YOUR SUPPORT AT WORK There is a New Shop in Town Aarigaa Anchorage opend a Uluaq workshop at the House. BY JAIME NANNINGA
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This fall some fun things are happening at the Aarigaa House. With residents back from summer break the house is in full swing. Not only is the house up and running, so is a new workshop. The garage is now the new home of the Ulu(aq) workspace. Karl Thistle, Aarigaa House Director, will be the one running the shop and teaching residents.
Since Karl started with CYAK, he has hoped for a space where the residents could learn a trade. He wanted something that allows them to work with their hands and create something of value. This shop provides an opportunity for them to learn a skill and build items that could earn them supplemental income. Karl is excited about the new opportunities for the residents. “The space offers residents a creative outlet to something tangible in an increasingly digital world that is rooted in Alaska Native culture.,” he expressed. While they are only making Uluaq’s to start, the hope is to branch out further in the future.
September 2021 slate and animal bone, they are now made from steel hand saw blades. In the workshop, the residents will learn to design and cut their Uluaq blade from a saw. They will grind, sand, buff and sharpen the often rusty and pitted metal. After this they will make handles from wood and attach them to create an Uluaq. While talking with one of the residents who was making a Uluaq in the shop, she said she remembered learning a little from her grandfather when she was younger. These tools are a part of indigenous culture all over Alaska. It is a blessing that the Aarigaa House can host this environment. The workshop was created out of a heart for Aarigaa House residents and Alaska Native culture. Karl and Drew Williams, 2 of CYAK’s full time staff, organized and built the shop over the course of a week. Part of the process was tracking down all things needed to start including lumber, tools, saw blades, power sources, and lighting. Drew designed the shop layout in an AutoCAD program and the two worked together to build and organize all elements of the shop. There are three levels in the work benches and the tools are spread out to provide space for multiple workers.
What is an Ulu(aq)? It is an all purpose cutting tool created by Alaskan Natives. The tool was first used by women to cut through fish skin and bones to prepare food for survival. Originally made from
COVENANT YOUTH OF ALASKA A relational outreach, discipleship and leadership ministry for Alaska youth and young adults
Our hopes for the shop are for it to thrive, bring enjoyment and provide a joyful place to create. With enough interest/involvement they may end up opening an Etsy store. There are still needs for the shop! Here is how you can help. Some materials needed are hard to come by. If you have access to any old hand saws, they are the base for the Uluaq blades. These can be sent to the Aarigaa Shop at 1717 Northwestern Ave, Anchorage AK, 99508. Monetary donations are also very helpful to help cover the cost of tools and supplies. If you’re interested in donating to the shop please visit https:// www.cyak.org/donate and select Aarigaa House. You can note ‘Ulu Shop’.
CONTINUE YOUR IMPACT TODAY You are a part of the team that God has called together to impact youth and young adults in Alaska. Thank you! For more information how to make a gift, please follow the link below.
www.cyak.org/donate Website www.cyak.org Email info@cyak.org Phone 907-222-1432