A Homecoming of Powerful Words

Read the full article in the Char-Koosta News

Renowned Iñupiaq poet dg nanouk okpik returned to her alma mater, Salish Kootenai College (SKC), on November 16, captivating an audience with her powerful poetry.

Okpik’s poems, deeply rooted in Alaskan wilderness, environmental concerns, and Iñupiaq connection to the land, resonated with the SKC community, evoking a sense of pride and shared identity.

Her poetry journey began at SKC, where a Native Images in Films class inspired her to dedicate herself to writing. Okpik’s poems have garnered critical acclaim, including a Pulitzer Prize finalist nomination for her second collection, Blood Snow.

Through her poetry, Okpik paints vivid images of the Alaskan wilderness, drawing attention to the devastating impacts of climate change and pollution. Her words serve as a clarion call to action, urging us to protect the fragile environment that sustains Indigenous communities.

Okpik’s return to SKC was a homecoming, a celebration of her literary achievements and a testament to the transformative power of education. Her presence inspired the next generation of SKC students, reminding them that their voices matter and that they have the power to make a difference in the world.