Newsletter - June, Page 03

CIRI Non-profit news . . .

Alaska Native Heritage Center Announces Special 1999 Summer Admission for Alaska Natives

The Alaska Native Heritage Center invites Alaska Natives to visit the Heritage Center on a "prepaid" basis for its first summer season.

"To recognize the substantial contributions by the Alaska Native corporations, both profit and not-for-profit, the Heritage Center would like to offer 'prepaid' admission for Alaska Natives during the first summer season," said Perry Eaton, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. "We want the Center to be an exceptional educational and cultural institute for and about Alaska Natives. Just as a blanket toss works best when everyone pulls together, we want everyone, especially Alaska Natives, to share, learn and strengthen tradition."

Alaska Native guests need only to state the Alaska Native corporate region they represent. On occasion, guests may be asked to show some form of identification verifying Alaska Native status. Verification may be in the form of tribal, regional corporate or similar identification. Identification may include BIA enrollment certification, IRA enrollment number or regional Alaska Native corporate affiliation.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center, a gathering place that celebrates, perpetuates, and shares Alaska Native tradition, is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through September 30, 1999.

Youth Camp Opens in June

Up to 72,000 trees will be planted in the first

Summer Youth Camp, a collaboration between CIRI, CITC and SCF. Tree planting is just part of the summer fun. The camp, located about 20 miles inland from Ninilchik, will utilize culture as a teaching tool and each participant will make Native crafts.

Youth between the ages of 14 and 18 must qualify under CITC's Summer Youth Employment Program to attend the camp. They will receive summer youth employment stipends as well as a half-unit of high school credit.

There are four one-week camp sessions, each with a two-day orientation. Orientation includes safety, work ethics and camp etiquette. Campers must sign a participation agreement which outlines rules and expectations for camp conduct. The first session began June 14. Approximately 30 youth will participate in each session. Tents, sleeping bags and food are provided. Camp facilities include a full kitchen, bathroom and laundry. Counselors and an EMT also are on-site.

For more information contact Gary Bibb, youth camp coordinator, at 265-5962.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Awarded Grant to Save America's Treasures

The Alaska Native Heritage Center was awarded a $730,980 grant of the first annual Federal Save America's Treasures Award by First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton at the White House on May 19.

"We are honored to be recognized by the First Lady and the White House as one of America's Treasures," said Perry Eaton, president and CEO of the Alaska Native Heritage Center. "This

grant will enable the Center to move forward on our project of building boats and to pass on our knowledge, history and tradition to the younger and future Alaska Native generations and visitors. It also enables us to gather together and to build on our rich cultural heritage, to celebrate who we are and to share in our celebration."

Save America's Treasures is designed to celebrate American creativity, innovation and discovery. The millennium program recognizes and supports projects that convey the nation's rich heritage to future generations of Americans by extending grants to provide opportunities to learn about shared history, preserve tangible heritage and give permanent gifts to the future.

Paddling into the Millennium is the Alaska Native Heritage Center's year 2000 theme. Paddling into the Millennium will bring together Elders from each Alaska Native culture to share their skills directly with youth and provide hands-on training and oral tradition. The award enables the Center to preserve and pass on tradition for future generations.

Cook Inlet Tribal Council Sponsors Arts and Crafts Booth at Wednesday Market

CITC is sponsoring a booth at the downtown Wednesday Market in Anchorage for artisans who make and sell Native arts and crafts. If you or someone you know would like to utilize the booth space, please call (907) 265-5959 for information. There are still some Wednesdays available in August.

Cook Inlet Cultural Ambassadors Named for 1999

Contestants proudly honored Alaska Native cultures through the wearing of traditional apparel and display of talent at the Third Annual Cook Inlet Cultural Ambassador Awards Program, held June 12 at the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

The awards program is an annual event that encourages leadership and education and creates self-esteem while honoring Native heritage. Each Cultural Ambassador serves as a role model for young people by setting a standard of excellence for all to follow. Eligible female and male participants must be between the ages of 18 and 25, reside within the Cook Inlet area and plan to or attend college with good academic standing.

This year five female contestants and one male competed for an array of titles and scholarships. Lily Tuzroyluke was crowned Miss Cook Inlet Cultural Ambassador and awarded a $3,000 scholarship, while Michael Worthy received $3,000 and the title of Mr. Cook Inlet Cultural Ambassador. Ingermaria Jack was awarded $1,500 for being named 1st Ambassador Attendant and Trina Landlord awarded $1,000 for being named 2nd Ambassador Attendant.

Lily Tuzroyluke also received an additional $500 scholarship for being named Most Talented. Most Congenial and a $250 scholarship were bestowed upon Ingermaria Jack. In addition, two CICA Merit Awards were presented to Demaris Hudson and Charlene Franklin.

"The Ambassador title recognizes outstanding young Alaska Native men and women," said Debbie Fullenwider, CICA Chair. Each contestant was judged in the following areas: essay, personal interview, oral presentation, traditional apparel, traditional talent presentation, attendance, and answering an impromptu final question.

Ms. and Mr. Cook Inlet Cultural Ambassador will represent Alaska Natives of the Cook Inlet region at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, the CIRI Potlatch, Spirit Days and other functions during their title year. Miss Tuzroyluke will also participate in the Miss World Eskimo-Indian Olympics Pageant in Fairbanks.

According to Lily Tuzroyluke, who is of Inupiat and Tlingit heritage, she participated in the ambassador program to ". . . lead my generation towards a future full of promise. I have a life-long dream of representing my people so I can make a positive and inspiring difference in the Native nations."