How we got here
Vision, Planning and Contributions of cultural experts
Photo Above: Some of the Cultural Advisory Committee Members
Elders and Indigenous Cultural Experts from around the region came together many times to plan and share their knowledge during the years of planning. We appreciate the contribution of these individuals :
- Austin Ahmasuk
- Brandon Ahmasuk
- Carolyn Ahkvaluk
- Jacob Ahwinona
- Eleanor Amaktoolik
- Georgiana Anasogock
- Anders Iyaaka Apassingok
- Rose Attatayuk
- Simon Bekoalok
- Wilbur Booshu
- Esther Bourdon
- Josephine Bourdon
- Peter Buck
- Loretta Bullard
- Iver Campbell
- Annie Conger
- Lisa Ellanna
- Margaret Ellanna
- Alice Fitka
- Charlie Fitka
- Rose Fosdick
- Kacie Fullwood
- Linda Gologergen
- Matilda Hardy
- Roben Itchoak
- Donna James
- Wesley Jessup
- Merlin Kanooka
- Dolly Kugzruk
- Jonella Larson
- John Lockwood
- Ursula Lyon
- Peter Martin
- Frederick Buster Murray
- Roger Nassuk Sr.
- Clara Olanna
- Faye Ongtowasruk
- Monica Oyoumick
- Raymond and Sylvia Paniataaq
- John Penetac, Sr.
- Vincent Pikonganna
- Nita Rearden
- Colleen Reynolds
- Amy Russell
- Moriah Sallafie
- Flora Simon
- John Sinnok
- Bernadette Alvanna-Stimpfle
- Marjorie Tahbone
- Sandra Tahbone
- Vincent Tocktoo
- Morris Toolie
- Clement Ungott
- Phyllis Walluk
- Winton Weyapuk
- Edwin Weyiouanna
- Tanya Wongittilin
Along with these individuals (list is not all inclusive) who gave their precious knowledge we also recognize the contributions of the Kawerak Board of Directors. Heartfelt thanks to all for your dedication to ensuring our cultures are represented in the first tribally owned and operated Cultural Center and Museum for the Bering Strait Region!
what's in a name
A region-Wide effort
The people of the Bering Strait Region were invited to participate in naming of our new cultural center. Kawerak conducted a region-wide vote via mail and Katirvik was the clear winner. Katirvik means “Gathering Place” in Inupiaq and sounds very similar to St. Lawrence Island and Central Yup’ik words meaning the same. The most defining feature of the cultural center is the gathering space/classroom which is built in a circular shape and is designed to emulate the look and feel of the traditional gathering place, the qagzri or qasgeq.
