Nita Yurrliq Rearden, longtime AAEC Board Member and advocate for arts education, received the 2019 Governor’s Arts and Humanities Award for Arts Education on February 7th.
The Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards is an annual partnership between the Alaska Humanities Forum, the Alaska State Council on the Arts, the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Office of the Governor to recognize and honor noteworthy contributions to the arts and humanities in Alaska.
In addition to her work with AAEC, some of Nita’s recent achievements include:
- Acted as Curriculum Specialist for ACHIEVE/IDEA.
- Directed and Instructed Cultural Arts for Yup’ik Arts (Pillingualilleq) Summer Institute, Bethel, Alaska.
- Consulted with Igiugig Village on Early Childhood Curriculum
- Acted as Alaska Arts Standards Committee Member
- Presented at Language Revitalization Conference, Albuquerque, for Port Graham
- Continued Consultant Services for Port Graham Sugcestun Revitalization
- Served as Cultural Knowledge Bearer for University of Alaska Outreach Program
There is more! She also:
- Is fluent in Yup’ik and English
- Has presented at numerous statewide conferences including the AFN Elders and Youth Conference
- Is a master seamstress, food gatherer, preparer and preserver, quilter, dancer and storyteller
- Has been a Teacher Leader at multiple AAEC Summer Arts Institutes
- Was a Teacher Mentor for the Alaska Native Teacher Preparation Project at UAF
- Published a Yup’ik and English children’s literature book
- Is a longstanding member of the Alaska Native Educator Association
- Developed 7 Yup’ik Art kits for the Lower Kuskokwim School District
- Developed a Guide to Implement the Alaska Cultural Standards for Educators
Congratulations to this amazing educator!
We are proud of you Nita!
We are proud of you Nita!