The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska hosts a traditional culture camp in Unalaska. Camp Qungaayux^ is designed to bring Unangan Elders, Mentors, and Western science biologists together with the younger generation in order to teach both Traditional Knowledge practices and Western Science principles which encourages cultural and environmental awareness.
So in 2003, I talked Caleb into helping his brother teach the kids how to construct model kayaks.
In 2004, I talked Caleb into working with his brother Mike, in teaching the kids how to construct a full-size iqyax^, or skinboat. His brother couldn’t make it so Caleb ended up teaching by himself.
In 2005, Caleb taught the kids how to cover a full size iqyax^ by actually covering the one built the year before.
In 2006, Caleb, with HIS mentor Lee Post, taught the kids how to articulate a Baird’s beaked whale.
In 2007, 2008, and 2009 Caleb taught the kids how to construct traditional drums.
2007 was actually the last year I coordinated camp, so I don’t think that the Tribe knows what a jewel they have with Caleb. The secret to Caleb is that he had never taught a class before 2003. He had never made a model kayak. He had never constructed a full size kayak. He had never covered a skinboat. He had never thought of articulating, let alone articulated, a whale. He had never constructed a drum. The secret to Caleb is presenting him with a problem and giving him the time to explore it and solve it.
So when the Tribe asked Caleb to teach at Camp again this year, and they asked him to do drums again, I said, “Drums? Again?” And Caleb’s other cohort who first suggested the whale articulation, Reid Brewer, reminded Caleb that they had the sealion bones from two years ago……
….and the deal was sealed. So, I am going to try to follow Caleb along in this project. Not by being intrusive and all in his face with the camera and questions, but by using the photos he takes himself, and listening to him when he comes home lamenting his woes. Hmmmmmm, I see he forgot the camera today.
Unalaska From My Point of View 
Kweeeel!
Are you all gonna clean up the bones on the beach? Beach fire baby! I’m told a regular turkey baster sufficiently sucks the brains out of the cranal cavity. Something the older camp kids can do. They’ll never forget the experience.
LOL
have fun!
That Caleb! What a guy. I knew he was smart just didn’t know how smart and talented he was/is.
I think you two have to be one of the most talented couples around. You are both amazing!
Well, how sweet you are! Caleb is, but I’ve been slacking lately!
Caleb is amazing . . . your whole family is amazing! As soon as I enlarge my shed, I’m going to start on that kayak that Caleb inspired me to build when he and I spoke about it last year! I have the wood just waiting . . . .