In a thoughtfully designed classroom nestled inside of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, a diminishing language is being given a breath of life. Executive Director of Cook Inlet Native Head Start Ethan Petticrew can hardly contain his glee about the Yup’ik Immersion Program that takes place here, “This is a big deal; we are literally changing the course of history.”
The Ida’Ina Friendship Gathering debuted in the spring of 2011 to bring friends together and celebrate all cultures.
With the promise of spring in the air, accompanied by a beautiful clear blue sky, no one can deny that March 23 was a gorgeous day for giving.
After nearly an hour of spirited remarks by Alaska Native leaders and policymakers, attendees of Southcentral Foundation’s 21st Annual Gathering found their seats in preparation for SCF’s first indigenous cooking competition, Chopped Alaska.