ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — The remnants of Typhoon Halong resulted in catastrophic flooding in various Alaskan Native villages, displacing hundreds and causing extensive damage to housing. In the wake of this disaster, many families, including children like 10-year-old Rayann Martin, have been brought to Anchorage, where they are adapting to drastically changed lives.
Among their new routines is participation in an immersive Yup'ik language program aimed at teaching children their native language and instilling a sense of cultural identity. Rayann expressed her excitement about learning more Yup'ik and using it to communicate more with her family and peers—with her first language often integrated into daily conversations.
More than 170 evacuated students have joined the Anchorage School District, with 71 enrolled in the Yup'ik immersion program—a significant increase that illustrates the program's growing importance and popularity.
The immersion program, initially created after requests from local parents, provides students with bilingual education across various subjects, merging traditional Yup'ik teachings with academic content. It aims to help children build connections with their cultural roots amidst their turbulent transitions.
Principal Darrell Berntsen, an Alaska Native himself, has made it a mission to ensure the new students feel welcomed and connected. Understanding their struggles, he recalls similar experiences faced by his family decades ago during a historical natural disaster. He stresses the importance of maintaining cultural narratives and supporting families in the community.
The Yup'ik immersion program is more than language education; it's a lifeline for the younger generation, allowing them to engage with their grandparents and great-grandparents in meaningful ways, bridging gaps created by historical trauma. The program aims to foster a vibrant community that upholds and revitalizes Alaska Native cultures for future generations.
