A Celebration of Tradition and Community
On May 6 – 11, 2024, The Tatitlek Corporation hosted the annual Tatitlek Cultural Heritage Week, a cherished event that brought together 60 participants from the Chugach region for a week of traditional arts classes. This year’s lineup featured a variety of classes, including carving, wood carving, drum making, beading, and more, taught by an esteemed group of instructors: Nick Tiedeman, Sheri Buretta, Teresa O’Neill, Amiah Johnson, Diane Selanoff, Deserae Stellwag, Sharon Merchant, and John Yakanak. Joined in class were our wonderful assistants, Michael Paulsen, Alyssa Juliussen, Aiesha Kompkoff, Lydia Robart, Chelsea Selanoff, Jason Ophiem, and Jennifer Hansen.
Organizing this event is a significant undertaking, requiring the help of 25 dedicated volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly, including the classes, meals and evening events. It’s a massive effort for our team, but it’s one of our favorite times of the year and holds special meaning for the TTC board and executive team. Special recognition goes to Sheri Buretta, our TTC Board Treasurer, who teaches every year, and Lori Clowers, our President’s wife, who has been instrumental in organizing our meal program. The Tatitlek IRA Council also provided tremendous support, demonstrating the powerful collaboration between our Corporation and tribe.
This year, we honored four outstanding instructors:
Lydia Robart: The granddaughter of the original Lydia Robart from Port Graham, who taught us our dances at the first Tatitlek Cultural Heritage Week.
- Nick Tiedeman: He not only taught carving but also hosted the NYO Demonstration and served as a chaperone.
- Deserae Stellwag: As Tatitlek’s Tribal Administrator, she always finds time for our youth despite her many responsibilities.
- Anna Gregorieff: A primary-class teacher who has inspired a love of our culture in our youth from day one.
The evenings were filled with exciting events, including:
- Performance by the Tatitlek Native Dance Group
- NYO Demonstration
- Alumni vs. Students Basketball Game: The alumni won 103-94.
- Talent Show: Featuring a surprise appearance by Sweeney and the Sunshines (Swen Selanoff, Diane Selanoff, Sheri Buretta, Evelyn Totemoff, and Roy Totemoff), who sang “You Are My Sunshine.”
- Closing Intertribal Dance Group Performance, sponsor recognition, a successful auction, and an ice cream party and youth dance.
The week was filled with fun, food, and amazing company. To support our efforts and donate, please visit Copper Mountain Foundation and follow the “Donate” link.
Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Tatitlek Cultural Heritage Week an unforgettable celebration of our culture and community!