The Community of Stebbins (Tapraq) hosted a successful Curukaq, or Challenge Festival, in April, with visitors joining from other villages to help celebrate. The event was organized by the Taprarmiut Yuratets Dance Group of Stebbins and it was an opportunity for the community to come together and honor their traditions. It was the first event Stebbins has hosted since the start of the pandemic more than three years ago.
The St. Michael and Stebbins Filipino Teachers Cultural Dance Group, Aassanaaq “Ossie” Kairaiuak of Pamyua and the Unalaqliq Inuutchak Dance Group from Unalakleet attended as well. It was the first time Unalaqliq Inuutchak’s danced in Stebbins since 1915. The Stebbins School streamed the event online via Facebook so it could be viewed anywhere, and many who could not make it took advantage. Curukaq was a true celebration of the community’s heritage and an opportunity to share it with others.
According to oral tradition, as noted in the book Taprarmiuni Kassiyulriit/Stebbins Dance Festival by Anatole Bogeyaktuk and Charlie Steve, “intervillage dancing in general and Curukaq in particular began where interregional bow-and-arrow warfare left off… two messengers were sent out to the enemy village carrying both a drum and three dance sticks. When they presented these to the men in the qasgi, the enemy said, ‘Let us stop fighting each other, but using these let us be antagonists through the dance!’”
The Elders suggested that instead of trying to harm each other, people should use their strength and ingenuity to increase their catch. If their catch was large enough, they should invite each other to the qasgi, using what they had caught to compete and have a festive occasion. The enemy agreed, and from that time on warfare was terminated and people competed through dance.
Shareholder Chief Morris Nashoanak was acknowledged for his leadership in continuing the community’s traditional ways, values and culture. The community of Stebbins (Tapraq) looks forward to continuing this important tradition and sharing their culture with others in the future.
Quyaana to all those who contributed to the success of the event!