Yup’ik Teaching Moment:

Qaneryaraq “Words of Wisdom”

Presented by Calista Education & Culture, Inc.

Storyknife, July/August 2022 edition

Calista Education & Culture, Inc. (CECI) presents the Yup’ik Teaching Moment in our Storyknife newsletter. CECI highlights Yuuyaraq, the traditional/cultural way of being in our Region. Yup’ik Teaching Moment is provided from an interview conducted by Mark John, CECI Cultural Advisor with the late Raphael Jimmy.

A person, an Elder or a boy, no matter where they may go, if they thoroughly understand the qaneryaraq (Gahn-nuh-yah-uk) [or ‘words of wisdom,’ or ‘traditional sayings’ in Yup’ik], they will not hear another qaneryaraq.

When you speak in front of people, the Elders already know what you’re going to say. They will listen to you. The qaneryaraq is one in the same everywhere. If you remove parts of it, are ashamed of it, or if you add prominence to it, people will speak unfavorably about you after you leave. They will say, “Look how that person made the qaneryaraq grander, and took away from the precious qaneryaraq.”

You may travel, but you will hear no other qaneryaraq of Yup’ik origin. It has been in existence starting long ago from the time the world was new, still continues on today, and will never end.

However, it is my hope that young people try to carry on the ancient qaneryaraq without removing anything, respecting it.

Qaneryaraq (Gahn-nuh-yah-uk) is the Yup’ik word for “Words of Wisdom.”

The mission of Calista Education & Culture, Inc. (CECI) is to celebrate and promote Yuuyaraq, the traditional/cultural way of being in the Calista Region which inspires and encourages our people to achieve their dreams through education.

The CECI scholarship program awards scholarships two times each year. The application deadline for the Spring 2023 Term scholarship is due December 1, and the Fall Term scholarship application is due June 30 each year. Apply today!