unangax

The Yakov E. Netsvetov School in Atka has struggled with low enrollment in recent years. 

But this month, 10 students showed up for the first day of classes, helping the school avoid a shutdown — and hinting at greater stability for the small Unangax̂ community in the western Aleutian Islands.

"First day of school!" announced teacher Sonja Mills as the school bell rang. "We did it!"

On one side of the building, the high schoolers set up their laptops for a science lesson. On the other, the sole kindergartner used a puzzle to practice his ABCs.

New classes at this summer's Camp Qungaayux taught kids traditional Unangax̂ skills they haven't learned in previous years. 

Organized by the Qawalangin Tribe, the culture camp brought 68 kids to Unalaska's Humpy Cove for a weeklong celebration of Unangax̂ tradition. Now in its 22nd year, the July program had more kids and classes than ever before. 

"There are two new classes," said Shayla Shaishnikoff, the camp coordinator. "One of them is drum-making. Another one is ayaakux̂. It's dart-making and a dart game."