Introducing Tamamta: A New Sugpiaq Alutiiq Community Dance Group

We are excited to introduce Tamamta, a newly formed dance group that began in late June 2025 through the relationships and teachings connected to the Alutiiq Culture Camp community. Tamamta, which translates to ‘All of Us’, was created to provide a welcoming space for people to come together, learn, and move with intention, respect, and joy. Though we are a new group, we are growing steadily and recently shared only our second public performance, marking an important beginning for us.

Tamamta is open to learners of all levels. If you’d like to connect, receive updates, or ask questions, we invite you to follow or join our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17uzpzyc2Z/

You’re welcome to join the group or simply follow along to stay informed.

For those who prefer learning independently, many people find our YouTube channel to be an easy and accessible way to learn the dances:

https://youtube.com/@pnwalutiiqculturecamp7709

The videos are designed so you can follow along at your own pace and return to them as often as you like.

If you live in Washington State, particularly in Western Washington near Tacoma, we currently hold in-person practices in that area. We also offer Zoom practices on Fridays, making it possible to join us even if you live farther away or aren’t ready for in-person practice yet. Many dancers start with the YouTube videos and then join practices when they feel ready.

If you have questions or want to get involved, please send us a message on Facebook. We’re grateful for everyone walking alongside Tamamta as this new group continues to grow.

Pnwalutiiqs@gmail.com

Leader: Jessica Towns-Camara

Lots more videos on our YouTube Channel!

Exploring the Burke Museum Archive: A Virtual Tour with Dr. Sven Haakanson

We are thrilled to share the highlights of our recent virtual tour of the Burke Museum Archive, a truly special event that was hosted by the Pacific Northwest Alutiiq Culture Camp, at the Burke Museum in Seattle, Washington, on April 19, 202. This event brought together Sugpiat people so they could learn from ancestral belongings for an enriching and educational experience.

A Special Guest: Dr. Sven Haakanson

Our virtual tour was graced by the esteemed Dr. Sven Haakanson, whose profound knowledge and passion for our culture added immense value to the event. Dr. Haakanson guided us through the museum's rich collections, offering stories and insights that deepened our understanding of Sugpiaq heritage.

 A Heartfelt Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Sven Haakanson for his generosity in sharing his time and expertise with us. His insightful discourse during the Zoom session was a highlight. 

We also thank everyone who contributed to making this event possible. Your support and enthusiasm are what drive the success of our programs and events.

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For more content like this, please like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Your engagement helps us bring more enriching experiences to our community.

#BurkeMuseum #VirtualTour #SvenHaakanson #CulturalHeritage #PacificNorthwest #EducationalTour

Culture in Practice: A New Alutiiq Naming Worksheet by Alisha Drabek, PhD. & Jessica Towns-Camara, M.S.

Alutiiq Naming Worksheet.pdf

Download PDF • 2.30MB

Alutiiq naming is a wonderful tradition, deeply rooted in our culture and history. In this blog post, we explore the profound importance of Alutiiq names, shedding light on their revival in recent years and their enduring relevance for Sugpiaq people today.

In pre-colonial times, the concept of last names was foreign to our Sugpiaq ancestors. Instead, names were passed down from family and community members, carrying with them the essence of generations past. These names weren't merely labels; they were vessels of identity, heritage, wisdom, and playfulness.

As colonization brought change to our communities, Alutiiq naming traditions faced the risk of fading into obscurity. In recent years, Alutiiq cultural revitalization efforts have breathed new life into these important traditions. The art of naming now flourishes, and brings this generation and future generations closer to our culture in an important way.

One of the most significant aspects of Alutiiq naming is that individuals do not name themselves. Instead, they receive their names from elders and/or the community. This process emphasizes the interconnectedness of the community and respect for our elders. Names are carefully chosen to reflect the personal qualities and aspirations of each individual, bestowing them with a sense of purpose and belonging.

In our culture, names are not static. They evolve as individuals grow, learn, and experience life. It's common to receive multiple names throughout one's lifetime, each name representing a chapter in their journey.

We hope that this new Alutiiq Naming Worksheet, that was created by Jessica Towns-Camara and verified by Alisha Drabek, will give you the toolkit you need to create names for your loved ones. Reclaiming this aspect of our Alutiiq identity one name at a time.

Edit (3/14/24): Quyanaa to Dr. Alisha Drabek for consenting to the addition of her naming process, naming survey, and a sampling of historic Alutiiq names she's collected to the worksheet! This has created a brand new second page to the worksheet which will help you navigate the naming process. These sections are resources that she developed for her own use over the years as she named and participated in naming people. We are so thankful that she is sharing them with us. Quyanaa!