It has been a week since I been back from New Stuyahok. After being there for a week, I was reminded of the cultural differences that one will find throughout rural Alaska. For instance, if you take a look at the picture below, you will see the seasonal wheel of the year. The four seasons of the year are clearly stated Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Inside the seasons, there are images that represent the animals and activities available during that time of year. For example, the month of May is called kayangut anutit, meaning "when the ducks and geese return." Although this is self explanatory, it is quite different in concept, because the lifestyle and culture in this community depends on the seasonal abundance of their natural resources. It is important to recognize this, because at times like these, school is not the first priority for many students. School attendance takes a backseat because the people depend on the land to be able to feed their families and store enough food for the winter months.

This is important to teachers, because students will miss a lot of school and lessons plans do not go as planned.

Here is a picture of an elder in the language and culture classroom. On a side note, if you want to know what is going on in the community. All you have to do is sit with the ladies at the beading table and they will update you on the latest.