Lda Kut Naxx Sati' Yatx'i

(All Nation's Children)

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WHO WE ARE AND WHERE WE COME FROM

 

 

We are a youth group, formed in 1995 by our instructor Viki Soboleff and her

friends the Yun Shu Kaa Dancers. When we started we had only thirteen members, today

we have over 100 dancers. We range in age from toddlers to 17. (see our picture on the Sponsors page )

 

Lda Kut Naax Sati' Yatx'i translates into English as "All Nation's Children". This name

was given to us because of our diversity and blends of culture. Within our group we

have children from a variety of backgrounds including Tsimshian, Tlingit, Navajo, Haida,

Athabascan, Yupik, Cherokee, Piute, Aleut, Isleta Pueblo, Hawaiian, Caucasian, and

Spanish Just to name a few.

 

Our instructor's goal is to build self-esteem and pride in ourselves as

Native peoples. It was her dream to see Native children walk around holding

their heads high. She teaches us valuable life-skills through song and

dance. She teaches us leadership skills, to value teamwork and how to work

for what you want. When we are not practicing or performing, you might see us picking

up garbage from roadways, or washing cars, to raise money for our group.

 

Practice rules -- Adopted March 1997

(These rules were created by the children with guidance from their parents.)



* Pay attention to the teacher at all times

* Keep your hands and feet to yourself ALWAYS while dancing and standing in line

* Mind your manners

* Show respect at all times

* Full participation required

* No running at any time



Current policies -- These policies have never been written down until now; it is just how we operated.


* Parents must stay with their children

* Parents are responsible for making regalia

* There is no age requirement because parents are asked to stay with their children

* Members are from many Nations -- All children are welcome as long as the above policies are met

* Children must be receiving a passing grade in school to qualify for travel

* Chaperones for travel are not provided, but parents are encouraged to communicate with each other to see if another is willing to be responsible for their child





Native Values -- Written by Dr. Walter Soboleff, Sr.


1. Be obedient; the wise never test a rule.

2. Respect elders, parents, property and the world of nature. Also, respect yourself so that others may respect you.

3. Be considerate and patient.

4. Be careful of how you speak, for words can be either pleasing or like a club. Traditionally, when you speak, those listening can imagine seeing your clan or family line.

5. Your food comes from the land and sea. To abuse either may diminish its generosity. Use what is needed.

6. Pride in family, clan and traditions is found in love, loyalty and generosity.

7. Share burdens and support each other. This is caring.

8. Trespass not on others' rights, or offer royalty and/or restitution.

9. Parents and relatives are responsible for the family education of children; men teaching boys and women teaching girls.

10. Care and good health is important for the success of the person or clan.

11. Take not the property of others; an error reflects on the family and clan.

12. In peace, living is better.

13. Through famine, ice age, sickness, war and other obstacles, unity and self-determination is essential to survival.

14. Good conduct is encouraged to please the spirit we believe is near.

15. Humor.



(Adopted by Healthy Nations Program, Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, 1998)





OUR LEADER: Vicki Soboleff

Vicki was born in Seattle, Washington in 1962 and was raised in Ketchikan, Alaska by her grandmother, Vesta Johnson. A Revilla High School Graduate, she moved to Juneau in 1983 and married Ross Soboleff in 1985.

Vicki has three step children and two daughters. She works at Sealaska Corporation as a Corporate Accountant, and graduated May 7, 2000 from UAS with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with Accounting emphasis.

Vicki started the Lda Kut Naax Sati Yatx'i group in September 1995 with the goal of promoting self-esteem and confidence, and to promote leadership abilities among the members.


This biography on Vicki was taken from the AYC Spring Gala Concert Program May 13, 2000.





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Thank you (English) Quyana (Central Yup'ik)  Gunalche'esh (Tlingit) Way Dankoo (Tsimshian)
 Igamsiqanaghhalek (Siberian Yupik) Ha'w'aa (Haida) 'Awa'ahdah (Eyak)  Quyanaa (Alutiiq)
Quyanaq (Inupiaq) Qagaasakung (Aleut)   Chin'an (Tanaina Athabaskan) Maasee' (Tanana Athabaskan)
 Mahsi' (Gwitch'in and Han Athabaskan)
Tsen'ii (Upper Tanana Athabascan)
Ana-ba-see (Koyukon Athabaskan) Tsin'aen (Ahtna Athabaskan)