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There are only a handful of Yup ik computer scientists in the world, according to Christopher Egalaaq Liu of Bethel and Lonny Alaskuk Strunk of Quinhagak. The pair have teamed up to create what is likely the most advanced Yugtun translation tool available online.
“There s nothing like, it s the first tool of its kind,” Liu said.
Liu created the first version of yugtun.com, a simple online Yugtun-English dictionary, and presented it at the 2018 Alaska Federation of Natives convention. Liu said that the new version of the website he built with Strunk and another friend can translate complex Yugtun words and even full sentences. Take, for instance, the word “elitnaurvigmi.”
Credit Michael Ulroan / ANSEP
The Alaska Native Science and Engineering Program, or ANSEP, is collaborating with the Lower Kuskokwim School District and University of Alaska Fairbanks, Kuskokwim Campus to create a permanent Acceleration Academy at Bethel Regional High School. Enrollment for the program, which enables students to study college classes while in high school, is open now. Michael Ulroan, with ANSEP, said that the program could save as much as $75,000 in college costs for students.
“You’re getting a high school diploma and making your way to a bachelor’s degree at the same time,” explained Ulroan. “Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering, or anything that they want, one year after graduating from high school. That’s five years from the end of 8th grade to earning a bachelor’s degree.”
LKSD Graduation kyuk.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kyuk.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
2 Yup ik Engineers Team Up To Build Groundbreaking Yugtun Technology kyuk.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from kyuk.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Credit Katie Basile / KYUK
An increase in COVID-19 numbers in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta this spring has led to some schools, which had recently reopened, to return to remote learning. Lower Kuskokwim School District Superintendent Kimberly Hankins said that initially there were only four schools which remained closed when schools reopened last month.
“Since that time, unfortunately, we have seen an uptick in COVID cases in our region,” said Hankins. “And so currently, as of this morning, we have nine sites that are at remote learning only due to COVID cases or exposure, and the wishes of the community that have been expressed to us from the tribal council or that COVID faskforce.”