Middle Kuskokwim wisdom, deeply rooted in our families and traditions, has been passed down through generations since time immemorial. This knowledge holds the keys to understanding our history, our land, and the values that bind us together as a community. Yet, as more TKC Shareholders move away from the region, the vital connection to our traditional knowledge and teachings risks fading away.

In response to this, TKC launched the Stories of the Middle Kuskokwim Project in 2019, an initiative focused on capturing and preserving the wisdom of our Elders and our region. Through interviews, the collection of historical photos, stories, and place names, we are safeguarding the knowledge of our ancestors. Building on this foundation, TKC and Calista Education and Culture, Inc. Received a grant in 2021 to further enhance the project, incorporating additional interviews and materials that enrich the cultural narrative of the Middle Kuskokwim. 

Since the project’s inception, TKC has been committed to ensuring that this cultural knowledge remains accessible to all ages. By sharing these stories, we aim to offer our Shareholders the opportunity to connect, stay connected, or re-connect with the rich cultural heritage of the Middle Kuskokwim. This is not just about preserving the past—it’s about ensuring that the teachings and wisdom of our ancestors continue to guide us in the present and future. The strength of our community lies in the continuation of these traditions, and through our collective efforts, we honor and uplift our connections to our land, language, and culture.

The following is an excerpt recorded at a women’s gathering at the Arviiq Center, which was attended by Elders from Sleetmute, Crooked Creek, Chuathbaluk and Aniak to share stories about fish, food, and family, past and present. 

Springtime Foods

Sophie Sakar, Chuathbaluk: “We who are now elders, things we learned from our parents, the knowledge we have is legacy from our parents; knowledge on how to care for food. Food may be fresh–moose, black bear, porcupine–everything from the land was our food because store bought food wasn’t available. You all, the knowledge you have about food, to our descendants. Those of you who are grandmothers, mothers and fathers, if you love your children, your grandchildren, show them and tell them about the parts of fish and animal that are edible. They won’t forget what they learned.”

Lucy Simeon, Chuathbaluk: “I used to love going spring camp and fall camp with dog team way back. I remember going to pick berries when the snow melted, where the berries grow and they’re left behind. Every time the snow melt around the berries and they’re still there, my mom used to tell us go pick the berries, so we listen and go pick.”

Angie Kameroff, Sleetmute: “They say those are the sweetest berries, cause they lasted through the winter.”

Lucy Simeon: “Mm hmm. Every spring time we pick berries after the snow melt. That’s what I miss, going spring camp.” 

Angie Kameroff: “Lots of different things we used to eat. In springtime when we happened on a moose, the horns were not too big. My dad took an axe and chop them off. And then he put them by the fire, both of them. Then every once in a while he’d come over, he turn them over. So, when it was done and time to eat, we were really wishing there were some more moose horn to eat. It was so good. It tasted like a cross between pateq and moose nose. It was so good.”

The wisdom shared at the women’s gathering will be housed at the Middle Kuskokwim Tribal Library at the Arviiq Center in Aniak. Be on the lookout for more excerpts from Stories from the Middle Kuskokwim in future newsletters and Shareholder publications, as well as a new page on our website that is currently in production. If you or someone from your family has a story to share, contact us at info@kuskokwim.com