Many of our elders are dying out. Many times I translate English into Yup'ik and vice versa. Kindergarten students learn Yup'ik sounds, numbers, etc. There are not too many Yup'ik speakers in third grade. High school students write seasonal stories on the use of traditional tools such as ivory knives.
Elders come and tell stories.
I tell stories such as using mud and traditional tools. Researchers say the Yup'ik language will be lost in the next century. Location and distance are also factors that contribute to differences. Students use computers, and we started a computer network. Students use e-mail to write to students in other schools, including students in northern Canada.