As we wrap up this one week workshop, I am juggling feelings of excitement and sleep deprivation – but mostly gratefulness. We have been exploring concepts of what “home” means for our interviewees and, to be honest, I had no idea that I would reckon with these ideas myself during the process.
Last year, I moved from my Unangax̂ homelands to the Pacific Northwest. I could no longer afford living on the Aleutian Island, where it cost 1K just to leave (this was not a round trip ticket either). Work had brought my partner to Seattle, and I was given the opportunity to work remotely. It was time for a necessary, but scary change.
If it wasn’t for this workshop, I don’t know if I would have connected my interviewee, Becky Bendixen. I had known of her. Folks that knew her told me to reach out upon moving to Bellingham, but being a finalist for this workshop really inspired forced me to reach out. And I’m so grateful I did because she is one of the biggest blessings to come out of this move.
Over the last month, we have exchanged phone calls, home visits, traditional foods, belly laughs, and tears. When I pulled up to her house for our interview on Monday, she had a sign on her garage saying “Unangax̂ Parking Only – All Others Will Be Towed,” and this made me laugh. It was Unangax̂ humor at its finest.
Although we are from different villages, Becky reminds me of my grandma and the aunties that helped raise me. Sharing stories around food has been an essential part of my journalism and videography work, so I’m glad that we were able to incorporate it into our interview. She demonstrated how she makes her Unangax̂ fish pie – a recipe that my late grandma taught me in her own kitchen.
To me, home is connecting with other Indigenous people through my work. Hearing and sharing their stories keeps me connected to my own identity. Although I have relocated to Washington, I feel incredibly grateful that my job provides this sense of home to me. It has been strictly remote work since moving, but who knew Becky was so close. I am looking forward to staying connected with her and being a part of her very own efforts to create a home away from home.