GCI donates $3,400 to Alutiiq Museum’s cultural education initiative
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – The closing of Alaska’s digital divide has many positive impacts, including remote work, distance education, and more entertainment options. Another benefit that’s arguably even more important is the increased opportunity to preserve and pass on traditional Alaska Native culture. To assist in those efforts, GCI, Alaska’s largest telecommunications company, has donated $3,400 so support the Alutiiq Museum’s development of a three-part video series teaching introductory Alutiiq stitching skills.
During the pandemic, the Alutiiq Museum searched for ways to continue its programming in a safe, socially distant way and found success through the creation of video tutorials teaching traditional skills. By working with culture bearers to develop online resources, the organization was able to help families connect to culture from the safety of their homes.
“Hands-on cultural activities are very popular and help our audience experience Alutiiq traditions, train developing artists, and assist the Alutiiq in living their culture,” said Alutiiq Museum’s Executive Director Dr. April Laktonen Counceller. “With support from GCI, we’ll now be able to document and teach introductory sewing skills, like basic stitching and embroidery techniques, which will represent a first step in reawakening traditional skin sewing and create a foundation for teaching more complex sewing techniques in the future.”
The museum is working with master skin sewer Susan Malutin to create three short video tutorials that teach sewing techniques through the creation of a small felt pouch. The videos are accompanied by a set of written instructions and a supply list so learners can follow and apply the skills they learn.
“The preservation of Alaska Native culture is crucial, and GCI is proud to support organizations like the Alutiiq Museum that are finding ways to reach new audiences,” said GCI Rural Affairs Director Jen Nelson. “GCI is working hard to help close the digital divide and bring digital equity to rural Alaska and provide a platform for innovation as organizations look for new ways to educate the world about Alaska Native culture, skills, and traditions.”
GCI is one of Alaska’s leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products, and connectivity to organizations across the state. GCI is committed to giving back to the communities it serves, and diversity, equity and inclusion are an important area of focus for giving for the company. Giving back is also a company value as employees receive 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations.
For more information about GCI Gives visit GCI.com/gcigives.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested more than $4 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 40 years and recently launched true standards-based 5G NR service in Anchorage, now the nation’s northernmost 5G service area. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Broadband Corporation (Nasdaq: LBRDA, LBRDK, LBRDP). Learn more about Liberty Broadband at http://www.libertybroadband.com.