lit·naur·lu·ni
v. / lɪt nawɒ luːni / Sugt’stun
to study
To encourage the maintenance and revitalization of customary Alaska Native artistic expressions and technologies, the Litnaurluni program provided funding support for in-depth arts projects that transmit Alaska Native arts practices across generations.
Because customary arts practices often require a deep engagement with materials, a strong understanding of design elements and the procurement of technical skills that can take years to perfect, the Litnaurluni program offered grant funding for projects that span eighteen months.
The CIRI Foundation sought project partners who are deeply committed to strengthening connections between Alaska Native art and culture through meaningful community-based arts activity. Examples of projects that may be supported through the Litnaurluni program include, but are not limited to: totem pole carving, grass basketry, boat building, regalia making and other tangible arts rooted in Alaska Native culture.
TCF partnered with Calista Education and Culture Inc. on the first Litnaurluni project: “Nelson Island Traditional Clothing.”
During this project artists in Toksook Bay, Nightmute, and Tununak documented and completed construction of a traditional atasuaq (baby one-piece bird skin parka), in addition to studying the proper way to process seal skins to create sealskin clothing. Project activities took place virtually until it was deemed safe for artists to gather in person.
Page photographs courtesy of Bethany Goodrich, Sustainable Southeast Partnership.