April-May 2015: Within a month the people of Kalskag
and Lower Kalskag have experienced so much tragedy. Life can be fragile.
Seven of our community members passed away this month. The communities have not had so many deaths
in one year, let alone one month. The grief
is nearly uncomprehendable. Every person
in the village has been affected.
The funerals are pretty standard for the village. A person passes away and the body is flown
out of the village for autopsy or inspection.
When that is finished the body is flown back into the village. Many people come to the airport as the body box
is transferred from the plane to the truck.
There is a procession to the person’s house where the family members
prepare the body and the coffin for viewing.
The home is open for viewing and giving the family condolences. Many
people bring traditional Native food for the mourners. There are pre-burial services given by the
priest during this time. After the third
day the body is brought to the church for the 2 PM service. There is singing and traditional protocol.
The people line up to kiss the deceased person to show respect. Finally, they take the body to the burial
place and have another service. The
people go to the person’s home for a Feed (dinner). The funeral and Feed lasts for several hours, well into the night.
I’ve lost a dear friend, Marcia, a mother of two young
children. I also grieve for a three year
old, Gwendolyn, who would have been in my Head Start class. The others I did not know well but I know the
families and my grief is for all those dear loved ones. Truly, a sad time for the village.
 |
| See you in Heaven, Marcia! |
 |
| We will always remember your beautiful smile and joyful laugh! |
