The 19th Annual Rural Providers Conference met May 27-31 in Kotzebue. Themed Spirit of Sobriety: Spanning the Generations, the conference, sponsored by the Rural Alaska Community Action Program Inc., brought about 400 healthcare professionals, social workers and community members from rural Alaska to the Northwest Arctic.

In effort to encourage the continual growth of the Alaska Native Sobriety Movemant, the RPC seeks to unite traditional Alaska Native knowledge and modern treatment and prevention methods in the battle against alcohol and drug abuse.

In addition to workshops and keynote speakers, the event

was highlighted by a 3-3 basketball tournament, cultural share night - which included traditional dancing, fashion show and blanket toss, community potluck, sobriety dance and arts and crafts sales.

Conference organizer Martha Whiting was honored for her efforts with eagle feathers and a Russian doll during the cultural share night.

The conference, which changes locations on a two year rotating schedule has been hosted by 10 communities and will move to Seward next year.

Qapqana Maude Blair, daughter of Dick and Harriet Blair, graduated May 10 from the Arizona State University College of Law. Blair attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks before transferring to ASU and in addition to her law degree, has earned a B.A. in English and a B.A. Broadcast Journalism.

Upon passing the bar exam, she will work for the Native American Rights Fund in Anchorage.

Born in Kotzebue, Blair grew up in Kiana. In high school she served on student council and district student council, was a Future Homemaker of America state officer, participated in cheerleading and worked as a broadcaster for KOTZ.

Blair recognized her involvement in FHA and teacher Wyn Huss as the best preparation she received to help her excel in college. "I had to learn time management to get all of my class work and extracurricular activities done," Blair said.

While away from home, she said she's missed the closeness among the people and being surrounded by her culture and relatives. But the value system of the Northwest Arctic and community support has been instrumental in attaining her post-secondary education.

"There were so many scholarships available from the region that I didn't have to take out any loans," said Blair.

The biggest challenge she foresees in the future of the NWAB is education and job opportunities in a declining market.

Blair's advice to aspiring college students is to stay focused.

"Keep your eyes on the goal," Blair said. "Not on what you're missing in the present. I was never homesick until I moved to Arizona and then I got a really bad case of it. I knew that I wanted to be an attorney though, so I stuck it out, studied hard, and made my whole family proud."

Noatak Celebrates

I had the honor and pleasure of spending last Thursday and Friday in Noatak for Inupiaq Days and the high school graduation ceremony. Noatak is always a wonderful place to visit but those events made this trip especially enjoyable.

The graduation commencement was held Friday evening in the gym, which was decorated beautifully for the occasion. It seemed that most of the village was on hand to celebrate the completion of high school for Adam Adams, Roland Ashby Jr., Elmer Howarth Jr., Mary Jones, Murphy Moo and Martha Woods.

As the commencement speaker, I talked about traditional values and discipline as the keys to success for our young people. While some call it "tough love" when we impose rules and accountability on our children, I see it more as true love. Interestingly, almost every one of the six graduates made remarks about the value of being pushed in the right direction by parents, teachers and other community members.

Each of the graduates seems to have a clear idea of where they are heading in the future. Whether they are choosing college, vocational education, or the National Guard, each is embarking in a direction that should lead to a fulfilling life. The entire village should feel pride in that.

At the same time that I was speaking in Noatak, Martha Whiting of the Borough staff was giving a commencement address in Deering. I am proud that she was afforded that honor and certain that she did a great job. While in Noatak, I spent the two school days doing a wood carving demonstration for the students. Donald Ferguson, a top ivory carver from Kotzebue, also made the trip to teach the students about ivory carving. Donald has been active in teaching on Inupiaq Days at the Kotzebue schools for a few years now and does an excellent job with the students. Reggie Joule III made the trip with me as well. He has knowledge and expertise in Native Youth Olympic events and was able to share that with the student body. Reggie will be attending the University of Alaska, Southeast in the fall.

The Noatak Inupiaq Day activities and the graduation ceremony will receive special news coverage this year because a representative of Independent Native News was on hand to film and report on all the activity for national television. It should be pointed out that this coverage was due to the efforts of Noatak Principal Fred Deussing and Maniilaq Association, which assisted with the cost of the travel and production for INN. James Mason of the Arctic Sounder, who does a consistently excellent job of reporting for our region, was also there to cover the events for the newspaper.

I would like to convey special thanks to Fred and all his school staff, as well as all the folks in Noatak, for making those two days so memorable. And I'd like to congratulate the six graduating seniors for not only what they accomplished thus far, but for the goals they have set for themselves.

A Well Deserved Tribute

While criticizing the media seems to be a popular pastime these days, I'd like to buck that trend. It's been hard not to notice the exceptionally fine work of our region's local reporter and columnist, James Mason. After all, it has been on display week after week in this newspaper since Mr. Mason arrived on the local scene about one year ago.

Although reporters always have choices about which stories to write, many seem to dwell on the negative far too often. Positive stories about events in the region have an uplifting effect on all the readers, in my opinion. It seems to me that Mr. Mason has regularly chosen the path least traveled by journalists - the positive path.

And if your path has taken you to the many events that dot our calendar - conferences, high school sporting events, assembly or school board meetings, dogsled races, or even a hot run of sheefish - you have probably crossed paths with our local reporter. He was there taking notes, interviewing folks, snapping pictures and just visiting with people, enjoying life in the Northwest Arctic.

I know many who have been impressed with his humor columns that regularly appear in the Arctic Sounder. We could all relate to the snow machine that was reluctant to start and all the other insights to local living. I often thought to myself, after reading those articles, that Mr. Mason is really enjoying himself here. He appreciates the same little things in life as those of us who have lived here our entire lives.

Many of his photographs are among the best I have seen in any newspaper. I've noticed many of them clipped from the paper and hanging in the offices of my staff. The "Reflections of Spring" photo in last week's paper, with the man carrying his catch of sheefish, was extraordinary.

From our perspective here at the Borough offices, his coverage of our programs and activities has been very helpful in "getting out the word." Publicity creates interest and involvement throughout the region.

The life of a newspaper reporter can often be relatively thankless, but I hope many of you will take a moment to let Mr. Mason know that he is a highly valued asset of Kotzebue and the entire region. Good journalism is a great public service, and no one in Alaska is better served in that regard than we are. Thank you, James.

By Jake Stoops

Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my! Who knew Dorothy was really talking about mascots? It turns out she was an avid football fan and was referring to the Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears of the NFL.

A major component of a nickname is its local significance. Factors such as area history, culture, wildlife and landforms are taken into account. Whether they are snarling meat eaters, or docile herbivores, mascots and nicknames play an important role in the identity of schools and communities. Represented through t-shirts, memorabilia, athletic uniforms and referenced by the media, the mascot quite often becomes more recognizable than the school itself.

Given their importance, recent debates over nicknames come as no surprise. The most heated argument involves the use of American Indian representations. During the 1987 World Series, demonstrators outside the Minneapolis Metrodome protested Atlanta's Braves nickname and the "tomahawk-chop" cheer used by their fans. Several universities have felt similar pressure. Amidst controversy in 1972, Stanford changed from Indians to Cardinal. More recently, St. Johns University switched from the Redmen to the Red Storm and Maquette University opted out of its long-standing Warriors nickname to become the Golden Eagles. Over the past 30 years, more than half of the nation's 3,000 schools with Indian mascots or nicknames have changed them, according to the Morning Star Institute, a nonprofit American Indian civil rights organization.

Today, racial nicknames are in the news once again, with a bill recently proposed in the California State Legislature to ban all public schools from using American Indian team names and mascots.

Proponents of the bill feel that logos and nicknames create, support and maintain stereotypes of a race of people. Instead of feeling honored by the monikers, they say the mascots mock a culture by trivializing sacred objects and symbols through misuse and misrepresentation. They point out there is nothing in Native cultures that aspires to be a mascot, logo or nickname for athletic teams. Association with pep rallies, half-time entertainment and cheerleading sidekicks are a form of cultural violence.

Opponents of the bill argue the names do, in fact, pay tribute to those they represent. For many, athletics are trivial, and thereby any association is trivial. But what of those who revere sports? They note the image of the Plains Indian, standing strong and defiant against great odds, symbolizes strength, courage and spirit; all of which are positive connotations. Values teams aspire to emulate. They also point out that 11 States have Indian names as do countless streets, rivers, mountains, towns and counties. These are considered honorable.

They discount the notion of mockert because nicknames such as Angles, Bishops, Saints, Quakers, Monks, Preachers, Padres, Friars, Missionaries, Dons and Crusaders are not thought to trivialize religion and no one has accused Spartan and Trojan mascots of turning the Illiad into a comic book. They dismiss accusations of racism because there are an equal or greater number of non-American Native cultural nicknames of colleges and professional teams such as Vikings (Minnesota), Norseman (Northern Kentucky), Fighting Irish (Notre Dame), Gaels (Iona), Cowboys (Dallas, Oklahoma State, Wyoming), Yankees (New York), Celtics (Boston), Knights (24 colleges), Canucks (Vancouver), Canadiens (Montreal), Sooners (Oklahoma), Rebels ('Ole Miss, UNLV), Vounteers (Tennessee), Cavilers (Cleveland, Virginia), Colonials (George Washington), Dutchman (Union College), Scots (9 Colleges), Gauchos (Santa Barbara), Lancers (eight colleges), Kings (Sacramento), Monarchs (Old Diminion), Pilgrams (New England College), Ragin' Cajuns (Louisiana Lafayette), Swedes (Bethany College) and Saxsons (Alfred University).

The most popular nickname in Alaskan high schools is Eagles with 20, followed by 14 Wolves and another 14 Huskies. The vegetarians of choice are Rams (4) and though we have the Palmer Moose, Pelican Bucks and Mekoryuk Reindeer, surprisingly there are no Caribou.

Seventeen of our schools have Native mascots including the Mt. Edgecumbe Braves, Bethel Warriors, Metlakatla Chiefs and Miss Chiefs as well as numerous native words for animals such as the Buckland Sissaungi and Kivalina Qavviks. Aniak has perhaps the most politically correct nickname of all. The Halfbreeds have found the median in all of this racial controversy!

Oz's Dorothy would would feel right at home in Alaska. We have 12 Bears in varieties ranging from Crimson (Juneau), Golden (Bartlett), Nanooks (Nome) to Glacier (Haines). Port Lions and Anchorage Christian are the Lions and though there are no Tigers, we do have 3 Panthers, 3 Cougars and 1 Wildcats.

My personal favorite Alaskan nickname is the Diomede Dateliners, who get the nod just ahead of the Huslia Hustlers. Not only do the Dateliners have a nice ring to them, they promote the local flavor, are politically correct and are second to none in originality.

Crazy nicknames across the country include the Fighting Camels from Campbell College, California Santa Cruz is the Banana Slugs and my alma matter, the Artichokes from Scottsdale Community College.

What is your position on Native American mascots? Email your opinion to:

jstoops@nwabor.org

We will post them (anonymously if you prefer) in our next e-bulletin.

Of Siberian Yup’ik decent, the “Scrimshaw Queen of the Arctic” was raised in Uelen, Russia, where she mastered the art of color etching.

Also renowned for her unique artistry as a traditional Native dancer, her depictions of arctic scenes on walrus ivory are revered by all who are fortunate enough to view them. Her work is accomplished with exactly the same tools that have been used in her native village for centuries.

Her Inupiat husband, Tony Owens, assists in her work by preparing ivory to her rigid specifications – thus, the porcelain-like finish.

The Owens live in Kotzebue, Alaska, with their two young daughters, where they often teach classes in scrimshaw to other aspiring artists.

Art Work For Sale

Artwork Currently FOR SALE at the Northwest Arctic Borough Office
(Located on the 2nd floor of the National Guard Armory in Kotzebue)
For Telephone Sales, contact Lee Stoops or Martha Whiting at (800) 478-1110 (toll free in Alaska) or (907) 442-2500 M-F 8:00-4:30

Lowell Ward Caribou Antler Spirit Mask ($85); Inupiat Spirit Mask with Birch Wood, Ivory, Baleen and Duck Feathers ($200); Loon Mask with Ivory, Baleen, Duck Feathers and Drift Wood by Lowell Ward ($325).

4 lbs 1.2 oz Scrimshawed Ivory Tusk with Caribou Antler Display Stand by Vika Owens ($790.00).

3 lbs 15.2 oz Scrimshawed Ivory Tusk by Vika Owens ($750.00).

2 lbs. 7.6 oz Scrimshawed Ivory Tusk by Vika Owens ($580.00)

Donald Furguson Ivory Fisherman by Donald Ferguson ($520); Ivory & Baleen Eskimo Dancers by Donald Ferguson ($300); Ivory, Baleen & Jade NYO High Kick by Donald Ferguson ($190.00).

Mabel Berry Caribou Skin Mask with Beaver & Fox fur trim single ($65 or $95 in shadow box); double ($150 in shadow box).

Whale Jaw Bone Carvings by Tom Weyiounna ($495); Ivory, Baleen and Whale Bone Eagle carving ($250)..

Birch Bark Basket by Sophie Cleveland ($90); Birch Bark Basket by Lena Tickett ($75)

Birch Bark Basket by Bessie Custer ($75); Birch Bark Basket by Molly Brown ($65).

Birch Bark Basket by Molly Brown ($100).

Northwest Arctic Borough Staff Directory

Mayor's Department
Ross Schaeffer Sr., Mayor
Valarie Romane, Assistant to the Mayor
Jake Stoops, Information Coordinator

Finance Department
Tula Lie, Comptroller
Judy Hassinger, Finance Director

Planning Department
Noah Naylor, Director
Charlie Gregg, Deputy Director

Public Servies
Tom Bolen, Director
Toni Evak, LEPC/PSC
Angela Joule, Receptionist/DMV

Economic Development
Lee Stoops, Director
Martha Whiting, Program Coordinator

Borough Clerk's Office
Helena Hildreth, Borough Clerk
Geri Jones, Deputy Borough Clerk

Northwest Arctic Borough P.O. Box 1110 Kotzebue, AK 99752 (907)442-2500 (800)478-1110 Fax:(907)442-2930

(c) 2001 Northwest Arctic Borough All rights reserved