Yup'ik language club assists with spelling bee

One woman and two men stand alongside a sign that says "2022/2023 Yup'ik spelling bee for beginners statewide meet."
Photo courtesy of Bristol Lerner
Members of the UAF Yugtun Egmilta at the statewide Yup'ik and I帽upiaq spelling bee.

April 25, 2023

Members of the UAF Yugtun Egmilta (Yup'ik Language Club) traveled to Anchorage on April 15 to assist with the statewide Yup'ik and I帽upiaq spelling bee. Adjunct Professor of Yup'ik Casey "Cakataar" Jack, who competed in the first Yup'ik spelling bee over a decade ago, gave a speech encouraging the participants to keep learning and speaking Yugtun. Alliyah "Aliqataaq" Nay, an I帽upiaq major, was the lead judge for the I帽upiaq spelling bee portion. Joevahnta "Nalugalria" Usugan-Weddington, a Yup'ik major, gathered language books and materials as gifts for all the contestants. All club members had an opportunity to encourage the revitalization of Yup'ik and I帽upiaq with contestants from villages across the state.