Video

Chuna McIntrye

Video Clip of Chuna McIntrye and the Nunamta Dancers performing at the opening ceremonies of the Agayuliyararput Exhibit at the National Museum of the American Indian on March 31, 1997.

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I am Chuna, a Central Yup'ik Eskimo, born and raised in the village of Eek, Alaska, on the shores of the Bering Sea. I was raised by my grandmother, from whom I learned our ancient traditions -- the dances, songs, and stories of our Eskimo ancestors. I perfom frequently for both Native and non-Native audiences, so that they may experience some of the richness of my people's culture. I am founder and director of Nunamta ("of Our Land") Yup'ik Eskimo Dancers, which has traveled the world sharing Alaska's Native cultural heritage. At the University of Alaska, I helped organize Tuma ("Footprints") Theatre, a Native dance and drama group. I attended the University of California. I received a Bachelor's degree from Sonoma State University in 1991 with a major in studio art and a minor in Native American studies. I currently teach beginning Yup'ik through the special languages department at Stanford University. My village, which today has a population of almost 300 people, is located near the delta of the Kuskokwim River. Traditionally, Yup'ik is the first language in my village, and we carry on the ancient traditions of our ancestors. Our economy is based largely on subsistence. My people fish and hunt for food and, in the short summer months, gather many different kinds of berries and greens from the land.