How we got here
Vision, Planning and Contributions of cultural experts
Elders and Indigenous Cultural Experts from around the region came together many times to plan and share their knowledge during the years of planning. Adjacent is a picture of some of the Cultural Advisory Committee members:Among the many Indigenous Experts and Elders that have contributed to planning the Center over the years, here is a list of some of (not all inclusive) individuals who have shared precious knowledge: 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 Russel, 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, the Kawerak Board of Directors, and many more. Heartfelt thanks 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!
our goals
our space
We proudly display cultural artifacts in four display cases with more interactive displays within the drawers of each display case. Browse carvings, skin sewn garments, photographs, replicas, tools, and videos of our region at your own pace. We have a touch screen display that accepts public cultural knowledge, growing our knowledge base. Watch and learn about our heritiage through both modern and archived footage and stories from our Eskimo Heritage Program.
The Qagzri is a circular room filled with natural light over drawn with a beautiful extra large drum light. Our cultural classes, gatherings, and community celebrations are held here. We often are hosting meetings and trainings in the Qagzri, that can comfortably host 35 people. For details on renting our space please find more information here.
Our office spaces have a secondary meeting area for smaller classes or meetings, it also houses our state of the art collections vault that has pieces donated and collected through our Acquisition Committee.
the eskimo heritage program
Kawerak’s Eskimo Heritage Program (EHP) was established in 1981 to record and preserve cultural information related to the Region’s culture and history, and makes them available for research and educational purposes. EHP has a collection of recorded stories, songs, family genealogies and oral history. The various topics recorded include: hunting, fishing, boat construction, skin sewing, gathering and preparation of food.
The EHP collection includes 1,200 audiotapes, 300 videotapes, 7,000 slides, 3,500 photographs and a small library. EHP is always open to adding to the collection.
Copies of media, photographs and audio recordings are available to Tribal members. A small fee is required if you wish to take copies, or you can bring your own blank CD, DVD or jump drive. EHP staff can also assist you view or listen to the materials in our office. For Non-Tribal Members, a Patron Application must be completed to access the collection. If you have personal photographs or recordings that you would like to have available for generations to come, please contact us. We will assist in duplicating or in recording your collection onto CD or DVD. If your school or community is conducting any research and documentation of Elders, please contact EHP for collaboration. If you would like to volunteer within our program, EHP has opportunities for community service and involvement in EHP.
Learn more at https://kawerak.org/cultural-development/eskimo-heritage-program/
kawerak elders advisory committee
The Katirvik Cultural Center and the Eskimo Heritage Program are guided by the Kawerak Elders Advisory Committee (KEAC) and the Kawerak Board of Directors. There are 9 KEAC members who represent the different geographic areas in our region. The KEAC meet twice per year, in the spring and fall.