February 18, 2025, Community Happenings

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Category: News

Created on Tuesday, 18 February 2025 14:52

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Sitka Native Education Program

Gears Up for 50th Anniversary

Sitka Native Education Program on April 19 will celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking half a century of dedication to Indigenous education, cultural preservation, and community empowerment.

The milestone event will bring together generations of students, educators, and community members to celebrate the program’s rich history and its long-lasting impact it continues to have on Sitka and Southeast Alaska, SNEP said in a news release.

Founded in 1974, SNEP was established with a vision to strengthen Tlingít language, culture, and traditions through education. Over the years, it has grown into a cornerstone of cultural learning in Sitka, providing Indigenous youths with opportunities to connect with their heritage through language classes, traditional arts, song and dance, and land-based learning. 

Through its after-school programs, summer camps, and school partnerships, SNEP has ensured that cultural knowledge is passed down from elders to future generations.

The 50th anniversary celebration will be a showcase of this legacy, featuring traditional performances, storytelling, cultural demonstrations, and a gathering of alumni and community members who have been part of SNEP’s journey.

The event will highlight not only the program’s history but also the ways it continues to evolve, adapting to modern educational needs while staying rooted in Tlingit traditions, SNEP said.

The inception of SNEP began by elders who saw a dire need to bring a sense of identity and cultural connection to the next generation. 

‘‘Through their tireless and committed work, these elders gave youth then, and now, the chance to learn about where they came from and who they are through the Tlingít worldview,’’ SNEP said. ‘‘We continue to uphold and cherish the cultural teachings from the SNEP founders and instructors: Yeidikook’áa Isabella Brady, Kaal.atk’ Charlie Joseph Sr., Aayaanax Tlaa Annie Joseph, Annie Dick, Elizabeth Basco, Sgatoot Emma Duncan Davis, Alice Williams, Maria Guthrie, Vida Davis and Daasdiyáa Ethel Makinen, among many other elders.’’

Today, SNEP continues to learn from one of the original instructors, Dr. Kéet Tláa Anne Johnson, during the weekdays at SNEP classes.

As SNEP looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of teaching haa kusteeyí and Lingít Yoo Xatángi all while perpetuating cultural practices, SNEP said.

‘‘The 50th anniversary celebration is not just a reflection on the past but a call to action—to continue supporting and expanding Indigenous education for generations to come,’’ SNEP said.

Past students, community supporters, and those looking to learn more about Indigenous culture, are invited to this event.

For more details and how to participate, contact joseph.marks@sitkatribe-nsn.gov or leblancj@sitkaschools.org

Xóots School

Renaming Set

Xóots Elementary School will have an all-day celebration of renaming the school from Baranof to Xóots  Friday, Feb. 21.

Kindergarten and first grade students will be in various Tlingit learning stations 9 a.m.-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 21. At 12:35 p.m., an assembly, which will include song, dance and speeches, will be in the gym. 

Big Rig Event

Seeking Vehicles

The 3 to 5 Preschool’s 12th annual spring fundraiser and Big Rig event is planned for 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 26, at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School parking lot.  

‘‘As always we are looking for a variety of vehicles to show and letting  kids enjoy seeing and climbing on them,’’ organizers said. ‘‘We are hoping for a few operators to possibly show their rigs in action even for a short time.’’

Call Marcia Hirai at 360-481-1505 to find out more information on how to help out.  

GPIP Board

Meet Canceled

The Gary Paxton Industrial Board of Directors  meeting set for Thursday, Feb. 20, has been canceled due to lack of quorum. 

Theater, Arts

Camp for Youths

Zeke Blackwell and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp Youth Performers Theater acting students will host a one-day theater and arts camp 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Friday, March 7, which is a Sitka School District inservice day.

It will include theater activities and games, arts and crafts, movement and  other activities.

The cost is $75, which includes lunch, and is open to those in kindergarten through third grades.

The camp is a fundraiser for their theater trip to the Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Oregon, in May. To register, https://bit.ly/4gFEUBe. For information, contact Zeke Blackwell at 907 747-3085.