Published: November 2024
As the students of Knik Charter School in Wasilla gather for class, they greet their teacher, Yvette Cross, by a name deeply rooted in her identity—Paiyuraq. The name, passed down from her great-grandmother, reflects the enduring legacy of her Iñupiaq ancestry. Yvette’s roots stretch across Alaska, from her paternal grandmother’s village of Shishmaref to her maternal family in Deering, a small village on the Seward Peninsula.
At Knik Charter School, a K-12 Indigenous school in the Mat-Su Valley, Yvette has found a way to blend her cultural heritage with her role as an educator. “We integrate culturally responsive teaching and align the district standards with our cultural subsistence calendar,” she explains. For her, teaching is not just about academics; it’s about fostering pride and identity.
Yvette’s classroom is alive with hands-on learning. Her students, 16 of whom have Indigenous backgrounds, delve into projects that celebrate their heritage—making dance fans and headdresses, redesigning book covers for culturally relevant literature, and learning traditional dances. They sing and perform two Iñupiaq dances and one Yupik dance, the "Chore Song," which tells a playful story of washing hair and doing chores.
“I hope they know who they are,” Yvette says with heartfelt determination. Reflecting on her own struggles growing up, she recalls feeling the weight of stereotypes and a sense of being "less than." Today, she is resolute in her mission
“I want my students to feel proud of who they are and comfortable to empower themselves.” - Yvette Cross
This Native American and Alaska Native Heritage Month, we honor educators like Yvette Cross, who dedicate their lives to preserving culture, inspiring pride, and empowering the next generation to stand tall in their identities. Through her work, Paiyuraq ensures that her students not only learn about their heritage but also carry it forward with confidence and pride.
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