recognizing the benefit of creating time and space for intergenerational sharing, TKC’s Anchorage and Aniak offices have created “ROOTS Rooms”. A place for people to simply hang out and visit, share coffee and stories. Teach a small class if they want. We wanted a place that feels more like home and welcome visitors at any time. 

ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES BEYOND TKC

Our goal is to connect our Shareholders with as many opportunities to learn the culture and traditions of the Middle Kuskokwim. In addition to offering classes and providing various tools, resources, and materials directly to our Shareholders, we want to help them access cultural learning opportunities not administered by TKC. 

We partner with in-region Tribes, schools, and other organizations to host culture camps and other youth cultural learning activities. We also sponsor out-of-region participants. 

For years, TKC has partnered with the Native Village of Napaimute to host an annual, week-long Jacob Wise Memorial Spirit Camp. Each year, this camp brings together TKC Shareholder youth from across the region and Anchorage for cultural, wellness and youth leadership activities. 

To encourage intergenerational learning and sharing, through our TKC ROOTS program, we sponsored a group of Elders and Youth (Grades 7 -12) to attend the First Alaskans Institute’s 2023 Elders & Youth Conference in Anchorage. 

As we come across classes, conferences, and events offered by other organizations that promote cultural learning and are available to our Shareholders, we will share those on social media. While it is does not fall directly under our TKC ROOTS program, The Kuskokwim Educational Foundation (KEF) offers cultural learning scholarships. More information can be found online at www.kefalaska.org.

Understanding the importance of preserving and promoting cultural learning as a priority for our Shareholders, we would love to hear your ideas on how we can work together to uplift the values and knowledge of our people.