Faith, Food, and Family in a Yupik Whaling Community

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments It has been twelve years since my first trip to Gambell. I would like to thank each person and each organization that has helped me over the years, but with so many, it is hard to know where to begin. The people of Gambell have treated me with tremendous kindness and generosity and I am truly grateful for their support. In 1987, the Session Elders of the Gambell Presbyterian Church endorsed my work on community religious history. In 1990 and 1991, Sivuqaq, Incorporated (the Gambell Native Corporation) approved my work on community traditions and values with elder Elinor Oozeva as project manager. In 1994 and 1996, the Native Village of Gambell (the Gambell Indian Reorganization Act Council or IRA) endorsed new research on women’s contributions to community life and history. I appreciate the support I have received from each organization, and I am especially thankful to Mrs. Oozeva for her loving and thoughtful guidance. Of course, it is the individuals, the many people at each stage of my journey, who have made all this a reality. Regrettably, some of those I would like to thank are no longer living, and I can only commemorate them here. They are Thelma Apatiki, who welcomed me into her home as her guest and companion; Leonard Nowpakahok, whose words of wisdom and devotion to his Yupik heritage were inspirational; Bessie Kaningok, who offered to be my Gambell mother; Wallace Ungwiluk, who gave me my first “woman’s share” of mangtak on the beach one spring; Ronald Kingeekuk, Herbert Kiyukluk, John Kulowiyi, Nathan Noongwook, and Walter Wongitillan of Savoonga, who shared their memories with me; and Linda Womkon Badten, who taught me so much and whose friendship and advice I so much appreciated. ix Acknowledgments x In the community today I especially want to thank the Apatiki family. So many members of the Apatiki family have helped me and watched over me through the years that I shall never be able to repay them. Michael and Debbie Apatiki and their children have always made a place for me in their home, fed me hundreds of good meals, and cared for me when I was sick. It has been an honor and privilege to be their guest. Three Apatiki women are especially important and dear to me: Deborah Kaningok Apatiki, Edna Apatiki Anungazuk, and Lucy Walunga Apatiki. They have been my friends in every sense of the word, as well as my teachers and my counselors. I never had any sisters. If I could have chosen them, I would ask that these women be my sisters. Among the elders, I would like to thank Elinor Oozeva, Estelle Oozevaseuk, and Beda Slwooko. These three women have spent hours with me and my tape recorder. Some of the other women who contributed much to the research are Gail Angi, Lydia Apatiki, Luceen Apassingok, the Rev. Agnes Brady, Alayne Booshu, Susan Campbell, Helen Christiansen, the Rev. Alice Green, Beulah Nowpakahok, Ora Gologergen, Mitzi Shinen, June Walunga, and Nancy Walunga. Many men have also befriended, helped, and advised me: Holden Apatiki, Jerome Apatiki, Ralph Apatiki, Clarence Irrigoo, Gerard Koonooka, Job Koonooka, Conrad Oozeva, Dave Shinen, the Rev. Sigurd Christiansen, Vernon Slwooko, Jimmie Toolie, Clement Ungott, and Willis Walunga. I have tried to thank those who have worked with me as research assistants , translators, and interns within the pages of the book itself. While I am grateful to many, the work is my own, along with any weaknesses or misinterpretations or misunderstandings of what I have learned. To the people of Gambell, I can only say “thank you.” I have tried to present what I have learned in a way that will have value for the community, especially the young people. Forgive me for the errors. They are truly my own and not yours. You have been wonderful teachers. Among my colleagues I would like to thank Noel Broadbent, David Hales, Stevan Harrell, Charles Keyes, Fae Korsmo, Tsianina Lomawaima, James Nason, and Eric Smith. The late Charles Hughes served as my mentor and resource, and his wife Leslie became my friend, although, regretfully , only after Charles’ death. Herbert Anungazuk, Lydia Black, Jean Briggs, Julie Cruikshank, Roger Harritt, Chase Hensel, Allen McCartney, and Phyllis Morrow have offered helpful criticism and support. Thanks also to Susan Smith-Hughes for preparing the book’s index. Finally, of course, there is my family. My husband Arnold has been my most enthusiastic...