Revitalizing Language, Culture, and Tradition for Future Generations
In Igiugig, culture is not just remembered—it is lived. Through language revitalization, hands-on cultural camps, and the creation of a dedicated cultural center, the Igiugig Village Council is working to ensure that Yup’ik and Dena’ina traditions thrive for generations to come. Our stories, songs, and ways of life connect us to our ancestors and our land. By learning from Elders, teaching the next generation, and embracing both traditional and modern storytelling, we are strengthening our identity and safeguarding what must never be lost.
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programs to preserve our culture
Indigenous Storytelling and Media
Oral storytelling has always been the way our people pass down knowledge. But today, we need to use new tools—books, digital media, and film—to ensure our stories reach future generations.
The Naaqi Project (“Read” in Yup’ik)
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A storytelling initiative that transforms oral histories shared by Elders into books and digital resources.
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Books like Aqvautet and Kaviaq bring Yup’ik stories to young learners.
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Honored with the 2024 Community Impact Award by the Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums.
Bristol Bay Song & Dance Virtual Sessions
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A regional initiative to revive and share Indigenous songs, dances, and drum teachings.
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Guest instructors from across the Bristol Bay region share their knowledge with learners.
The Igiugig Cultural Center
For years, cultural revitalization efforts in Igiugig have taken place wherever space is available—in homes, community gatherings, or outdoor settings. However, a dedicated space is needed to ensure the long-term survival of Igiugig’s traditions.
The planned Igiugig Cultural Center will be a hub for language learning, storytelling, song, and intergenerational teaching.
The Vision for the Cultural Center
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A place for immersive language learning—where Yup’ik and Dena’ina are spoken daily.
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A space to preserve and share cultural artifacts, stories, and knowledge.
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A gathering place for Elders and youth to learn together.
Cultural Camps & Traditional Knowledge Transfer
Culture is learned by doing. At Igiugig’s cultural camps and seasonal gatherings, Elders and knowledge holders teach the next generation the skills and traditions that have sustained our people for thousands of years.
What We Teach & Preserve:
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Subsistence Knowledge: Harvesting, preserving, and preparing traditional foods. Fishing, hunting, and land-based knowledge.
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Art & Storytelling: Traditional storytelling, drumming, and song. Dance workshops and regional song-sharing.
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Survival & Craftsmanship: Birch bark basketry, sewing, and tool-making. Skinning, tanning, and hide preparation.
Language Revitalization
Language is the foundation of our worldview. It carries our ways of thinking, our history, and our values. The Igiugig Village Council is leading efforts to revitalize the Yup’ik (Yugcetun) and Dena’ina languages, ensuring that they are spoken, not just studied.
Key Programs:
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Virtual Beginner Yup’ik & Dena’ina Language Courses: For students, parents, and community members.
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Wangkuta Qanriarait Nanvarparmiut Yugestun (“We All Speak Lake Iliamna Yup’ik”) Project: A three-year effort to train new language speakers and teachers to keep Yup’ik alive in Igiugig.
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Master-Apprentice Language Program: Pairing fluent speakers with learners for deep immersion.
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Indigenous Language Books & Media (Naaqi Project): Publishing Yup’ik stories told by Elders and transforming them into books and digital resources.
