Some know that their commitment to the program is vital. As the students are learning to speak and understand the Yup'ik language and culture, we need to be aware of the importance of speaking consistently in Yup'ik. What I am noticing, as a parent and a teacher, is the effort involved in teaching and reviving our language. I struggle to keep my language alive by not switching back and forth between Yup'ik and English. If parents and children work together, we can all be successful in acquiring the Yup'ik language.
Parents play a big role in success.
The steering committee, composed of parents, has a goal to be a link between parents, the ASB, and school administration. This time is also used to make plans for events such as potluck, parent night, performances, etc. The meetings today mainly provide information on short term goals and events that occur within the program. The foremost important cultural aspect of the program is having Elders around the students. This is the time Elders speak, observe, communicate, teach, advise, tell stories and much more, with the students.