Formal Education among the Siberian Yupik Eskimos on Sivuqaq, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska: an Ethno-Historical Study

• Main Author: Powell, Pam, 1958-
• Other Authors: Hardy, Clifford A., Montler, Timothy, Cowart, Melinda
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Texas 1998
• Subjects: education; curriculum; Eskimos; Eskimos > Alaska > Saint Lawrence Island; Eskimos > Education; Education > Alaska > Saint Lawrence Island; Indian; Lawrence Island; eskimo*; Nome; Siberian Yupik; St Lawrence Island; Yupik; Alaska
• Online Access: http://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc278793/

The major focus of this study is the effect of formal education on individuals, communities, cultural traditions and values on Siberian Yupik Eskimos of Alaska. The first school on St. Lawrence Island (Sivuqaq), Alaska was founded in 1899 under the direction of Sheldon Jackson. The formal school curriculum for the next thirty years was secretarian. Upon the initial operation of formal schooling on the island, various other forms of schools have impacted the islanders of St. Lawrence. Chapter two is an overview of the background of education in Alaska from its beginning as a territory to its present status as the 49th state in the United States. Chapter three presents the history of formal schooling on St. Lawrence Island. Chapters two and three contain descriptions of various other forms of schooling within the state (i.e. Bureau of Indian Affairs, mission, state-owned) and when and how these forms either existed on the island or had an impact upon its villagers. Chapter four discusses the methodology utilized in conducting the research and fieldwork for this study. Research findings are discussed in chapter five and include verbatim transcriptions of interviews with villagers. These interviews are unedited in order for readers to draw their own conclusions regarding the study. The interviews included in this written finding are representative of interviews taken. Chapter six discusses conclusions gleaned over the course of this study and recommends further areas of study.