Resilience in Language: Yup'ik Immersion Program Supports Evacuated Alaskan Children

Sat Nov 15 2025 10:01:29 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Amid the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong, children from evacuated villages find solace and connection through a Yup'ik language immersion program in Anchorage, Alaska.

In the wake of Typhoon Halong's destruction, many evacuees from coastal Alaskan villages have settled in Anchorage. The Yup'ik immersion program at College Gate Elementary is providing a cultural lifeline to displaced children, teaching them their native language and allowing them to navigate their new lives while maintaining a connection to their heritage. With over 70 students enrolled, the program is fostering community and cultural resilience among the affected families.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — As Typhoon Halong's remnants wreaked havoc across coastal villages in Alaska, children from affected areas are finding a sense of normalcy and cultural connection through a Yup'ik immersion program in Anchorage's College Gate Elementary.

Among the students is Rayann Martin, who is adapting to new surroundings while still learning her native tongue. Airlifted to Anchorage along with her family, the young girl is using Yup’ik to communicate with classmates and educators, embracing this unique opportunity to strengthen her cultural roots even amid uncertainty.

The typhoon caused widespread destruction, damaging or destroying nearly 700 homes, leading to loss of life and displacement. With many families forced from their villages, the Yup'ik language immersion program, established around nine years ago, is nurturing their heritage amidst challenges, helping over 70 newly displaced students.

Principal Darrell Berntsen, an Alaska Native himself, has been actively welcoming evacuees into the program. His own family history resonates powerfully with those affected, as he recalls the harrowing tales of his mother's past during the devastating 1964 earthquake. Berntsen aims to foster comfort and familiarity for these children in a tumultuous time, ensuring the cultural bridge between generations remains intact.

Students are immersed in Yup'ik instruction for half the day, combined with traditional educational subjects, allowing them to maintain ties with their culture while adapting to a new life in Anchorage. Bermtson’s engagement efforts extend to community-building activities and events that illustrate Alaska Native traditions, aiding children in their adjustment.

The program not only aids in language preservation but also serves to heal wounds inflicted by historical trauma, offering new opportunities for cultural exchange and generational connection. Children like Ellyne Aliralria share their own difficult experiences while expressing enthusiasm for learning, emphasizing the significance of this educational endeavor in bridging the gap between their past and present.

The Yup'ik immersion program stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for displaced Alaskan families, reaffirming the enduring spirit of Alaska Native cultures in the face of modern-day adversities.