Welcome Sara

Sara Squartsoff at work in the Alutiiq Museum

“My parents commercial fish at their set net site just outside Port Lions” she explained. “I’ve spent a lot of time there, and I used to visit my grandfather in Port Vita every summer.  I’ve been drawing for a long time.  It runs in my family.”

What some may not know is that Sara is also an educator.  The daughter of Melvin and Cathy Squartsoff, Sara was raised in Port Lions.  She graduated from Sitka’s Mt. Edgecumbe High School and then attended the University of Alaska Fairbanks and Green River Community College studying elementary education.  Now she is back in Kodiak, using her unique skills as an artist, an educator, and a young tribal leader to connect the community with Alutiiq heritage. 

Sara began this journey as a cultural specialist for the Native Village of Port Lions.  Now she is working as the Alutiiq Museum’s education coordinator.  For the museum Sara leads events and workshops, develops educational materials, assists with outreach programs, works with teachers, arranges tours, and fills requests for information.

“I want to create stronger links between the museum’s programs and those that are already underway through our tribal councils.  There is a natural fit between programs like the Healthy Families initiative and the work the museum does.  I also want to teach appreciation of Alutiiq artists and creating some exciting new educational materials.”

Squartsoff assumes the responsibilities ably performed by Tanya Glaspell, who returned to school to pursue her interest in teaching English as a Second Language.   Quyanaasinaq Tanya, we thank you for your service and wish you well on your next journey.

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