Publisher: Alaska Native Language Center; (March 1, 2004)
ISBN # 1-55500-083-5

As told by Anatole Bogeyaktuk and Charlie Steve, who were members of the last generation of Yup'ik men to be raised in the qasgi (men's house) and who witnessed first-hand the dances and gift-giving of celebrations near the village of Stebbins, Alaska. Interviewed by Rose Anna Dan Waghiyi, who was born in Atrivik, located on the north side of Stebbins. She teaches Yup'ik language and cultural traditions at the local Stebbins school. She records all the old and new songs used in potlatches that are still a part of the cultural activities in Stebbin. Mary Alexander Wondzell was born and raised in Scotland. During her work at Kawerak, Inc. in Nome, Alaska she developed the Bering Straits Elders Conference. The stories were transcribed and translated by the late Sophie Shield who was an educator with the Lower Kuskokwim School District in Bethel. Her work includes "Qulirat Qanemcit-Illu Kinguvarcimalriit/Stories for Future Generations: The Oratory of Yup'ik Eskimo Elder Paul John." Translator Marie Meade is a professor at the University of Alaska Anchorage where she teaches Yup'ik Language and Culture. Her work is featured at the National Museum for the American Indian where Elders from the Yup'ik region are highlighted. The book is edited by Ann Fienup-Riordan who is an anthropologist and editorial author of many books on the Yup'ik people of Alaska with the help of those Elders who have willingly shared their knowledge and life experiences through translators Marie Meade and Alice Rearden. All photographs are by Suzi Jones, who is currently Deputy Director of Anchorage Museum of History and Art, and James H. Barker of the Alaska State Council on the Arts. These photographs are held in the Traditional Native Arts Program Collection, Archives and Manuscripts, Alaska Polar and Regions Department University of Alaska, Fairbanks.

Grade Level:

High School and College Level Good Resource for teachers and parents

Theme: Historical

Status: Recommended

Review

This is a wonderful book to read and share with students about the traditional Stebbins Dance Festival with some photos from Kotlik community members who have been a partner in Kevgiq celebrations. At the beginning of the book Ann Fienup-Riordan gives a simple explanation of the Stebbins potlatch, followed with a brief explanation about the complexities that are involved in Yup'ik transcription and translation. Following this introduction the book details the actual interview of the two Elders. One side of the page is Yup'ik and other side is the English translation. At the end of the book is a glossary which is very helpful in clarifying Yup'ik terms used within the book.

Season: Fall and Winter

Suggested Teaching Activities

• Include when introducing traditional Yup'ik ceremonies /potlatches -values of giving, sharing and humor
• Include in Yup'ik Language Classes - just copy the Yup'ik version and have the students translate and then compare with the translation as written in the book.

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