Inupiaq Days (April 15 – 17) were held in Shishmaref during the April 13 – 18 Sled Dog Mushers’ Association Spring Carnival (Herbie Nayokpuk “Shismaref Cannonball” Spring Carnival). 

 

The SDMA sponsors the dog mushing events and the basketball tournaments.  The Inupiaq Days are held at the school and consist of cultural activities such as sealskin sewing, beading, fishhook making, butchering and cooking a meal for the village Elders, Inupiaq singing, Eskimo dancing, Native games, storytelling by the Elders, kayak-building, and much more.  Students rotated to different sessions throughout the three-day event.  Craft sessions were led by talented local villagers willing to share their knowledge and skills with the students. 

 

Resources from “the outside” brought in Alaskan-themed presentations.  This year, besides the State Troopers, we had scientists from the REACH program, staff members from the Environmental Protection Agency, Allison Warden (a Native “rapping” artist-in-residence), and MaryJane Litchard (a Native poet and artist). 

 

In addition, this year, we were fortunate to have Aaron Burmeister visit the village and talk with the students and villagers during the mushing events, at the school, and on his visits throughout the village.  The Friday morning assembly highlighted Herbie Nayokpuk’s legacy and Aaron’s Iditarod award.  It couldn’t have been a more appropriate presentation.  Aaron was GREAT…very interesting, very giving and kind…just like Herbie was, from my understanding.

Donna Bennett

 

*We’d like to thank Donna Bennett for contributing this information to us.