Module II: Everything is Connected

On Kodiak Island we find many teachers who hold values similar to those of Dustin Madden. In fact, I feel I am one of those teachers.  Before I go any further, I will give a little background of myself...a little bit more than the short bio. I was born in Kodiak as both of my parents were born on the island. I am of native decendents--which the location and name has changed over the years. I grew up knowing that I was Aleut...because that was what we were told. However, as an adult I have learned that I am also Alutiiq. Growing up in Kodiak, (This is really taking a step for me to admit), I was embarrassed of being native. Our island had already been "westernized" and the stereotypical native was that of one I didn't associate myself with. It wasn't until I GREW up and went to UAF that I felt a sense of belonging within myself to the native I knew I was. (Thanks to Kay Thomas of Rural Student Services at UAF!) From there I became involved within my community and as I followed my dream of education---I became involved with ARSI (the Alaska Rural Systemic Initiative). I am very familiar with the Alaska Native Ways of Knowing. So, getting back to the subject....I am in full agreement with Dustin on this one. 

Now I have given credit to one college adviser who helped me to DISCOVER myself, but I also want to acknowledge the people who helped me understand the western ways of doing things. Both worlds exist and we need educators to teach us how to be successful in both worlds.

I am an active member on the IEA parent/teacher board, I am on the Board of Directors within our Native Educators Association ( NEAR) and a decendent of three local native corporations---but does that mean I know how to do it all? Absolutely not! What I do know what to do that can help to provide learning and career opportunities for my/ all students within my community is NETWORKING. I may not know the answers but by all means I will get them for whoever asks. That takes me to an annual function that our Native Educators provide during new teacher inservice for ALL new teachers--(but with the focus on new village teachers on our island) and that is a potluck we provide. It began about 10 years ago with our board providing a nice opportunity for our local agencies to introduce themselves and what they could provide for our village/ new teachers. It was a hit!!! It has continued--not as strong as initially, but with heart. I feel that when you educate the teachers who will then go back to their villages and be advocates for their students, it's a win-win situation.
This reminds me of something that was mentioned in this module---the Kodiak Island Rural Science Fair. Back in 1999, I was involved with the implementation (due to the ARSI funding) of the initial Dig Afognak Science Camp. What a great thing! The initial funding came from the ARSI grant which cycled between all 5 regions to implement such camps. It was phenomenal! We had elders--in their own words teaching children about the traditional ways of knowing. It became a hit! It lead to some great science fair projects--even one that went to Albuquerque for a final prize! Teachers should hold the role of making those connections and giving their students the tools of making those connections for themselves. We watched in those camps as students realized the way things used to be and how to understand WHY they did the things they talked about AND watching them do them. For example:  we had elders teaching children how to catch animals with traps made from slate rocks; students discovering what types of fur made better winter gear; which driftwood smoked better fish, etc. Through these experiences students from all over the island were able to work with elders and for many years we had McGrath science guru--Alan Dick participate in our science camps and fairs. Allowing students to use what they know, what their elders can teach them and apply to western ways is the learning curve our students need.

Favorite Place to Be

As a child, I was highly influenced by my grandmother. She was born on Afognak Island and grew up in the village that was eventually destroyed by the 1964 Great Tsunami. Years passed before I was given the opportunity to walk on the dirt roads of the village that once hosted my grandmother and ancestors past. The smell of the summer fruit growing on the bushes and the sweet smell of the ocean tides pulling in the fruitful plates. I could visualize her running through the boardwalks and up the sides of the mountain with her many siblings. When I think of my favorite place to be----it is on Afognak Island between Aleut Town and Russian Village.