Outer Coast Program
Dear Editor: The 2021-2022 Outer Coast Year program concluded on Saturday, April 30, with a day of festivities to celebrate the accomplishments and growth of our students.
We are proud of our 2021-2022 cohort for all their hard work and growth this year. Together, we created a thriving community that met the challenges of institution-building with determination, candor, and collaboration – where each individual’s strengths were amplified by the community at large.
Our 2021-2022 graduates include Sevastian Aguilera, Keegan Cross, Allison Diaz, Lucan Diaz-McGowan, Emily Drukman, Eli Pelletier, Rebecca Qiu, Myasia Stephens, Sylvia Snow-Rackley and Adela Villalba.
Many individuals from Sitka and beyond have been essential in making this program a reality, and we are incredibly grateful for all that they have done to support Outer Coast this year.
In particular, we would like to thank Roger Schmidt, Drew Sherman, Gretchen Stelzenmuller, Zeke Blackwell and the Sitka Fine Arts Camp team; Kathryn Winslow with Brave Heart Volunteers; Louise Brady and Alex Jenkins with the Herring Protectors; Amanda Capitummino at Sitkans Against Family Violence; Hailey Jenkins, Bill Coltharp, Paul Cook, Matt Wilson and Janet Clarke at the Sitka Sound Science Center; Ben Hughey at Sitka Trail Works; Joel Hanson and Matt Milado at Southeast Alaska Independent Living; Tlingit Nerdz Chʼeet Wú Joe Binger, Xwaanlein Virginia Oliver, Koolyéik Roby Littlefield, Yeidilatseen Millie Hall, L Jáaḵkʼ Alice Taff, ḴʼashG̱é Daphne Wright, Satóokʼ Linda Belarde, Yanna.eit Barbara Craver, and Yeiltʼoochʼ Tláa Collyne Bunn; Ashia Lane and the staff at Old Harbor Books; Sotera Perez and the staff at the Backdoor Café; Michaela Goade; X̱’unei Lance Twitchell; Shanak’éit Kim Perkins; and Shaagunastaa Bob Sam.
In addition, we would like to thank all of the businesses and organizations who supported the Outer Coast Year 2021-22: Saltchuk; Alaska Community Foundation; Alaska Commercial Company; Murdock Charitable Trust; GCI; Sitka Rotary; SEARHC; The CIRI Foundation; Coeur; Rasmuson Foundation; Sitka Legacy Foundation; Shee Atika; Alaska Airlines; Alaska Humanities Forum; The Hames Corporation; Davis Realty; White’s Inc; First Bank; Alaska Computer and Office Supply Center; Coastal Collision; ALPS Federal Credit Union; Schmolck Mechanical; Sitka CHARR; Sitka Bottling Company; Foreign Auto; Tongass Threads; Sitka Salmon Shares; and Sitka Charitable Trust.
We would also like to thank our wonderful Outer Coast Year faculty and staff: Ilgavak (Peter Williams), David Egan, Matthew Spellberg, Caroline Daws, Dionne Brady-Howard, Konner Brewer, and Dorian Lumarque, who all jumped into the program with both feet to support students.
Aatlein gunalchéesh,
The Outer Coast team:
Nirali Desai, Frank Eccher, Johnny Elliott, Grace Greenwald,
Bryden Sweeney-Taylor,
Rachel Thomson, Cecilia Dumouchel
Sitka Visit
Dear Editor: Greetings from the far north of California where we reside. Our recent visit to your beautiful city prompted me to respond to your visitor editor.
We were able to spend some days exploring the region before we embarked on an inaugural expedition cruise aboard the M/V Ocean Victory. Both of us were impressed by its cleanliness, friendly and helpful locals, and the layout of the downtown center.
Appreciated the detailed map/sign kiosks, and ease with which one could visit so many sites accurately distanced by times for walking. Great food also.
Dean and Joan Hartman,
Eureka, California
Abundance
Dear Editor: The mountains and ocean surrounding Sitka provide a sense of protection and safety. The strength of mountains, psssh of ocean, and green of forests bring my attention to the Creator.
I am Greatful to all who preserve and protect this abundance. The stewardship of indigenous peoples for 10,000 years has protected and preserved these resources. This is a Great place to grow up. Gunalcheesh!
Christy Williams, Sitka
