By Harper Ames

Jaime Bricker, an Alaskan Native, came to our 4th grade class on October 16, 2024, and taught my classmates and I about how the Aleut people got to Skagway. Native Alaskans from all over the state were brought to Skagway to attend the school, Pius X Mission. Sadly, the school didn’t allow the native kids to speak their cultural language because the government didn’t agree with native people’s way of life.  Now Native Alaskans are trying to bring their language and culture back, so it doesn’t die out.

We also ate yummy foods like carrots grown from Jaime’s garden and mint grown in her kitchen. I’m so happy because we had a really good cultural food called akutag, also known as eskimo ice cream. Jamie handmade it with berries, sugar, vegetable fat, and water, but traditionally it’s made with whale fat and sometimes boiled fish. It left a film on the roof of your mouth that felt really weird. Thanks for the tasty treats!

Jaime also showed us native art. First, she showed us a holy water dish from the Pius X Mission.  Then, she explained how she made a waterproof purse from animal guts. Next, she showed us a bag that her grandpa gave her that she loves and appreciates. It is made from deer hide and has native beadwork designs on it.  The bag she showed us was so pretty! The fourth grade class loved the presentation about Aleut people.  Gunesheesh, Jaime!