Rural Update from Ann Strongheart in Nunam Iqua
~~Somewhere Over the Rainbow in Ugashik, Alaska~~
What a year it has been so far! First, we have our brave, courageous, and selfless Elder Nick Tucker of Emmonak. Nick’s letter brought to light the crisis of not only Emmonak but also many Bush villages. Then, wonderful Mudpups, bloggers and generous people across the nation and around the world stepped in to help get Dennis Zaki to Emmonak. About that time, I found The Mudflats blog and the magnanimous Mudpups who wanted to help.
The disastrous lack of a salmon run on the Yukon and across Alaska led to a crisis of tremendous proportions. Then an early freeze kept the fall barges from delivering much-needed fuel to the villages making for shortages and higher fuel costs. This lead to villagers having to choose between keeping their families fed or their houses warm this winter. The outlook was depressing to say the least. But then thanks to bloggers around the world help arrived.
Since then, the outpouring of support has arrived here in Nunam Iqua in all forms, from simple messages of support on the Mudflats, to hundreds of flat-rate boxes filled with food and love and checks for fuel to help keep Nunam a little warmer this harsh winter. Then came along a wonderful woman from Florida who devoted her time to start an entire website dedicated to addressing the crisis in bush Alaska: Anonymousbloggers.
AKM allowed me to be a guest blogger on the Mudflats, which allowed the AnonymousBloggers blog to take off. Between the two sites and others there have been hundreds of posts, thousands of comments and immeasurable support aimed at not only Emmonak and Nunam Iqua but also Pilot Point/Ugashik and Alakanuk. MSM picked up the story and donations and support poured in from everywhere.
My family has grown a thousand times over these past few months. Cecelia has more adopted Aunties and Uncles and Grandmas and Grandpas than anyone could imagine. Not only has my family grown, but also all the families here in Nunam have been adopted by generous families across Alaska and the US and Canada.
Thousands upon thousands of emails were sent, received and answered (yes thousands! to date I have received over 5000 emails) Information was gathered and blog posts were written that were eloquent and informative by AKM on Mudflats, Anonymousbloggers, Celtic Diva, Gryphen on Immoral Minority, and Progressive Alaska just to name a few. These posts helped bring understanding and much needed help and attention to bush Alaska issues.
Battles were waged against the big fishing industry (and lost in my opinion) and will continue to be fought. W.A.R. (Wayne Anthony Ross) was announced and defeated. Letters were written; ideas for long term solutions were posted and are still being worked on. A new mudpup was conceived (*wink*). Acquaintances were made that turned into alliances and wonderful new friendships.
So now you are probably wondering, “Why is Ann babbling about all of this?” Most of us know the time line and have read her updates along with others. Well, I’ll tell you why…
During all of this I have made some unbelievably wonderful friends. One day, I was talking in an Instant Message with Victoria in Ugashik. She made a comment about how busy she was getting ready for the upcoming fishing season. Victoria also mentioned that they needed to find another fisherman to come and work the summer with them. Jokingly, I replied that I know Segundo, CC and I can come down for the summer and Segundo can be your fisherman! That was several weeks ago and after hearing how the commercial fishing here on the Yukon would be pretty much nonexistent AGAIN this summer, Segundo and I decided to take up Victoria and her husband’s offer. After many emails, IMs and phone calls, it’s all set.
Segundo, CC and I are moving to Ugashik for the summer!
It’s exciting, surreal and kind of a little bit scary too! We are looking forward to a productive, fun, and hard working summer! Cecelia will make new doggie friends, and probably chase Victoria’s chickens and pups everywhere. I am hoping this will help cure the stubborn “I don’t need a nap” stage she is going through. I look forward to seeing and learning about Victoria’s gardening techniques. Also it will be interesting to see the similarities and differences between Ugashik and Nunam Iqua in terms of fishing, gathering, hunting, berry picking and other subsistence activities.
So, you can look forward to posts on Anonymousbloggers about our summer away from Nunam Iqua and of course how our new mudpup is growing, and getting ready to come into this world, and of course the antics of Cecelia and the various animals she discovers throughout the summer.
Who would have thought that my simple statement “It’s not just Emmonak that is struggling” on the Mudflats back in January would lead to this? I will have internet access and my digital camera and laptop with me throughout the summer and do my best to keep everyone updated!
~ Ann Strongheart
[cross-posted from Anonymous Bloggers]
Vic & Ann, thanks for answering my questions. This REALLY seems like a Win Win, sensible situation! Plus, it should be an adventure, with some fun added into the mix. Seems VERY well thought out. I’m excited for you all. Can’t wait to read the stories.
Great picture. I recall going to Ugashik a few years back, mid nineties maybe, to hunt caribou with a friend who lives at the outlet of lower Ugashik lake. We spent a day and night in “town” and helped some lady put her fishing boats away, but I can’t recall her name. I was looking at a two story house there, one room down, one up, and the top room was full of pot plants. Was visiting with the owner and asked him what he did in the winter, and he said he went back to jail in Oregon until the fishing started again. Never did ask him why.
Oh Ann so happy for you all! I will be back East visiting family for three weeks and probably no computer access so I will have more catch up to play when I return. If I had a snail mail I would send a post card of the ducks walking on the fish’s back at the spillway. 🙂
@Kath the Scrappy,
Segundo has been laid off for 2 months now from the water/sewer project. That is one of the reasons why we decided to go to Ugashik for the summer, so that we have some type of income this summer. We know his unemployment benefits won’t keep us afloat during the summer.
And yes Victoria’s has running water 😀
Kath The Scrappy….
YES, thank heavens Ugashik has “easier water”. We do not have a grid, sewer or a common well, BUT do have septic, good well water and individual generators/RE sources to supply power!!
Ann, Segundo and CC will have their own little place to have for the summer season so it should make easier for all.
It is typical for there to be “summer” and “winter” work on projects and also when fishing season does arrive many things do take a break as it is all consuming for most villages and residents.
We are all excited and hoping for a successful season.
Vic
Ann and Vic, this sounds like a grand adventure! Never a dull moment for you two is there, lol. I look forward to your updates, details girls we want details, lol, when you have the time and energy and pictures please! You guys could make a documentory for the internet, a you tube diary.
Enjoy and I hope the very best for all. May you gather many berries and net many fish. Can we custom order salmon? I LOVE Salmon!
Isn’t it wonderful how the internet has allowed us to make friends, listen to others and tell others how we really feel. my son was in Alaska last summer and we could talk daily by email. Saved a lot of money on phone bills too!
I love the picture of you home.
Please send it to that idiot that said you all could cut wood!!!
More Mudpup Magic!!! So glad to hear of your wonderful upcoming adventure! Wish I was going too! Take care, have fun, and enjoy life.
How cool is that!
You’re going to have one terrific summer, all of you. Enjoy the heck out of it, can’t wait for the posts to start!
all the best,
Nan
So nice to hear from you! Sending you wishes for a wonderful and productive summer.
WfAK
Fantastic Win Win situation all the way around. Vic & Ann & CC & the Pups can have pj wearing, popcorn popping, slumber parties!
Doesn’t Ugashik have a better water situation, so you won’t have to do such heavy lifting hauling the water and easier on the newest Mudpuppie2be? Just curious also, I thought Segundo was working on the Sewer/Water Project. Is it typical for AK projects to just shut down during fishing season, then resume once the season is over? Would make sense, since the fish are so needed for sustenance.
Well, Ann and Vic, I’m tickled for you. I bet it’s going to be a fun & productive adventure for both of you. I sure HOPE it will be a massive fishing season!
What a beautiful and fitting picture! May you and your family have the best of luck in your new adventure.
Hey All,
Quyana Cakneq for all the well wishes!!!
Sorry I didn’t make it here sooner been busy doing housework, keeping track of CC and making a double batch of fry bread.
We are getting pretty excited about going. When Cecelia saw the pictures of Victoria’s dogs she absolutely freaked!! She was literally running in circles SCREACHING:
BARK BARK BARK…..PUP PUP PUP!!!!!!
So I think she’s excited too LOL
Well I need to get some other stuff done. I look forward to lots and lots of pictures and stories to share with my Mudpup family here at MF’s.
Catch y’all later. Again Quyana Cakneq for the well wishes!!!
Apparently FLOTUS actually does respond to letters: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/05/05/michelle-obamas-sesame-st_n_197191.html so maybe there’s a good chance…
May lots of fish hit your nets this year !
And the price be good!
ann and cc and segundo have a marvelous summer. stay happy and safe. greetings to all from nyc…love b
OK ALL:-))
Invites for MO is great, just PLEASE NOT July:-)))
Plenty of fish in August but not so crazy.
The idea first got me chuckling, then laughing for the fun of all of it, to practical brain kicking and thinking OMG, to low grade panic attacks!!
Having said all that – SURE go ahead!!!!
The more the merrier and if it can help anyone or group to see us pulling together, putting anything like politics aside, working hard to help each other and those we share this space with —- ANN and I are ALL FOR IT.
We hope to share all of our summer with you as we explore together.
Thanks for all the hugs, support and warmth,
Vic (and Ann)
Great post, Ann….as usual.
Sounds like some exciting changes coming up for you and your family. Best wishes.
You’re one of our heroes no matter where you call home : >)
Slightly OT, but Care2 has a petition up urging GINO to take ALL the stimulus funds. They are hoping for lots of signatures– especially from Alaskans–so have at it:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/takeaction/968952034
Ann…God bless you and your family..Have a wonderful summer…:))
Ann, you are one amazing woman!
@Martha
If you do get the OK on the invite~keep it on the QT. Wouldn’t want GINO hogging the whole thing.
Looking at what you two, Ann and Vic, have accomplished working in your different
villages, we can expect nothing less than a peaceful volcano if you are in physical
proximity! If you get Michelle Obama there, also……
@ Scorpie
If Vic and Ann give me the OK, I would do it in a heartbeat. Or get the process going…as my fisherman friends are fond of saying “You can’t catch fish if your gear is not in the water!”
Not only did Ann answer 5000 emails–she sent handwritten thank you notes too! That one note is more precious to my family than all the thank you’s those folks at seeforpee are collecting from BP. We have it hanging on the fridge!
Thanks Ann.
That is a fantastic idea Martha. Why doesn’t someone write and invite the First Lady? The worst thing that could happen is she would say no thank you. But she just might say yes.
It is so amazing how people’s lives have been touched and changed by these internet connections. I’m glad you and Victoria have become friends through your efforts to help improve the lives of those around you. I hope you all have a wonderful summer and the bonds of friendship and support continue to strengthen.
@ Jane
THAT cracks me up! It would have to be a working retreat, or we’d get our butts kicked out. I can fillet a salmon and talk at the same time, so I’m ready to go!
OK, now is the time to invite the First Lady to Ugashik. I mean, there is a rainbow, there are fish, there are gardens (going to be!), and lots of hard work going on. Can you imagine Michelle Obama, Victoria Briggs and Ann Strongheart all together, chatting away? I can!
much luck and good fortune on your summer adventure! sending warm aloha, carolyn.
Good luck on your grand adventure! We all can’t wait to hear about it.
Too bad we can’t have an Anonymous Bloggers retreat in Ugashik this summer!!
Wow thanks for sharing and keeping us up to date.
How great that you and your family get to explore a new area in Alaska….
And yes things can be so different in our special corners of the state..
Wishing you great fishing… great gathering.. and an abundant harvest..
Have a great summer.
Is that Vic’s house w/ the rainbow? I can almost see her dogs – bet they look HAPPY that you are bringing a two year old for their exercise and entertainment!
Ann, that is great news – have a lovely summer adventure! 🙂
Wonderful news, and thank you so much for sharing your life with us, it means a lot to me and I know to all of us.
Wow…….how cool !!
What fun it sounds like you’ll be having. Stay safe!
Ann,
There are MANY rainbows waiting for you and your family! There is one in Juneau, too also! You guys just amaze me and I can’t wait for the stories! And please stop making me cry, my eyes hurt. Hugs and don’t take too much stuff! Hee hee.