We are committed to providing opportunities that help preserve the values, knowledge, languages and traditions of the people of the Middle Kuskokwim. The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) is proud to support our tribes as they work to create space and opportunities for our young people to spend time with Elders, Knowledge Holders, Culture Bearers, the land, and each other. As part of our TKC ROOTS program, we sponsored Shareholder youth to attend Kalskag’s Caunaq Cultural Camp, as well as Napaimute’s Jacob Wise Memorial Spirit Camp this year.
Caunaq Cultural Camp
Under a blazing summer sun, kids from Kalskag, Lower Kalskag, and Stony River gathered alongside Elders and mentors roughly 10 miles upriver from Kalskag to take part in the annual culture camp at Caunaq.
The five-day camp included a variety of activities. The traditional crafts of skin sewing yo-yos and beaver mittens, as well as birch bark basket making were taught. Youth learned different subsistence practices including setting fish traps and gillnets for whitefish, and of course, how to respectfully process the catch. Canoeing, kayaking, harvesting wood, and berry picking kept the kids active and allowed them to spend time on the land and water. Campers were separated into four teams and the round-robin style of scheduling ensured that everyone was able to participate in each activity.
Halfway through the five-day camp, with the heat driving the kids to swim, dinner was cooked and served on a nearby sandbar. After s’mores for dessert, the evening wrapped up with yuraq (traditional drumming, singing, and dancing) before heading back to camp.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife service from Bethel and Trooper Sam from Aniak stopped by to share information about career opportunities, fishing and hunting regulations, and to teach archery.
It is always wonderful to see community come together for our youth. Caunaq welcomed 20 youth campers and Culture Bearers ranging from 20-80 years old. Quyana to the Native Village of Kalskag for the opportunity to partner and support Caunaq. A great big shout out to our Community Resource Specialist Rachelle Persson for spearheading this collaboration and organizing a highly successful camp!
Jacob Wise Memorial Spirit Camp
The week after Caunaq, the weather changed and the second local camp kicked off just upriver from Napaimute. With the rain beating down on the roof, participants of the annual Jacob Wise Memorial Spirit Camp gathered in a canvas tent to hear traditional stories from our area.
One story in particular, “The Stone Woman,” teaches the history of significant rock formations up the Alugaq River. The following day, campers journeyed up the shallow river and hiked to see and bring gifts to the Stone Woman. This trek was a culmination of a week spent together, practicing our way of life and celebrating the uniqueness of the Middle Kuskokwim.
During the week-long camp organized by the Native Village of Napaimute, everyone learned to live and embrace the values of our people through activities, chores and spending time on the land.
Yuraq was a daily event, sometimes right up until bedtime. This year, the kids learned to make cauyat (drums) for yuraq. Knowledge of harvesting birch bark, spruce root, and willows to work with was also shared. This process began with giving thanks to our trees and ended with beautiful baskets
and canoes.
Campers heard stories about animals as beaver mittens were meticulously sewn under the guidance of loving Elders. As they picked berries, and caught and processed fish, the kids were taught about caring for and paying respect to the land. Participants also learned about traditional plant medicine and prepared salves to take home.
AVCP’s Healthy Families program visited camp and shared the importance of our cultural identities and traditional introductions.
Nothing beats time together on our homelands. The dedication camp coordinators, helpers, Culture Bearers, Knowledge Holders, and Elders have to teaching and mentoring our youth is remarkable. We look forward to supporting camps in the future and providing more opportunities for our Shareholders to practice our way of life.
If you’re interested in hosting a cultural learning opportunity through our TKC ROOTS program, please contact us at info@kuskokwim.com. TKC also offers a youth development scholarship to help our younger Shareholders access opportunities to further their growth and development. Learn more and apply here!
