Half of the people whose first language is Kodiak Alutiiq have died over the last few years. The Sun’aq tribe estimates that fewer than 20 remain. It is a heavy blow to the endangered language. But that’s not stopping new speakers from learning Alutiiq and passing along a distinct culture and worldview to the next generations. From Kodiak, Claire Stremple and Valerie Kern bring us this story.
Related: At the language house in Kodiak, new learners keep the Alutiiq language alive
Originally from the Central Coast of California, Valerie joined Alaska Public Media in July 2017. She creates original video content for the station's TV and digital platforms while also overseeing the Production Department. Before moving to Alaska, Valerie worked as an ENG Editor at WRAL-TV in Raleigh, North Carolina. She also served in the U.S. Air Force as a TV and Radio Broadcast Journalist where she traveled around Europe, Africa, The Baltics, Australia, and the Southern United States reporting on military events, exercises, and missions. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, backcountry skiing, backpacking, yoga, and traveling.
