Nuikuutaq New Year Celebration

Creators and Contributors Dawn Randazzo (Creator)
Rhoda Moonin (Contributor)
Diane Selanoff (Contributor)
Brandon Moonin (Contributor)
Ephim Moonin (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Port Graham Village Council (Contributor)

Summary In 2023 Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation hosted a Maskalaataq and Nuikuutaq camp in Port Graham to teach students the history of masking and the New Year celebration. This documentary highlights the tradition of the Nuikuutaq New Year program and its importance in our region.

Cultural Narrative The Nuikuutaq New Year Program is a tradition that was adopted through Russian influence but is now a celebration that is integral to Sugpiaq culture. It is a fun community performance that symbolizes the fight between old and new and good and evil.