Scene and Heard Film Series – The Yup’ik Way

Drawing from programming and film partners, and from our extensive film collection in the Billie Jane Baguley Library & Archives, the Heard will continue film series, Scene and Heard, with monthly screening incorporated into festival programs and events.

Hooper Bay or Naparyarmiut is the largest native Yup’ik village in southwestern Alaska. Of the 1023 village inhabitants, 62% are under 18 years of age. With the majority of the village being so young, traditional ways of life are diminishing by the lure of western culture, technology, and language. Children wishing for McDonald’s and movie theaters, while at the same time loving their close knit community, are faced with the decision of staying in the village or moving to a larger town or city. With over 80% of the village on state or government assistance the prospects for the future of the village are pretty grim. If a young person decides he or she would like a higher education, it more than likely means not being able to return to the village and pursue his or her chosen field, due to lack of opportunity.

The Yup’ik Way follows members of the community as they struggle with the cultural issues of living on the Alaskan tundra, growing environmental concerns, and the evolving definition of what it means to be Yup’ik.

The Yup’ik Way (53 mins, 2009)