Dr. Arevgaq Theresa John is this year’s Living Treasure

Background

Arevgaq is from Toksook Bay on Nunakauyaq, Nelson Island. She was born to the late Chief Dr. Paul Kangrilnguq John and Martina John and grew up in the traditional Yup’ik lifestyle of subsistence and ceremonial yuraq practices.

Through her early childhood experiences, she learned from precontact elders, people who were alive before Alaska became colonized by Russians and Americans. We are incredibly fortunate to benefit from the extensive work that Arevgaq contributed to the world of Indigenous and Yup’ik education.

Legacy work

Arevgaq began teaching at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1985 and has contributed to numerous publications, films, and shared from her vast knowledge at many conferences and gatherings. In 2011, she was appointed to serve as a member on the National Advisory Council on Indian Education under President Barack Obama.

Throughout her professional career, she has taught 28 course subjects to generations of eager learners, imparting her wisdom to ensure that future generations will retain and continue to practice our culture.

Arevgaq’s doctorate dissertation, published in 2010, “Yuraryaraput Kangiit-llu: Our Ways of Dance and Their Meanings has helped to document the integral role of yuraq in the Yup’ik culture. Thanks to the internet, people everywhere can now access videos of Arevgaq delivering insights into the world of yuraq. The Sealaska Heritage Institute published one such video:

Personal life

The John family includes many professional educators and community, statewide, and national leaders who help to shape and preserve governance practices in our tribal communities. Arevgaq and her siblings encourage their family to continue to speak in Yugtun at home. Their children and grandchildren continue to participate and lead in local yuraq groups, ensuring that future generations will continue to dance and sing our traditions.