The Joneses

My Momma used to send me off to the mall or a friend’s house for a sleepover with the same words. “Remember, when you are out and about you are a direct representation of this family. Behave.” I can’t truthfully say that my MallRat behavior was always something for Mom to be proud of but I would like her to know that her parental wisdom was not wasted on me and is now imparted on my own kids, the kids that I teach and the athletes I coach. I use her words often.

“Remember, when you travel for ball, you are a direct representation of this school, this village, your family and friends.”

I try to heed those words myself because the privilege that I’ve been given of inter-village travel has truly become one of the greatest perks of my job here in Alaska. Because these communities are so small and the flight schedules and VHF radios are such public information, there’s no sneaking in to a village. When 8 new people come to town, it’s kind of a big deal. People take notice.

With time to kill after arrival, the standard still remains to drop our gear off at the school and head to store. Why? I haven’t figured out yet but I politely tag along. Got asked again why I never buy anything and the answer is still the same, “I’m not hungry. We just ate. We’re eating again in two hours. I don’t need junk food. Neither do you.” But by going to store we are establishing ourselves as visitors in a new community. I am always sure to introduce myself and try to be extra polite. I want people to know we’re from Kivalina and I want them to be impressed with our manners and laughing ways.

Because of my generous chaperones, I’ve been lucky enough to have a little free time to roam in the surrounding villages. For one, I like to work in a little exercise when I’m on the road but I also want to take in as much of the surrounding culture as possible. Each village is oddly alike yet distinctly different. In our neighboring villages I almost feel like a liaison. Each time I return to Kivalina, I feel like it’s my duty to report to those teachers that aren’t as fortunate as I am. I want to paint a picture for them as open and honest as I can. I report back on village conditions, natural flora and fauna, and above all, the school and overall general feel.

I’ve been thoroughly impressed at every village that I’ve been able to visit. Selawik, Deering, Buckland, Noatak and Ambler… each unique in it’s own way. Some coastal – some upriver. All Inupiat to the core…

The thing that is disheartening though is having to compare the “Have’s” with the “Have-not’s”. I live with the Have-Nots. I travel with the Have-Nots. I work in a building that Does-Not…and it’s a shame really. Our Kivalina kids are usually so upbeat and so thankful for what they have. Rarely have I heard anyone complain about conditions on their island. They truly love their home. But I know they see what other schools have. I know they see what other villages look and feel like because I’m right there beside them.

It actually gives me a feeling of guilt and anguish. Like, perhaps not knowing about “the outside” might make things better. But we can’t compare ourselves against our neighbors. We have to appreciate the things that make us happy and decide what it is that we want to define us… here in Kivalina – the people are not defined by the honey buckets or lack of running water. They’re not defined by their rundown school or crumbling island. They choose to identify themselves with family, with generations of resilient people who have a common bond of loving this spit of gravel and grass that I call “the Rock.”

VS.