Eskimo to the World

I am Trina Landlord and this is my blog. In a past life, Eskimo to the World documented my adventures in New York – where in minute everything can change. Much like my life changed when I moved from Alaska to the 'city that never sleeps'. From the biggest state in America to the most populous city in the United States. From the immaculate nature of the Chugach Mountains, Yukon River and Bering Sea to the urban tundra of sky scrapers, enclaves of business and cultural capitals and the nation's foremost trendsetters. From 'the great land' to arguably the 'greatest city on earth'. I made a 5,000 mile prodigious leap from Anchorage to New York City – AND BACK TO ALASKA. The determination of Yup’ik peoples to survive in harsh Arctic conditions had given me the foundation to survive on streets of New York, I will continue to chronicle the parallels of both worlds.
March 24

In February 2012, I went home to Mountain Village to attend a suicide prevention conference led by the Youth Advocacy Group for the Asa’carsamiut Tribal Council; coinciding with the meetings was a Yup’ik Dance Festival convening five surrounding villages. Hooper Bay, Chevak, St. Mary’s, Kotlik and Mountain Village dance groups got together and rocked the house.

I stayed with my Maurluq Aleok (Maurluq is the Yup’ik word for grandmother; Aleok is her Yup’ik name). She had been asking for me to visit for about a week before my Uncle Ted called and said I needed to come home.

My cousin David caught two lynx. He and my Uncle Leonard have been going out hunting for furs to trade-in at a furrier.

Baby Girl, Hailey, is pictured above wearing a kuspuk made by her Maurluq Gladys.

Also above is a photo of Mountain Village overlooking the Yukon River. It is a Yup’ik community located on the lower river, 90 miles inland from the Bering Sea founded by my great-grandfather, Chekohak Landlord.

The last photo is a little drummer boy with the Mountain Village dance group. My Aunt Gladys invited me to perform with the dance group. Many moons ago, I was part of a Yup’ik dance group. I haven’t performed in a long time so I stood in the way, way back. While in the back, I captured a photo of this little drummer boy.