The weight of the past, the lingering echoes of historical trauma, continues to resonate within the King Island Native Community, manifesting in the socio-economic challenges that persist today. Yet, it is the enduring strength of their culture, deeply rooted in the bounty of the land and sea, that defines the true essence and well-being of this resilient community. This is the perspective shared by Megan Alvanna Stimpfle, Chief of the King Island Native Community, a poignant reflection on the past, present, and future of her people. The title Chief of the King Island Native Community Gives Her Perspective on Historical Trauma encapsulates the core message she delivers.
Alvanna-Stimpfle emphasizes the interconnectedness of the community, drawing parallels to the traditional Inupiaq way of life. Just as in those times, where men and women, elders and youth each held vital and equally important roles in the success of the collective, every individual and institution within the King Island community has a crucial part to play today. This collaborative spirit is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world while preserving their cultural heritage.
The identity of the King Island Inupiaq people is a source of profound strength and resilience. As Alvanna-Stimpfle proudly declares, she is a King Island Inupiaq woman. This identity, forged over generations, has withstood the trials of colonization by the U.S. government and the painful experience of forced relocation from their ancestral island by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The community has also endured generations of racism within the often-unforgiving environment of Nome, a frontier town that represented the "Wild West" in Alaska.
Despite these immense challenges, the spirit of the King Island community remains unbroken. Joy, love, and pride permeate their culture, finding expression in the warmth of family relations, the rhythmic movements of traditional dances, the shared laughter fueled by a unique sense of humor, and the deep satisfaction derived from enjoying traditional Eskimo foods. These are the threads that weave together the fabric of their community, a testament to their enduring strength.
During a recent gathering that brought together members of the tribe, the village corporation, and the elders committee, a shared understanding emerged: they possess the collective power to ensure that the King Island identity continues to thrive in the hearts and minds of the next generation. However, this requires a united front, a commitment to working together to nurture and preserve their heritage.
The responsibility for the intergenerational transfer of knowledge, of their unique way of life, rests upon the shoulders of each generation within their families and the institutions that represent them. It is a sacred duty to pass on the wisdom, traditions, and values that have sustained them for centuries.
Central to this process is the need to restore and heal from the wounds of their traumatic history. Alvanna-Stimpfle calls for partnership in this healing journey, urging federal and state agencies, as well as local school districts, to join them in their efforts. Acknowledging the past and addressing its lingering effects is crucial for building a stronger, more resilient future.
The elders of the King Island Native Community are revered as invaluable sources of wisdom and knowledge. They hold the key to understanding their ancestral relations, preserving their language, and safeguarding their cultural heritage. Their presence is a blessing, a living link to the past that guides them in the present.
The current generation, comprised of adults and young adults actively engaged in business and government within the Western world, faces the challenge of preserving their strength of identity while navigating the complexities of modern society. They must find innovative ways to integrate traditional values with contemporary practices.
Alvanna-Stimpfle emphasizes the importance of community solidarity, urging all members to work together, support one another, and live with love and compassion. She reminds the young King Islanders that the strength of their ancestors resides within them, a powerful legacy that empowers them to embrace their identity with pride.
The next generation of Alaska Natives is poised to inherit not only their traditions and languages but also the responsibility of managing tribal governments, Native corporations, and health and fishery institutions. These institutions, by their very nature, are Western democratic structures that demand active engagement and informed participation from all citizens and shareholders.
Their ultimate responsibility lies with the land and their way of life. They must ensure that their Native and rural institutions remain firmly grounded in their traditional values, providing a compass for navigating the political and economic landscape. By upholding these values, they can seize the political and economic opportunities available to define their future on their own terms.
Much work remains to be done to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their way of life. Traditional access to their lands, rivers, and oceans must be honored within the legal framework as an inherent right of indigenous people. This is not merely a matter of policy; it is a matter of justice and cultural survival.
The recent history of the Alaska Native people has been marked not only by trauma but also by the imposition of a complex regulatory structure that often impedes their traditional way of life. This regulatory burden adds another layer of difficulty to their efforts to maintain their cultural practices and traditions.
Hunters, who play a vital role in providing sustenance for their communities, often face criminal penalties imposed by federal and state agencies. Leaders must navigate complex management bodies responsible for fish, birds, land, and sea mammals to ensure that they have continued access to the resources necessary to sustain their way of life.
While the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) initially eliminated their hunting and fishing rights as Native people, Alvanna-Stimpfle argues that, roughly five decades later, it has ultimately provided them with the political and economic power, through their Native institutions, to define their future in Alaska on their own terms. Now is the time to act decisively, to leverage this power to protect their rights and preserve their culture. The perspective shared in Chief of the King Island Native Community Gives Her Perspective on Historical Trauma offers guidance to act now.
The message of Chief of the King Island Native Community Gives Her Perspective on Historical Trauma is one of resilience, hope, and determination. It is a call to action, urging all members of the King Island Native Community to embrace their identity, honor their traditions, and work together to build a brighter future for generations to come. It underscores the importance of understanding the impact of historical trauma and the need for healing and reconciliation. It is a reminder that the strength of a community lies in its ability to preserve its culture and values in the face of adversity. Chief of the King Island Native Community Gives Her Perspective on Historical Trauma is a story of strength.
About the Author:
Megan Alvanna Stimpfle is the Chief of the King Island Native Community, the federally recognized tribe of the King Island people. She was selected as an emerging leader keynote speaker for the 2016 Alaska Federation of Natives 50-Year Anniversary Convention on Oct. 20 at the Carlson Center, further highlighting her commitment to advocating for her community and sharing her insights on the challenges and opportunities facing Alaska Native people. The insights provided in Chief of the King Island Native Community Gives Her Perspective on Historical Trauma represent a call for action.
