Published: January 2026
At just six years old, Krystin Patterson moved from Southeast Alaska to Eagle River, a transition that meant leaving behind not only a familiar place, but also a deep connection to her culture and community. Today, as a third-grade teacher at Alaska Native Cultural Charter School, Patterson is rediscovering her heritage—while thoughtfully passing that knowledge on to the next generation.
For much of history, Alaska Native peoples were systematically stripped of their language, traditions, and cultural identity. Alaska Native Cultural Charter School works to reverse that legacy by centering Alaska Native values in its curriculum, introducing students to endangered Indigenous languages, celebrating the uniqueness of the Alaska way of life, and encouraging students to take pride in who they are and where they come from.
Patterson begins each school day with a class circle, where students learn an Alaska Native word shared by a respected elder. Together, they practice pronunciation, discuss meaning, and take time to center themselves for the day ahead. These moments of cultural grounding help students understand that Alaska Native values are not just lessons for the classroom, but practices they can carry with them into their everyday lives.
In Patterson’s classroom, cultural learning is hands-on and deeply personal. Students explore the traditions of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples while engaging directly with art and storytelling. Patterson teaches the significance of clan hats—what they represent and how art has long been used to preserve history and identity. She shares examples of artwork created by her cousin, projecting the images so students can study the designs up close. Inspired, students create their own hats, incorporating ravens, eagles, and killer whales, as well as symbols from other parts of their lives—such as flowers representing Samoan family ties.
As a Title I school, Alaska Native Cultural Charter School has limited opportunities for field trips. So Patterson brings those experiences directly to her students. After a unit on Alaska wildlife, Archimedes the Great Horned Owl visited the classroom. One student excitedly shared that owls were his favorite animal—and for the first time, he was able to see one in person. Through Patterson’s dedication and creativity, many students are learning about their home, their culture, and their place within it for the very first time.
Alongside her students, Patterson continues her own journey—learning about her roots, reconnecting with her culture, and embracing pride in her past. Together, teacher and students are carrying Alaska Native values forward, shaping a future grounded in respect, identity, and belonging.
