We, as Inupiaq people, hand in hand, make sure our culture survives the stand. Although at times it's a little rough, we are Inupiaq, so were tough.

Our Aakas and Aapas taught us the way. We teach our children but they tend to sway, caught up in the urban music, clothing, and drugs. I worry, my heart aches, I can't help to shrug.

But we, as an army, a people of pride, can change that problem with a simple stride. Talk to your children and make sure they know who they are, thier culture and Eskimo word for snow.

I'm from the new generation, so take my advice from me, I know what they are going through- it's very hard you see. To grow up so isolated from the world and modern things, that youth today are more interested in what things money can bring.

All that they are looking for is something new. What they're missing out on, they haven't got a clue. One day they'll see how important our people really are. I hope you pass on this message and i hope it will go far.

Today is a day to start a plan- help preserve our language, our tradition, our land. The future is coming, our culture slowly dying. But what are we doing? We're not even trying.

I used to speak words I learned in Inupiaq class. "The man" says "That's not important as English or Math!" I didn't pay attention, all i wanted was to be just like the movie stars I saw on TV.

Although I am young, no kids yet, I truly can see problems, so this solution I must set: I want you to teach your kids all you know, whether hunting, sewing, whaling... for their kids to show.

It might not make of a difference or even to help out. This is who we are, where we come from, and what we're about! I miss my Aaka and Aapa, so pleasent and very kind, all i have are memories and pictures in my mind.

Elders have knowledge of the Arctic and what you must do, They have all the answers, when we don't have a clue. No one can replace them, so it's up to us to keep our traditions going, learn again if we must.

This is my ode for my ancestors, our elders and youth, I don't want out language to die- that is the truth. I'm not saying it will change all that once was lost, when teachers thought hitting hands and pulling hair would be a good cost.

My mother told me when she spoke Inupiaq in class. She was disciplined, so were others by the mass. We must bring our language back so, it won't dissappear. A few may understand, forgotten is what i fear.

I wish i could understand and speak it, but someday that may be, But for now, I'll try to learn, and i set my message free.
Flora Rexford

This poem written by this Beautiful young lady from Kaktovik, Alaska has touched me in many ways, and opened up my eyes to our traditions and culture of being Inupiaqs. You see our Inupiaq culture and traditions go way back to our ancestors who have lived on this land and around this Arctic weather for thousands of years ago. Our ancestors survived by hunting off this land God has given us... Our ancestors heated and cooked food with seal oil lamps inside their sodhouses which was made out of drift wood and mud... Only way to keep it from getting cold and having a bite to eat was going out to hunt for animals God has given us... Now a days you have man made house with boiler heaters, and cooking stoves which run off natual gas... The only way around then was by dogsled, which now a days on the Arctic is dead... Now a days you have snowmobiles, four wheelers, and trucks... Clothing now a days just isn't warmer than what our ancestors use to wear... Sure you've got nike, adidas, sean johns, and phat farm but they all are nothing but fashion clothes... Our ancestors weren't worried about fashion, they were worried more worried about keeping themselves warm... By keeping themselves warm they would use the animal skins they have, then make a pair of pants, parkas, and mukluks to keep themselves warm...

So as i close this blog I just want to say I am very proud to be an Inupiaq i feel it is my dutie to see that our culture lives on with the next generation after i pass on... I know i am only 22 years old and i have alot to learn about our Inupiaq traditions and culture, but you know what in the end it will all be worth it to see that our Inupiaq traditions and culture lives on... I hope this message touches all you Inupiaqs out there like it has touched me...