LM Joins Students at Camp Qungaayux̂ to Teach Environmental Science and Stewardship

LM and LM support partners were part of the many activities at Camp Qungaayux̂ in Unalaska, Alaska from July 28 to Aug. 3. Camp Director Anfesia Tutiakoff invited STEM with LM to teach children about environmental stewardship and careers in environmental science.

Camp Qungaayux̂ brings together Alaska Native fourth- through 12th-grade students to learn cultural and subsistence traditions of the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska. LM and support partners provided programs about groundwater pollution and methods of erosion control used by environmental engineers. 

Presenters first demonstrated a groundwater model that introduced dye into the water so students could observe as the pollutant (the dye) moved through the groundwater. Students could extract water from wells, determine which wells were safe and which wells were unsafe, and watch as pollution emerged in lakes and rivers.

The erosion program next gave students an opportunity to work as a team and develop solutions for stream erosion. They had to work within a budget and manage a project. 

Both programs helped students learn about real world problems faced by many communities, and connecting the work that is done by LM and LM support partners to protect human health and the environment. In addition to sharing the environmental stewardship activities, LM and LM support partners were able to participate in cultural activities that enhanced cultural education and the relationship between LM and the Unanga-x̂. 

When asked why this camp is important for the children of the Qawalangin Tribe, Tutiakoff said, “Camp gives us the opportunity to share our culture with the community of Unalaska. For our tribal members, it’s an opportunity for them to participate in a lot of culture and traditions.”