Summary
Irene was born in Akhiok. She learned Alutiiq by listening to her father, grandmother, and grandfather, and has helped to establish an Alutiiq language learning program in Anchorage in collaboration with Fred Coyle and John Yakanak.
Description
Irene Coyle was born in Akhiok. She also lived in Old Harbor and Kodiak before moving to Wasilla with her husband, Fred, with whom she has six children. She learned Alutiiq by listening to her father, grandmother, and grandfather. In addition to her contributions to Alutiiq curriculum materials, Ms. Coyle has helped to establish an Alutiiq language learning program in Anchorage in collaboration with her husband and John Yakanak.
Cultural Narrative
Emaaqa, grandpa-qa niitlluki. Taatama cali.”
“(I learned Alutiiq by) listening to my grandmother and grandfather. My father too.”