Mission Moment: Egltertuq Program Highlight
Eglertuq (To be in Motion, Yup'ik) is a program at the Alaska Native Heritage Center that uses a traditional healing approach to address social determinants of health within communities of Alaska Native/Native American women. Eglertug has an established network of culture bearers and community organizations to provide culturally supportive services through renewed interest in culture and art.
Eglertug recently held workshops at the 2025 Cama'i Dance Festival in Bethel, Alaska. Eglertug Program Coordinator, Apayaq Andrew Weaver (Yup'ik), wrote a reflection on this experience:
"Our time at Bethel Regional High School for the Cama’i Dance Festival was not only entertaining but also deeply healing and educational, reinforcing the power of cultural connection and artistic expression. This annual gathering has become a cherished tradition, and this year marked our third consecutive time hosting Culturally Supportive and Healing Services for the clients of Tundra Women’s Coalition and the Mamterilleq community. Each year, we witness the profound impact that these workshops and performances have on participants, offering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and revitalization of cultural identity.
This year’s workshops were especially engaging, featuring Sewing with Nikki Corbett, Beading with Susan Jones, and Drum Making with Andrew Weaver. Participants immersed themselves in the creative process, gaining hands-on experience in traditional skills passed down through generations. In Nikki’s sewing class, attendees not only learned stitching techniques but also explored the significance of their designs, proudly showcasing their finished pieces to the community. Many participants were inspired to continue sewing long after the festival, seeing it as a way to express their identity and preserve cultural traditions.
The beading workshop led by Susan Jones was equally inspiring, as individuals carefully strung together intricate patterns. The concentration and dedication displayed by the participants was evident in their stunning beadwork, which was later put on display for the community to admire. Meanwhile, those in Andrew’s drum-making class took part in an extraordinary experience—constructing their own drums from start to finish. Their efforts was celebrated during the highly anticipated Heart of the Drums event, where drummers from various groups came together in unison, creating a rhythmic and deeply moving performance. The joy and pride on each participant’s face as they completed their projects was truly heartwarming. These newly acquired skills will not only serve as a creative outlet but also provide an opportunity for individuals to generate income and pass down their knowledge to future generations, ensuring that these traditions remain alive and thriving.
On the dancing side, I had the incredible privilege of performing with two outstanding groups—Bethel Yurartet and Chevak Tanqik—both of which brought beautiful energy and passion to the stage. We sang and danced to both familiar and newly introduced songs, each carrying the rich oral history of our people. The stories told in our songs spoke of hunting, berry picking, taking a steam bath, and the joy of attending yuraq. Through every movement and beat, we honored the experiences of our ancestors while celebrating the present-day resilience of our culture.
The festival, held from March 28 to March 31, 2025, was a true intergenerational celebration, uniting elders and youth in a shared appreciation for the beauty of tradition. Elders beamed with pride as they watched their grandchildren perform, and young dancers looked to their mentors with admiration, eager to carry these traditions forward. The entire event was nothing short of breathtaking—a time of renewal, joy, and deep cultural pride. Each performance, each piece of artwork, and each workshop reflected the spirit of our community, proving once again that events like the Cama’i Dance Festival are not just gatherings; they are living expressions of identity, resilience, and connection." - Apayaq Andrew Weaver (Yup'ik) Eglertuq Program Coordinator
Andrew's reflection underscores how programs like Eglertuq and events like Cama'i strengthen cultural identity and community. We are proud of the Eglertuq team for the essential work they do to support the Alaska Native Heritage Center's mission of preserving and strengthening the traditions, languages, and art of Alaska's Native peoples through statewide collaboration, celebration, and education. Quyana, Andrew!
The Eglertuq Program is funded through Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center, Family Violence Prevention & Services Support for survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.