Alaska Native Children Find Refuge in Yup’ik Immersion Program Post-Flood

Sat Nov 15 2025 10:23:49 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After devastating floods in Alaska, Yup’ik immersion programs in Anchorage offer displaced children a sense of cultural continuity and community.

In the aftermath of Typhoon Halong’s destruction in Alaska, many displaced children are finding solace in a Yup’ik language immersion program in Anchorage. This educational initiative not only fosters language skills but also creates a cultural haven for families uprooted by flooding. With nearly 700 homes damaged and a surge in program enrollment, the community aims to reconnect younger generations with their heritage, as they adapt to a new life far from their villages.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Rayann Martin, a 10-year-old from one of the coastal villages affected by Typhoon Halong, raised her hand in a classroom filled with students learning Yup’ik, the native language of her heritage. As they shouted 'Qula!' in unison when asked how to say '10' in Yup’ik, it was clear that this language immersion program was more than just education—it was a bridge back to their culture after devastating floods had uprooted their lives.

The remnants of Typhoon Halong caused significant destruction in Alaska Native villages along the Bering Sea last month, leaving nearly 700 homes heavily damaged or destroyed. In the chaos, many families were airlifted to Anchorage, adjusting to a new environment far from their traditional way of life. Despite the challenges, the Yup’ik immersion program in Anchorage has become a haven for 71 displaced children, alongside many local students excited to learn the native language.

After numerous requests from parents, Anchorage School District embraced the opportunity to preserve Yup’ik culture and language, falling in line with their established immersion programs for other languages like Japanese and Spanish. The Yup’ik immersion program began about nine years ago and has seen a surge in enrollment since the crisis, thereby becoming an essential tool for cultural retention and community bonding.

A Principal’s Connection Makes a Difference

Darrell Berntsen, the principal of College Gate Elementary, offers a personal touch to the program, having grown up Alaska Native himself. His mother experienced the Great Alaska Earthquake that reshaped many local communities, bringing a deep understanding of the struggles that current evacuees face. Berntsen has welcomed the displaced families warmly, offering support and motivating them to enroll their children in the Yup’ik program, conveying a strong message of inclusion during their difficult time.

Displaced Students Join Yup’ik Immersion Classes

Amid the opening weeks of the school year, the climate of inclusivity burgeoned as 170 children evacuated from affected areas enrolled in the Anchorage School District, with a notable number joining the Yup’ik immersion program. Students learn to navigate their identities through language while receiving core educational subjects alongside their cultural teachings. For many, including 10-year-old Ellyne Aliralria from Kipnuk, this opportunity is vital, though the emotional toll of displacement lingers.

Bridging the Gap Between Generations

Through various activities like gym nights that echo traditional hunting techniques, Berntsen aims to create bonds that will help students adjust to their new environment while reconnecting with their heritage. The immersion program stands as a remedy against the erosion of Yup’ik language and traditions, serving to rejuvenate lost connections between generations. Berntsen and his team see this as a moment not only to teach but to heal, reflect, and honor the rich history of Alaska Native peoples.