Quyanaa

The LEAP Level 1 curriculum is strong because of the time, care, and spirit of collaboration that each contributor brought to this work. We are grateful for their support in helping bring Alutiiq language learning into classrooms in a way that feels accessible and connected to the community.

Lena I. Anderson (Chignik Lake) guided every stage of development—from selecting topics to providing cultural context, personal history, and cross‑generational perspective. She approved all Alutiiq language used and generously recorded the vocabulary. Her wisdom roots this work in Bristol Bay traditions.

Quyanaa to the communities this curriculum serves. Your commitment to language, culture, and the next generation makes this work possible. Together, with families, schools, Elders, tribes, and learners, we carry Alutiiq forward.

Language and Education Foundations

The Alutiiq language represented in this curriculum was informed by topic, structure, season, and subsistence. We are grateful to Esther Pepin and Beth Hill for laying crucial groundwork, consulting, and collaborating with our team to develop tools and materials that will meet teachers where they are and encourage classroom integration. 

Our learning philosophies are inspired by the Alutiiq education movement in Kodiak, and we are grateful to our own language teachers who, in addition to vocabulary and grammar, have taught us patience, perspective, perseverance, and the importance of community in language learning. They include:

  • Qangyuk Natalia Schneider

  • Wek Max Pyles 

  • Isuwiq Dehrich Chya

  • Cutmen Candace Branson 

  • Isiik April Counceller

  • Agisaq Alisha Drabek

  • and the staff at Where Are Your Keys, among many others.

Teacher Contributors

We extend heartfelt thanks to the educators who helped draft, pilot, and refine these lessons.

  • Ali Brunz

  • Maddy Davis

Artists

  • Courtney Griechen (Pilot Point) - Unit 8 artwork

  • Virginia Zimin (Port Heiden & South Naknek) - Body and regalia art (Unit 3), family art (Unit 5)

Culturally Responsive Teaching Reviewers

Teachers from the Bristol Bay region’s M.Ed. in Culturally Responsive Teaching program tested this curriculum in their classrooms and offered invaluable feedback. Their insights helped strengthen the lessons and ensure they are practical, relevant, and meaningful for both teachers and students.

Core Development Team

  • Miles King, Learning Initiatives Manager (project scope, oversight, lesson development, classroom integration)

  • Marissa Vinberg, TC2H Curriculum Specialist (lesson development, cultural consultation, Alutiiq language research and selection, supplementary materials development)

  • McKinley Alden, TC2H Program Manager (project management, Alutiiq language research and selection, Elder consultation and audio recording, consultation and revision)

  • Tewosret Vaughn, Publishing Project Manager (project management, visual materials development, supplementary materials design, illustrator management)

  • Robin McKnight, Communications Manager (copyediting, website integration)

This work was done under the guidance and direction of Bristol Bay Foundation’s Director of Programs, Emily Brockman, and with the support, advice, and enthusiasm of our President and CEO, Aleesha Towns-Bain.

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