Iñupiaq language and culture

Largely self-taught, Keats walked in two worlds, combining traditional and Western medicine. She was born in a sod house on the Noatak River in 1907 and learned from anatomy books and from processing caribou and other animals. She began practicing medicine in her 20s and worked as a midwife, helping women deliver babies. A large part of her knowledge came from listening to older generations.

The award honors women who are “using their voices for change” and comes with feature stories about each woman. This year, author Lily Tuzroyluke was Alaska’s awardee.

“Especially considering that our communities are so artistic, and such talented people as storytellers,” Hopson said. “It shouldn't be just like, ‘I like this Iñupiaq book because it exists.’ It should be, ‘I like this book because it's my favorite out of these hundred.’”

The Uuktuun Iñupiatun 2020 language survey is being conducted by a group of grassroots organizers called Kipiġniuqtit Iñupiurallanikun, or “Speaking our Language, We are Passionate,” which represents the Northwest Arctic, North Slope and Bering Straits regions, as well as Iñupiat living in other areas.