Yup'ik storytime educates, celebrates Native American Heritage Month

Throughout the month of November, a group in Anchorage will be celebrating Native American Heritage Month with English and Yup'ik storytime events at locations around town.

Grace White, an Alaskan who was one of the readers at this weekend's event, said learning through playing games, singing songs and reading stories helps not only with educating kids overall, but also instills a value in preserving Alaska Native heritage and culture at a young age.

"We also teach them Yup'ik songs," she said, "like I know several children's Yup'ik songs, and we have another Yup'ik teacher. She teaches them Yup'ik dancing."

The hands-on event - with more to come - happened Saturday and was highlighted by songs, stories, and early literacy skills for young children.

The next session of Yup'ik story time is set for 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Loussac Library.