Authored by CIRI historian Alexandra J. McClanahan, "Our Stories, Our Lives" was first published in 1986. It has been used as a textbook in several classes through the years, and continues to sell today. Proceeds from the sale of the book benefit The CIRI Foundation.

The Alaska Native story knives featured on the new cover were provided by the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and are from various periods of time including ancient to new.

The new cover gives fresh life to a book that offers much in the way of traditional words from the Elders in the book who represent all the major geographic regions of the state.

Distributed by Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company, "Our Stories, Our Lives" is available in bookstores and online at www.ciri.com/tcf.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council's 32nd Annual Statewide Native Youth Olympics was held April 25-27 at the University of Alaska Anchorage Sports Complex. High school students from around the state competed in traditional Alaska Native games of skill and strength. Some of the events included the kneel jump, Alaskan high kick, and seal hop.

CIHA Offers New Approach to Affordable Housing

In March, Cook Inlet Housing Authority broke ground on Strawberry Village Cottages, 60 single-family, "rent to own" homes in southwest Anchorage. The first units are scheduled to be ready for occupancy by October.

Strawberry Village Cottages Rendering

To qualify for Strawberry Village Cottages, families must earn below 60 percent of Anchorage's median income. For example, a family of four would need to make less than $36,300 annually to qualify as a renter. At the end of 15 years, occupants have an option to purchase the home, and the entire development will be converted to a condominium-style management system.

Each single-family detached home offers spacious living located in a community setting. The property will be landscaped extensively with a sense of individual yards. The homes include a downstairs kitchen, dining area, living room, and half-bath, and upstairs full-bath, bedrooms, and utility room. The 60 homes in Strawberry Village Cottages will consist of 30 two-bedroom units and 30 three-bedroom units. Three homes will be built as single-story homes with full accessibility for disabled family members.

Rent for a two-bedroom unit is expected to cost $736 per month, while the three-bedroom homes will rent for $848 per month. The project was made possible by Alaska Housing Finance Corporation loans, Cook Inlet Housing Authority contributions, developer fees, and equity investments by Related Capital of California.

Contact Cook Inlet Housing Authority at (907) 276-8822 for more information regarding housing opportunities or Strawberry Village Cottages.

Up to 60 homes in Anchorage's designated renaissance zone neighborhoods, including Muldoon, Mountain View, Spenard, Russian Jack, Government Hill and Fairview, will be renovated and repaired this summer under the Municipality of Anchorage's "Renaissance Zone Rehabilitation Program." Qualified homes may get a fresh coat of exterior paint, new roof, accessibility ramp and maybe even a little yard work.

Homeowners who live in the targeted renaissance zone are urged to apply immediately. For information and applications homeowners should contact Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services at (907) 677-8490.

Three Anchorage-area community organizations have teamed up with the Municipality of Anchorage to ensure the success of neighborhood revitalization efforts. Anchorage Neighborhood Housing Services, Cook Inlet Housing Authority and Shiloh Community Development, Inc., are providing the administrative and construction/maintenance time and expertise. A major local and national volunteer effort will provide the people-power necessary to get the job done.

U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant funding allows the participating organizations to offer these home improvements to low- to moderate-income families who own a home within the designated neighborhoods. World Changers, a faith-based organization providing volunteer labor from churches throughout the Lower 48, as well as local volunteers will provide the labor.

The event organizers are looking for businesses or organizations interested in providing skilled labor to assist in this revitalization effort. Individuals and groups interested in helping, please contact Cook Inlet Housing Authority at (907) 276-8822. .

Summer Reforestation and Cultural Enrichment Camp Taking Applications

Camp participants plants seedlings near Ninilchik

Along with planting seedlings, camp participants engage in a variety of activities, such as work ethics and life skill classes, wilderness safety, traditional Alaska Native customs, and cultural activities. There is no charge to participate, stipends will be paid for satisfactory performance, and students have a chance to earn a half-credit on a school elective.

Cultural enrichment includes a fish project where youth learn about processing and preserving fish in the Cook Inlet tradition. In 2001, the fish project produced 125 cases of smoked (kippered) and jarred salmon. This year the fish project will be held during the four-day break between the reforestation sessions. Youth participants for this project will be selected through an interview process.

Applications for the Summer Reforestation and Cultural Enrichment Camp can be picked up at Cook Inlet Tribal Council's Educational Services Department at 504 West 25th Avenue, or call Leroy Williams, at (907) 297-2033 in Anchorage, or toll-free at (877) 985-5900. Space is limited so apply early.

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