Stories have the power to inspire and uplift. They help us remember the past, teach us lessons, and preserve customs and culture. Everyone has a story to share—we want to hear yours!

Alaska Native and other Indigenous peoples have long used storytelling as a means of communication, to educate, and to present ideas and values. Traditional storytelling by word of mouth still takes place whenever a group of people get together to socialize.

An innovative story-sharing platform, Cultures of CIRI provides an opportunity to share stories, or “sukdu,” and connect with one another. It’s a way of not only capturing and collecting stories, but of preserving and sharing them with future generations.

When thinking about your own story, here are a few prompts to help you get started:

• What does culture mean to you and your family?
• What stories will you tell the younger generation?
• Do you have a story from a CIRI program or event?
• What does CIRI mean to you?
• Do you have a memory of a friend or loved one who has passed?
• Do you have words of encouragement for CIRI shareholders and descendants?

Use the prompts for inspiration, but please don’t feel limited by them!