By CIRI summer intern Danika Herndon
Preserving and perpetuating Alaska Native culture and heritage is a priority for CIRI. In July, the Shareholder + Descendant Programs team and several of the summer interns traveled to Eklutna to share culture with youth participating in the Native Village of Eklutna Culture Camp.
A traditional Athabascan counting cord served as a type of calendar. Knots and beads were used to count days or commemorate special events, such as a first hunt or reaching the age of maturity. CIRI interns jumped at the chance to teach this traditional activity to Eklutna youth.
We brought with us kits that contained hide or sinew cord, beads and charms, and walked the campers through how to create their own cord. During the activity, we discussed the history behind the counting cords and their significance to the Athabascan people.
This was such a fun way to share culture—we really enjoyed our time in Eklutna! The kids loved telling their stories and making the counting cords their own. As for the interns, we loved being part of the positive impact CIRI has in our Tribal communities.
