The Camai Dance Festival is honored to dedicate this year’s event in memory of an individual who has contributed greatly to the legacy of dance in our region – Seliksuyar Bob Aloysius of Bethel

Seliksuyar told stories of attending gatherings in the spring while he was young to share the winter's bounty, they would celebrate with other communities with yuraq to give thanks, to share and acknowledge our ancestor's teachings and honor the memory of those who passed away. “Yuraq is not merely done for entertainment purposes but in celebration, giving thanks, healing.”

He later joined the Kuskokwim Campus yuraq group which was led by Joe Ayagarak in the early 1990s. In teaching young people how to yuraq, he often instructed, “When you dance, use full body movements to tell those stories, do not be afraid to express yourself.” He shared that yuraq creates fellowship, encourages a healthy lifestyle, fosters respect in self and others, inspires change and acceptance and instills pride in being a Native person.”

He freely shared his wisdom during his life. Some of his sage advice included: “Remember who you are and where you come from. Respect yourself, the land and our connection to it.  Learn how to harvest and preserve its bounty. Give thanks to the land and our ability to hunt, fish, trap and gather its bounty. Don’t overtake. Share with others. Find a balance between being a Yup’ik person in a modern world. Bridge the different ways of knowing, but remain true to yourself. Live your life fully, with happiness and let go of pain, free yourself from regret and guilt. Try to find the humor in all you do! Don't be afraid to try new things. Learn from your mistakes. Accept others for who they are and advocate for those who cannot speak up for themselves, look out for the greater good.”