Community Spotlight: Bethel, Alaska
The second of two daily flights decends into Bethel, Alaska. As far as the eye can see are patches of lakes, ponds, and rivers. This part of Alaska is characterized by a marshy tundra unique to northern coastal areas of the world.
The Bethel census area is the small red square on the left of the map.
Originally a Yup’ik settlement called “Mumtrekhlogamute,” meaning “smokehouse people,” this area has belonged to Native Alaskans for thousands of years. Now, home to 6,270 people and considered a large community in Alaska, it is a hub for the many surrounding small villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim region.
Like many rural Alaskan communities, the people of Bethel practice traditional ways to this day. In fact, while we were there, many people were out on their annual fall moose hunt, which is a small window of time that opens for about a week so residents can go out and hunt in order to fill their freezers for the winter.
Given that the grocery store in town has astronomical prices for food, this time of year is important not only as a cultural practice, but critical for feeding families without going bankrupt.
For the most part, the ground in Bethel is made up of this sandy mud.
A modern cultural component to Bethel, and the vast majority of communities in Alaska, is the love for basketball. This simple game is a lifeline for youth in these communities. It is a healthy outlet not only mentally and physically, but from a developmental standpoint as well. Kids have the opportunity to learn how to fight through adversity, work together, communicate better, grow as leaders, and so much more. Furthermore, basketball and other sports, provides a major source of pride, excitement, and happiness for the entire community.
“Even on the darkest days, no matter what, you have basketball. Basketball’s there always, no matter if it’s outside your house, at your friend’s house, or in the gym. It’s always right there, and I believe that has just really guided me and helped me through life.”
As someone who also grew up in a town of similar size and remoteness in Alaska, I understand to a very personal level the immense impact basketball can have on a persons life. I have the privilege to have had my journey with basketball bring me to be in a place educationally and experientially where I am able go to communities in Alaska and put on basketball camps with other amazing coaches. It’s a unique gift I’m grateful for daily.
It’s hard to understand what life is like in these communities unless you’ve been - shared laughs, suffering, meals, conversations - with the people. It is an honor to be able to share a snapshot of that with you in this Bethel Community Spotlight
The middle schoolers.
The high schoolers.
