September 2005 NEWSLETTER
Coordinator Nancy M. Mendenhall
P.O. box 1141 Nome, Alaska 99762
(907) 443-2455
nfnmm @ yahoo.com
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For specific information about our direct mailing network and how to mail gifts: www.uuff.org/chukotka
Sept. 10, 2005
Hello AFOC network!
It is supposed to be nice in September here, but so
far not much sign of that, just rain and wind. Rising
water of 2004 fall storms caused us to move our fishing
cabin back from the shoreline, and we wish others
could do the same with their villages. It is also
warmer in Chukotka they say.
Things continue to improve there with construction,
and a new walrus canning plant is being installed in
village of Lorino with assistance from US grants. A
Chukotkan friend of mine wrinkled her nose at the idea
of canning walrus, it's supposed to be boiled on a
campfire she says, but they will be able to use it for
sure at hospitals, schools, etc. Local economic
enterprises have to get going, and this is an example.
Although some of the cruise ships could not get their
papers in order to land in Chukotka, one did, I know,
as a woman contacted me who had been able to visit
four villages on her trip and had a great time.
Tourism is an important opportunity to develop in the coastal villages. I know that the crafts people are now able to sell items to the tourists. We wait to hear if President Putin has appointed a new governor as it is supposed to be completed in September. He is moving from elections to appointments in an attempt to have more centralized control and reduce corruption and mismanagement of far flung provinces is my understanding. Everyone is hoping it will be Abramovich again since he has done so much good, unlike some other governors, apparently.
Things must be economically better in Chukotka or we would be getting more letters requesting assistance. We continue to get many from two villages in the far north, the same as last year, and a scattering from others. We have been able to keep up with these requests for winter clothing, either from Nome, or have farmed them to the groups in our network as usual.There are about three waiting for postage funds. If a family writes, they get at least one box of clothing, but most are getting two and even more, depending on size of family. The families are almost all herding or hunting families, and they often ask for fish nets. So far, we have been able to provide the nets. People with full time government salaries are now able to manage on their own, we assume, since that is what visitors tell us, and these families are not writing us. The need for US assistance seems to be going away, and that is really heartening. We will continue to respond to the poorer families who write. Visiting Chukotkans continue to be able to pick up items at our collection point and the UMC thrift shop in Nome.
The youth project that Nome Community Center sponsors with NAtional Park Service "Beringia" funds in five Chukotkan villages is up and running for another two years. I also coordinate on the US side for this after-school project that combines fine arts, environmental studies and indigenous culture. This is the group that sent the drawings around three years ago and produces the fine calendar of children's art. Special thanks this time go to Stephen at the AFSC San Francisco office who is sending across 8 boxes of yarn--that should make a lot of women very happy. Another thanks to Arlene at the Native Russian Ministries (Methodist) in Anchorage. This group continues to coordinate churches to send clothing, etc. on a regular basis and to coordinate with us on families.
Right now people in our own gulf states are far
worse off than Chukotka, and I know that many of you
are giving your attention to them. That is as it
should be! But I believe that AFOC continues to play
an important role, as along with NRM in Anchorage I
think we are the only US groups sending material aid
directly to hard-up village families in Chukotka.
That is indeed a special niche. 20-30 lb. boxes sent
this year, so far, that I am aware of (there are more
from NRM)--72. Letters received from families--81.
Thank you again, deeply, for your commitment to
this project and let me know any concerns or questions
you have.
Warm regards,
Nancy
AFOC April 2005 Newsletter
AFOC April 2004 Newsletter
AFOCJanuary 2004 Newsletter
AFOC September 2003 Newsletter
AFOC September 2001 Newsletter
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