CULTURE & EVENTS
NATIVE VILLAGE OF GOODNEWS BAY
Celebrating the past - living our present - Shaping our future through Yup'ik culture.
“Our Yup’ik culture is more than history. It is living knowledge passed through hands, songs, and stories.”
“To be Yup’ik is to walk with humility, to honor the wisdom of elders, and to teach the path to our children.”
Cultural Preservation & Heritage
The Native Village of Goodnews Bay honors a rich cultural heritage grounded in Mamterat (our ancestral land), and the sacred traditions of our ancestors. Through storytelling, dance, subsistence practices, and seasonal gatherings, we uphold the values passed down through generations.
“Every tide, every berry, every salmon reminds us that the Yup’ik way is balance with the world around us.”
YUP’IK TRADITIONS THAT ENDURE
Our people continue to carry forward the teachings of our ancestors, expressed through language, storytelling, and ceremony. Fishing the salmon-rich Goodnews River, hunting caribou and moose, gathering berries, and preparing traditional foods are not merely practices of survival – they are acts of cultural preservation. Each season brings opportunities for sharing knowledge, honoring elders, and nurturing our youth in the values of respect, resilience, and generosity.
“The future of Goodnews Bay rests in the hearts of our youth, who carry the songs and wisdom
of the past.”
COMMUNITY GATHERING & EVENTS
Culture comes alive through gatherings that unite families and generations. From drum dances and feasts to contemporary celebrations, these events honor the spirit of Mamterat and strengthen bonds within our community. Elders share stories full of timeless wisdom; youth bring fresh energy and creativity, ensuring our traditions continue for future generations.
“Our Yup’ik culture is more than history, it is living knowledge passed through hands, songs, and stories.”
CELEBRATING CULTURE, STRENGTHENING IDENTITY
Every drumbeat, every story, every shared meal contributes to the living narrative of the Native Village of Goodnews Bay. In preserving Yup’ik culture and celebrating community events, we honor our ancestors, reinforce our Tribal identity, and build a future where tradition and contemporary life move forward together.
