Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month. I feel very vulnerable telling my story. I know little of my family's history and little about Alaskan Native history in general. This information is all a start. There is plenty of details I have left out. Now that I have children of my own, I would like to become more in touch with my culture and history. I want to be able to learn and speak Inupiaq with them.
I am Inupiaq Eskimo. My mother is Peggy Sherman-Luce of Nome. Her parents are Robert "Mike" Sherman (we call him Dotta) of Palmer and the late Nancy Teayoumeak of Nome.
Photo of the house my Dotta grew up in. I was able to visit his hometown of Candle, Alaska in high school. I took this photo with my first DSLR camera.
My grandpa Mike was born in Kiwalik, Alaska. It is on the Northern part of the Seward Peninsula. His mother is Elizabeth Hadley of Buckland, Alaska. She is full eskimo. His father was White, a Sherman from Virginia. He didn't like his children speaking in Inupiaq growing up, so my Dotta did not pass on the Inupiaq language to his children.
My grandmother Nancy Teayoumeak and I. This photo was taken around 1995. My family says we were really close before she passed in 1996 when I was about 2 years old.
My Grandma Nancy Teayoumeak is from Nome. Her parents are Tommy and Grace Teayoumeak. They are from a place between Shishmaref and Wales, named Itbik. They lived in Brevig Mission when she was born.I do not know much about her family history.
My Eskimo name is unknown. I remember the day my Great-Grandma Grace gave it to me. We were all at our house. The smell of Bengay and seal oil was abundant. She was sitting in her wheelchair, thinking very hard about what to name me. My mom recommended naming me after herself. And the decision was made. Unfortunately, my mom did not memorize my name, and it was lost once my Grandma Grace passed. This makes me sad, but it is the reality.
The first contact with the Western people was the beginning of many changes. Complex issues arose dampening the rich culture of the Inupiaq. The Inupiaq culture is in the process of being revitalized. I want to be part of the mission. For the rest of the month, I am going to share photos of my clients and their Eskimo Names.
I would love to here from you!
In the comments below, please share your favorite traditions, your Eskimo names, and your history.