Cauyaq [CHOW-yahk] is Yugtun for “Drum”
Storyknife, March/April 2025 edition
Calista Education & Culture, Inc. (CEC) presents the Yup’ik Teaching Moment in our Storyknife newsletter. CECI highlights Yuuyaraq, the traditional/cultural way of being in our Region. The Yup’ik Teaching Moment is provided by Mark John, CEC Cultural Advisor and Calista Elder from Toksook Bay.
Cauyaq [CHOW-yahk] translates from Yugtun to “Drum,” in reference to the traditional yuraq drum.
The Cauyaq is a very important part of our culture, and it was used for different purposes. Elders say the Cauyaq, through its use in song and dance, keeps the community within the circle, meaning it keeps people together.
During Kevgiq, or the “Messenger Feast” in Yugtun, the Cauyaq aided in providing traditional social welfare for the elderly, orphans, widows and those without providers. The event provided for those in need through the practice of giving food, material for clothing and shelter, and any other necessary items. People were told to give as much as they could during Kevgiq.
Music through the Cauyaq was also used as a way to pray for favorable weather during hunting and fishing. The hope was to provide abundant fish, harvest and the needed material to last through the season.
Stories also state that the Bow and Arrow Wars on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta ended when one of the warriors walked out with a drum saying, “let us compete through the Cauyaq instead.”
