This past 12 months, the community of Tatitek has experienced an unprecedented wave of loss, with the passing of four elders and three community members. While every shareholder loss is deeply felt in a small community of 60, every family is affected. We are deeply saddened to announce the loss of several cherished members of our Tatitlek community.
This year, the impact of losing Louis Vlasoff, Karen Katelnikoff, Claren Allen, David Totemoff Sr., Elizabeth Totemoff, Katherine Selanoff, and Betty Totemoff is profound and far-reaching. Traditional Russian Orthodox funerals were held, reflecting the deep cultural ties and community spirit that bind us together.
Karen Katelnikoff’s passing marks the loss of one of the few remaining Alutiiq language teachers, a vital link to our linguistic heritage. Her dedication to preserving and teaching the Alutiiq language was instrumental in keeping our cultural identity alive. David Totemoff Sr. and Louis Vlasoff were not only fishermen and hunters, but also custodians of our traditional ways of life. Their knowledge of the land and sea, and their skills in providing for their families and the community, embodied the resilience and self-sufficiency of our people.
With the loss of elders Claren Allen and Betty Totemoff, and community members Katherine Selanoff and Elizabeth Totemoff, we lost generations of memories, wisdom, and cultural practices. Their lives were rich tapestries of Tatitlek history, each contributing to the community in unique and invaluable ways. The stories they carried and the traditions they upheld are irreplaceable.
In reflecting on these losses, we are reminded of the critical importance of family and the need to protect and perpetuate our Tatitlek heritage. Our elders are the keepers of our history and traditions, and their legacies must be honored and preserved for future generations. It is through their teachings and memories that we stay connected to our roots.