Why shorebirds? Shorebirds breed in large numbers in western Alaska, then migrate across continents and oceans to wintering areas. Many factors are contributing to their population declines, especially habitat loss in wintering areas. Birds are subsistence food and cultural resources, and Native peoples are important partners in bird conservation. Inspired by shorebirds’ lives across ecosystems and countries, this program is inclusive of all peoples and cultures in Alaska and beyond.

Migratory birds lend context for engaging lessons on science (form, function, and adaptations), geography (migrations), math (populations), language arts (English and Yup’ik), art (paint a godwit flock), Yuuyaraq (Yup’ik values, personal life skills, and health), and social studies (all places and cultures along shorebirds’ migration routes).

This educational program supports:

• Awareness of and stewardship about shorebird ecology and conservation
• Transmission of Indigenous knowledge, learning, and use of the Yup’ik language
• Youth interest in learning and nature

Learning materials and activities are centered on the shorebirds, the Yup’ik culture and language, and the environments of western Alaska. From 2022 to 2024, this program was used in 19 communities. These materials and activities include:

• A classroom kit with lessons, slides, short documentary movies, bird call recordings, coloring sheets, stickers, and more in English and Yup’ik language. Educators may choose from and adapt activities. (Request a free classroom kit here.)
• Program evaluation by educators and students
• An optional kickstart workshop for educators (by request).

Partnerships include the Alaska Program of the National Audubon Society, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology-Conservation Media, local schools, and communities. Funding for this program is provided by Audubon Alaska.

For more information, please email liliana.naves@audubon.org or call 907-276-7034.