Chugachmiut was awarded a grant from the United States Department of Education to improve student academic achievement through parent and local participation.  The Language Curriculum Development Project is designing curricula that reflect the communities we serve and implementing it in local schools.  Additionally, the project’s goal is to increase the number of Sugcestun speakers.   Sugcestun is the indigenous language of the Alutiiq, or Sugpiaq people of Prince William Sound and Lower Cook Inlet.

Coordinators are hired in each village to encourage community involvement in the program.  Staff collaborate with village councils and regional organizations to save the Sugcestun language and culture.  A Master/Apprentice project was initiated to pass on the language as well as skills such as drum making, beading, sewing and carving. 

The Culture and Language Program announces the 2008 Sugcestun Language Immersion Camp

2008 Immersion Apprentice Application

2008 Immersion Master Application

Donna Malchoff, Project Manager
907-334-0136
1-88-478-4155
DonnaM@Chugachmiut.org