I am Yup'ik

As a kid - I loved to ride bikes, jump from one barrel to the other, play tag with out touching the ground, play basketball, and kick the can was my personal favorite. We didn't care how we looked, we weren't afraid of getting a little dirty [a lot of dirty really], but we definitely loved being surrounded with classmates, with friends, all of your cousins. 

Some of this might be true for a lot of kids who grew up in a village. You were surrounded by people who you raced with in the school to finish your math with, or who you raced with from the school to the playground, and even fought over who had the fastest bikes or who's grandma made the best spaghetti [my grandma did]. 




"You can be a real Yup’ik even if you don’t speak your language, because what if the opportunity to speak it wasn’t there? But yet you live your subsistence lifestyle—that’s Yup’ik. But to make that element whole, you need the language, the lifestyle, and the culture. Never think you are not Yup’ik because you can’t speak the language." - Ludwina Jones, Yup’ik Language Immersion Teacher at the Ayaprun Elitnaurvik School in Bethel, Alaska.

I lived in a community of people who depended on one another. They not only taught me to put other before myself, but they lived the talk themselves. When a nukalpiaq [new-guh-tl-b-ia-q : n. man in his prime - named to men who hunt] catches his first seal or moose - his mother is proud she uqiquq [oo-gee-gook : n. women's throwing party]. Women around the village gather - as the mother is throwing items the is needed in the daily use - such as spatulas, soap, bath towels, pans, basins, etc ended with candy. But throw parties could be thrown in different varieties of celebrations - such as first marriage or birthdays.The subsistance catch is often shared with the community as well. This is one example of how I see people in the village put others before themselves.

We lived in a lifestyle of being taught our Yup'ik values. To respect your elders, and respect others. To share with one another - as a community. Put others before yourself. Work hard - never give up. When one falls, we all fall - help a hand out. Do not seek for revenge, forgive easy, don't hold grudges. 
In all of this - put God first. 

I am Yup'ik. I love my culture. I love to Yuraq/eskimo dance. I love to laugh with friends. I love to fish, pick berries, eat moose, etc - all in the presence of my family, peers, and anyone who shares good company. 

Some people say I am the happiest person they've ever met. That I laugh so much - and share joy with others. Some people say I'm fun to be around - that I make them laugh. Some people say I am great at encouraging others. 

I don't doubt it - I love to laugh. But behind my laughter can be covered with so much pain. I struggle in life - I am not perfect. I struggle with appearance. Or whether or not people will like me, or if I'm not enough. I'm afraid people won't accept my hurt, so I share a joke. I'm afraid people won't think I'm enough if I don't like the things they like. I'm afraid I won't have anyone to catch me when I fall. I'm scared. 

But it's okay - because now I don't have to hide that. I have friends to share that with - yes I do hurt, but I can express it. I can share it. And eventually share a laugh, share jokes. Ultimately - this isn't because I'm braver, this isn't because my friends showed me they care. But it's because we have a God who want's all of it, who wants the whole package. And he gives life through it all. 

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said 'You are my servant'; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:9-10

Recently, Alaska has lost a handful or young adults to suicide or murder. This is devastating to us as a state. For a long time we've struggled with suicide - and we always ask ourselves why does this happen? How can we stop this tragedy that continues to happen to our loved ones? I can only bring this back to our Yup'ik values - to respect one another and love each other as yourself. Connecting that to scripture: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. And the second is this: 'Love your neighbor as you love yourself.' There is no greater commandment than these.Mark 12:30-31. 

You matter.
You're loved.
You're beautiful. 

We can not live with out you. You are special. You are going to do great things in life. I hope you never forget that. Choose life. Do not give up. Remind one another their value - know your value. You are IMPORTANT. You are enough.

Uqiquq 

Rural Alaska Transportation

Salmonberries