Raising Our Own Traditional Stewards is done in many forms. It’s taking the nephews fishing. It’s joining the aunties for an afternoon out berry picking. It’s beading jewelry with your cousins. It’s sitting and listening to Elders share stories and life lessons. TKC’s ROOTS program, which stands for Raising Our Own Traditional Stewards, is intended to support cultural learning opportunities in almost any way possible.
Recently, we coordinated a Kuskokwim-style paltuuk (zippered parka) making class at the Arviiq Center in Aniak. The multi-day session was funded by a grant from First Alaskans Institute and students came together to learn from Bethel-raised seamstress, Tanya Hildreth, who goes by KSIS Originals on social media.
Talking with Rachelle Persson, she highlighted that the atmosphere of the time together was something powerful and that everyone working together on a traditional practice provided more than just sewing skills.
“We learned how to make paltuuget (zippered parka plural), but we also learned how to troubleshoot sewing machines and work with fur in a good way that doesn’t waste anything.”
Another Participant, Maciel John, said she was excited to learn traditional techniques and to see her paltuuk come together piece by piece.
We offer cultural learning classes like the parka making class so our people can come together, connect to the rich culture of the Middle Kuskokwim, and learn something new. Our hope is that, through these opportunities, those who attend will walk away feeling equipped and empowered to share what they learned with those around them, helping to ensure that the invaluable wisdom and traditions continue to thrive for generations to come. It has been wonderful to watch as students become teachers as a result of these classes.
Several participants shared that since completing the class, they have worked on paltuuget for their children or parents. For many of them, the paltuuk made by their loved one who took the class was the first time they owned such beautiful work. Maciel says she hopes to continue building her skills so she can pass them on to her children some day.
Rachelle, was especially grateful for the pattern that was shared with students. She has used it to create a hybrid pattern for qaspeq making and plans to work with Jr. High and High School students so they can be introduced to making traditional clothing.
When asked why this class and others like it are important, one response was, “so many of our people don’t know how to make traditional clothing anymore, even when it was practiced almost daily.” This statement speaks to the sentiments of Megan Leary, our Vice President of Operations, who expressed she was driven to apply for the grant and coordinate the class because she saw an opportunity to revitalize traditional sewing in the Middle Kuskokwim. She recalled how sewing was a big part of her own journey and getting though a challenging time in her life.
While the ROOTS program was designed to promote cultural enrichment, it is important to recognize that there is also a wellness aspect to it. As we look to our way of life for health and wellbeing, it is clear that culture heals. The act of creating—whether through traditional crafts, music, or storytelling—is healing. Being together, in community, building networks of support is healing. At TKC, we believe providing an environment that fosters wellness, personal growth, healing, and strong support systems is essential for building a better future for our children.
We liken this sharing to the ripple effect, sometimes all it takes is one stone, one drop of water, or one willing person to make the difference.
Quyana to our funders and our instructor, Tanya. Dogidinh to the group of ladies who took on this challenge and have continued sharing their knew knowledge ever since. Together we can, one stitch at a time.
