Heritage Preservation

Litnaurwik Department of Education

“A Place of Learning”

Litnaurwik, Sugt’stun for “a place of learning,” is Chugachmiut’s Department of Education.
Our mission is to build a self-determined, culturally rooted education system that honors the wisdom of our ancestors and the ways we have always taught our children.

We create learning spaces that reflect our cultural identity and strengthen our ability to purposefully give our children the power to teach the next generation. This includes advancing the understanding of Sugpiaq and Eyak culture and preserving and teaching the Sugt’stun and dAXunhyuu (Eyak) languages.

New Programs and Opportunities

Chugachmiut’s Litnaurwik Department of Education is growing through new grants and partnerships that strengthen language, culture, and youth learning across generations.
Read about our new programs and grants »

Our Education Initiatives

Elders Council

The Elders Council will play a key role in guiding curriculum development, cultural heritage studies, and archival projects, ensuring that Sugpiaq and dAXunhyuu (Eyak) culture and languages are honored and preserved.

Current Status: The Council is not yet meeting. Announcements will be shared with Tribal Councils when Elder involvement opportunities arise.

Tribal Education Committee (TEC)

Mission: The Tribal Education Committee promotes tribal education self-determination for Sugpiaq communities by ensuring that community needs and voices guide educational decisions. Each Tribal community is represented, working together to develop culturally relevant programs and policies.

Current Status: Formed in the summer of 2025, the Education Committee now plays an active role in advancing tribal education self-determination across the region. We gratefully acknowledge the early Planning Team, including Chief Bill Smith, Diane Selanoff, Lillian Elvsaas, Brandon Moonin, Shyla West, and Sperry Ash, with Dr. Heather Sauyaq Jean Gordon serving as policy analyst. Their foundational work helped establish the Education Committee in the summer of 2025.

Get Involved: Tribes are responsible for selecting committee members. If you are interested in serving, please reach out to your Tribal Council.

Language Summit

We continue our commitment to language revitalization through our annual Sugt’stun and dAXunhyuu (Eyak) Language Summit. See below from Language Summit in February 2025.

• 2024 Report: Available upon request.
• Future Events: Stay tuned here for upcoming Language Summit dates or contact us for more information.

Elders Collaboration Group

Our Elders Collaboration Group is an informal yet vital part of our work. While not a formal planning or oversight team, this group provides valuable insight and connection across cultural and community projects.

We honor past gatherings—such as those held in partnership with the National Park Service—and look forward to continuing these meaningful exchanges in the years ahead. Elders who wish to participate in future projects or gatherings are warmly encouraged to contact us.

Contact Us
For information about any of these programs, committees, or upcoming opportunities, please contact:

Litnaurwik Department of Education
education@chugachmiut.org
(907) 562-4155

Paul Paasaa McDonogh
Department of Education Director 
paul@chugachmiut.org

About the above photos: The Chugach Region Language Summit was held in February 2025. Our theme was “Our Languages, Our Legacies.” Over 45 language bearers, learners, and teachers of Sugt’stun, Eyak, and Yugtun attended, along with approximately 15 students and their chaperones from the region.