INTRODUCTIONS

Welcome to my igloo!* My Inupiaq name is Iyiyyaq and I was born in Kotzebue, AK. I grew up in the city though and after living away from home for 22 years, I have recently begun working in Kotzebue. As an Inupiaq raised in the city, I have often struggled with my identity. In fact, my identity as an Inupiaq woman has often been challenged by both Native and non-Native people alike.

Going back home has strengthened my identity in many ways and challenged it in others. That said, this blog is an expression of myself and my experiences. While it is personal, I think that many of you can relate in several ways, especially when it comes to identity. So join me as I discuss everything under the Midnight Sun, from language to culture to whatever.

*Disclaimer: I do not live in an igloo nor have I ever. We do not live in igloos at all and to ask or suggest that we do is just downright silly if not misguided. 

THE BASICS

Outsiders often ask me about Kotzebue, so a little about Kotzebue: it is a city located in the Arctic Northwest, 33 miles above the Arctic Circle. It is a coastal city and local hub of the Northwest Region. It is called Kotzebue because Otto Von Kotzebue “discovered” it in 1818.  And as American history goes, Europeans were quite fond of “discovering” things that were already there. In Inupiaq, it is known as Kikiktagruk.

Kotzebue Front Street, mid-summer.

Of course, all this you can Google without me telling you, so what can I tell you about it that you don’t already know? Kotzebue is quite trashy, meaning there is junk and garbage all around town. But it is very beautiful, if you know how to look. It overlooks the ocean and has some fantastic colors in the winter. It was and always will be home to me.

WHO AM I?

Ah yes, the age-old philosophical question. I am Inupiaq, not “Eskimo.” I am guilty of using “Eskimo” at times (within certain contexts) but I cringe inside whenever I hear or say it. It is still commonly used in Kotzebue and the Northwest Region. People use the word interchangeably with Inupiaq. Examples: “Mmmm, I really love Eskimo food,” or “Do you know how to Eskimo dance?” I’ve even heard people say “I don’t know how to speak Eskimo.” Ugh! I often get frustrated because I am torn between wanting to voice my opposition at using the word and not alienating anyone. There are conflicting views on the origin of the word and I won’t go into detail on that. However, I will note that the term is pejorative and it is not how I identify myself.

Throughout this blog I will attempt to use “Inupiaq” whenever possible. Generally speaking, I belong to the groups of “Alaska Native,” and in very broad terms (if you really must), "Native American." Other than Inupiaq, I prefer “Indigenous.”

There are other common terms that a lot people use, including “Native.” I use the term in some instances but try to stay away from it. It too has negative connotations. I still use “Alaska Native” though and that seems to be neutral enough, at least for the time being. Some people refer to us as “Indian” which is inaccurate. While Alaska Natives share many of the same experiences as Indigenous peoples of the Lower 48, many Inupiat do not self-identify as “Indians.”

I was born in a rural town but I am also urbanized. When I was 8 we moved from Kotzebue to Westmont, Ill (a suburb of Chicago). I know right? What a culture shock! And from there we moved to Anchorage, AK.

My city upbringing must be very evident because I’ve gotten several comments about my accent and mannerisms. I’ve been told that I “talk like a white person” or that it is obvious that I wasn’t raised in Kotzebue. I don’t take much offense because I also notice the differences between myself and others raised in the village. This is who I am and I don’t make any apologies.