Profile: Inupiaq Class Brings Cultural Connection to Nome Beltz High School


There’s an exciting new class being offered to students at Nome Beltz.

“I believe it’s the first class of its kind at Nome Beltz High School—teaching Inupiaq as a high school elective as well as college credit. It’s something that’s been a goal for Nome as a community to start bringing languages into the school.”

Beginning with the alphabet and delving into culture and history, Inupiaq teacher Marjorie Tahbone explains that this class is about a lot more than studying a language. She says it’s a process of learning together, and is looking forward to continued growth with her students.

Listen above to hear more from Marjorie and her students—and to practice a few Inupiaq words yourself.

Marjorie instructs her class on pronunciation of the atchagat, or alphabet. Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.
Marjorie instructs her class on pronunciation of the atchagat, or alphabet. Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.
Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.
Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.
Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.
Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.

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