Cultural Heritage Week 2010

Akutaq

Whew. What a year. We are very close to the end of the school year. There are only a couple of full "real" school weeks left. SBAs are over, and Cultural Heritage Week is next week! Really looking forward to that, especially since my best friend will be visiting again.

For the past two weeks we had interns from UAA visiting (as I did in 2007). My students and I really, really enjoy reading Berry Magic by Teri Sloat and Betty Huffmon. The story is about a little girl named Anana and she sees that three elderly women are displeased because there aren't enough good berries for the Fall Feast and they need them to make akutaq (Eskimo ice cream). So, Anana uses her crafty hand and goes out on to the tundra and magic happens! In the end, the berries are plentiful and the women happily have their akutaq.

So, I got together with my LT sub-aide, Cody Ferguson, and we were able to make akutaq for our students. Unfortunately, the interns had to catch a morning plane and they didn't get to taste it... and our first batch had to be redone, but they afternoon class did enjoy this Chevak dessert! As many times as we have read this book, this was our first time integrating the akutaq recipe into our classroom. It was such fun! I have to say if we didn't have these weird testing weeks, we wouldn't have had the "time" to do this. And, if I didn't have Cody it prob wouldn't have happened either. I loved how he tried to remember how his mom, Lena, made akutaq. This is just one of many examples of how much of the teaching and learning in the Cup'ik culture is through watching and doing.

Traditionally, akutaq (ah-goo-duck) was made with white fish, seal oil, berries, and sometimes meat. Today, many people use Crisco, oil, sugar, berries, and mashed potatoes, though many families make it each their own way. In C/Yup'ik, akutaq means "mix them together," which makes perfect sense! I have to say that when you hear the ingredients, and see them being mixed together it doesn't seem so delicious... but, after you have had some you begin to have your favorites and it is one of the reasons I like to get in line at potlucks :)

"Tamarpeci Nerluci"... all of you eat. Yup'ik saying found at www.ankn.uaf.edu by Frankie Jordan.

More pics to come...

Determination

"Determination is born out of purpose...knowing that you are gifted for something and this something must be attained. It is never enough to rely on luck or natural talent. You must, above all, believe in yourself, face your goals, and then fight as if your life depended on it." ~Unknown

Honey Buckets and Then Some

Well, I believe I have been initiated into the rural Alaskan lifestyle! Last week our sewer/water plant was out, causing school to be cancelled due to lack of functional restrooms and kitchen facilities. So, the ENTIRE village was on honey buckets. This meant not only no toilet, but also no shower, no laundry, no dish-washing... and no school. So, I was forced to relax and focus on UAF school work :) This also means I was getting pretty smelly and so was my house by the end of the three or so days! lol Kidding... kinda.

Funny, because this was a first for many of my students and also for all teachers out here. But, for many of the locals this just meant going back to the way things were just six or so years ago- using honey buckets and taking steams. My sister asked if I would be blogging about this experience, I told her I would... sans pictures :)

At the beginning of the month I was given the opportunity to attend the AAEYC 2010 Conference in Anchorage. It was SO great to run into former colleagues and professors, and also to make new friends. We have some wonderful people in the Early Childhood field. What I enjoyed most about this conference was the focus on birth through third grade. I had worked for an Early Head Start for three and a half years, and this is my second year teaching second grade. When you get to elementary things become all focused on standards and testing. The focus of the "whole child" and such seem to dissipate, which is quite saddening. The Early Childhood field always brings the focus back to the child- learning through play, music, movement, and art. Building relationships with the child and the family. These are the things I love most about working with children so it was good to be surrounded by this energy, if you will.

Also, I did give my two hour presentation on "Creating a Safe, Successful, and Engaging Learning Environment" and thoroughly enjoyed it! I had worries- would more than three people show up? Will they walk in and say they'd been teaching longer than I was born and walk out? Would I be able to give information that would take up the whole two hours? BUT, it all went well. I've almost always known that I love public speaking and the early childhood field, and to combine my passions and speak about what I love makes me ecstatic! I am hoping to present at and attend the 2011 AAEYC Conference so stay tuned ;)

Last, but not least, my wonderful mother likes to send holiday gifts for my students. It is so thoughtful and such a treat to watch the kiddos open their surprises. For Valentine's this year my mom sent some model airplanes, boats, and race cars to paint and build. My students really got a kick out of this! They were so focused and "into" their work. Thanks so much Mom!!!

The year is all downhill skiing from here. We are just finishing up Terra Nova testing (blah!) and March will be here before we know it. I am looking forward to April when, hopefully, my best friend will be visiting again AND we celebrate Cultural Heritage Week!

Blessings,

Misty Dawn Nelson

Home for the Holidays: Anchorage

I've missed the trees!

It looked like a winter wonderland... Alaska sure is beautiful.

Making gingerbread houses at Christi's house... Henry LOVED this.

Our family minus Andrew.

Me and the Bestest

Me with my older sisters Lisa and Tina

Lisa and our brother Ricky

A limo ride to look at Christmas lights with Juna and Zori :)

A much needed dinner with my Claire Bear

Auntie Lisa and Henry get matching tats

"To Infinity... and BEYOND!"

BIL Andrew and Tina

lol We were doing "Senior" poses

First Time Manaqing This Year

What a beautiful weekend I have had. New staff over for a game night, lovely company at our staff Christmas dinner (along with lots of laughs), and today I went ice fishing! Enjoy the pics :)

My Sister's Keeper

This fall I was determined to pick up some "just for fun" reading. As a teacher, and a never-ending student, I am always reading literature to become a better professional, so reading is always occurring, but I rarely read just for pleasure. As a kid, I always read. My BFF and I were enthralled with R.L. Stine books. We would camp out at each other's houses and just read, read, read until we finished the newest book. I wouldn't put one down until I finished it. I don't have a lot of vivid memories from childhood, but I can distinctly remember parent-teacher conferences in Kindergarten or first grade when my teacher told my mom that I was a "reader." Of course, back then I was just memorizing short "Gus rides the bus" books, but I took what my teacher said and ran with pride.

As a teacher myself, I try to choose read aloud books that are also made into movies. This way, I can reward my students with a movie, and they can compare the two. Well, I have decided to do this for myself, as well. :) One of the books I chose to read this fall was My Sister's Keeper. It was incredibly engaging and emotional. The end of the book caught me completely off-guard... it was a tear-jerker. This evening I am watching the movie.

As I watched, I knew that it wasn't as good as the book, but it still tugged at my heart. Many of the people in my life know that I lost my dad to Hepatitis C on New Year's 2005. It was a somewhat lengthy battle, and he lasted longer than was expected. What some people don't know it the history of my relationship with him, or how it all ended... which is always the most difficult thing to look back on, and I rarely do.

In My Sister's Keeper, the parents know that their daughter is sick with cancer. They have talks and though no one can prepare for death, they went through the struggle together. I also caught another glimpse of a show this evening where the children remembered the last words that their father had spoken to them, "Don't be sad."

Though we knew my dad was sick, and it seemed if it wasn't one health issue it was another, the death of my father still caught me completely off-guard. I didn't live with him growing up, and I was a young newly-wed in his last days so I really wasn't with him a ton. My ex-husband and I were driving out to the valley to a friend's cabin when I got the phone call... we had just passed Eagle River, which is where my dad and his mom lived. My mom wanted to make sure I wasn't driving. She told us to pull over so that she could tell me. I told her we were good, just tell me whatever it was. She told me that my dad was dead. It was in that moment that so many thoughts raced through my head.

The most difficult part of my dad's death was seeing where he died. He was living in a little shack with an area of about two love seats. No insulation, food from the food bank in front of him, and he was surrounded by photos and letters that he received from us girls over the years (dating WAY back). We were his world, there was no doubt in that.

I am not writing this for sympathy, but I sometimes forget just how tragic that moment was in my life. But, it is something that has changed me and affected me, and seeing the shows I saw tonight, a lot of those emotions came back. I don't remember the last words I spoke to my dad. I remember the last times I saw him. I remember what he looked like. And, if I try hard enough, I can remember few vivid memories of times we had together.

I am so thankful for my family and friends. And I am so thankful for my time here on this Earth. I feel for anybody who has ever lost anyone close to them. There are no words and there is no preparation to fully deal with one's death. It hurts to remember, but it is so important in the puzzle of my life. I am so, so thankful that I will be with my family this holiday season. We will disagree, get annoyed with one another, and be ready to go our own ways by the time the vacation is over... but, every moment of it will be worth it and valued.

Thanks for hearing my heart,

Misty

Admission into Masters Program!!!

Becky, McKenzie, Cael, and Me... Chevak Wrestling Invitational 2009

Guitar Lesson #1... a bit of a challenge for me... 

Well, it is official! I have been accepted into UAF's masters in Cross-Cultural Education program and I couldn't be more excited! The entire program focuses on teaching Alaska Native students in rural AK. It is perfect for me! I have not yet set up a course plan in stone, but I am hoping to graduate in 2012 if I take things nice and easy (that's 1-2 courses a semester). Not sure of a lot of things, but when it comes to school I have goals and dreams and I like to make them come true :)

As Thanksgiving is fast approaching, I was thinking about how fast this school year seems to be flying by. This time last year I had a lot more photos, but many of my experiences last year were new and needed to be documented! lol 

This year I suppose I have been focusing a lot on my professional development so that I can be an even better teacher for the students of Chevak. It has been great having a thematic reading program this year and seeing my students grow. I just began an Alaska Reading Course last month and it is absolutely wonderful! There are so many skills and so much knowledge being given to us, I am falling even more in love with literacy! :) I just want to continuously grow for myself and for my students. 

I am very excited to announce that I will be speaking at the 2010 Anchorage Association of Education for Young Children Conference to be held in Anchorage in February. This year's theme is "Changing One Child at a Time" and my topic will be sharing tools for successful classroom management. I will be speaking in a two-hour slot so please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. I love public speaking, but this will be my first time presenting on my own and I really want to impart knowledge that will truly benefit those in attendance. 

Though the first half of the school year seems to have flown by, I am getting VERY excited for Christmas vacation so that I can be with my friends and family. I cannot wait to spend time with them! My siblings and I will be doing something new this year (possibly a new tradition)... we have the opportunity to help serve at Bean's Cafe on Christmas Eve and I just think this will be such a humbling and beautiful experience. I love my family so much and I love to serve others in need. What a perfect way to spend the morning of Christmas Eve!

I am now beginning to dream up what vacation I might be able to take myself on next summer.. the wheels are turnin'... 

Stay Warm, 

Misty

My baby brother visited me in October! So, so thankful!

Late October, just after the freeze.

Chevak Meets Juneau!

Sitting on the doorsteps of the Governor's Mansion

View from inside the Juneau-Douglas High School.
Emily and I wearing traditional SE Alaska Native hats.
Beautiful art in JDHS.
Absolutely fabulous! You would need to see this in person to absolutely love it. I think every science teacher would want one in their classroom... but, they are about $200,000.

This has been the theme of the year for me; it keeps coming up in my master's course and in the world in which I live. There is no Yup'ik word for science. However, everything the Alaska Natives traditionally did was science from the way they made their kayaks and kuspuks, and even ikmiq (sp). The fact that there is no word for science says a lot to me... they just DID science... it wasn't something they read about in books. It was survival... it was self-reliance.
Last week my students made Yup'ik masks of their own. Above is a photo of the masks on exhibit in the Juneau museum. Below is a photo of my students and their masks :) Cute.


A traditional kayak. Amazing.
Douglas Island across the way.

Well, Emily and I have made it to the Math and Science Conference in Juneau, AK. We have had an absolutely fabulous time thus far. In all of my years in Alaska (soon to be 25), this is my first visit to our state capital. It is amazing to me how though we are a large state by area, we are small in numbers... it is definitely less than six degrees of separation the more you network! SE Alaska is not only different than the flatland tundra of Chevak, but so different than my hometown of Anchorage, as well. The mountains surround you, and they are so steep. And, the trees decorate the mountains from the bottom to the top. It is absolutely beautiful. Today one of our workshops was on Yup'ik Science at the local museum. It was so cool to see so many artifacts that we could identify with. I was really pleased because our tour guide has been all over AK for the last thirty years so he didn't just know about the Native cultures from books- he had been there so he really KNEW. It was also neat to have lived in a village for two years now and then to be able to identify the artifacts and have personal stories connected with them. This was definitely one of the highlights of the conference so far. Tonight we hope to visit Mendenhall Glacier... I can't wait!

October is Here

Agnes and her honey. Made by Dorothy Nayamin.

October is my absolute favorite month. I love the feeling of fall in the air, and the smell of winter around the corner. It is the month of PFD's (Permanent Fund Dividends), Halloween/fall festivities, and, of course, my birthday! :) This year I will be turning 25.

I have to tell you, 25 seems like I am really "growing up." lol I am very fortunate in that I will be in Anchorage for the evening of my birthday and am able to have a birthday dinner with family and friends... I cannot wait! For someone who loves celebrating birthdays, it is really important to me to spend it making fun memories with people I love. A co-worker and close friend out here, Emily, will be traveling with me which means she will be one of the few of my co-workers to meet my family. This will be fun!

Emily and I will be attending a Math and Science Conference in Juneau prior to my birthday. I have never been to Southeast Alaska, but I am very excited to see this beautiful place. My dad was from SE, born in Wrangell and raised in Craig, so that makes the trip even more exciting to me. Also, I have reviewed the sessions for this conference and there are MANY that are aimed at early childhood education (yay)! I was nervous that there would be more MS and HS workshops, but it looks like there is quite a variety for both Em and I (she is a MS science teacher).

October also marked a new project for me. I am opening my classroom up to my students every Thursday after school for one hour to focus on extra literacy activities. This will include book making, story telling, acting, movies, singing, etc. My theme is "Learning to Love Literacy." It is my goal that I will assist my students in becoming comfortable with reading, and in enjoying it. I really believe that without reading, we are limited in the paths that we can choose in life. And, I really want my kiddos to dream big, and then go after what they want. Hopefully, with this after school project, I will see my students grow even more over time.

This beautiful month also marks the end of first quarter! Before I know it, we will only have three more quarters left of the school year! It is so wild how time flies. As a teacher, there is so much you want to get done with your students... where does the time go?!

Also, hopefully by the end of this month I will find out if I was accepted into UAF's Master's in Cross-Cultural Education program. This is very exciting to me, as I have already begun coursework in this field of study and I absolutely feel that it is perfect for me. Everything that I am asked to read or inquire is directly related to the work I am doing right now. Cross your fingers for me!

Thank you to those of you who are keeping me in your thoughts and keeping up with my journey here in Chevak, and as an educator.

Happy October!

Misty