Girdwood, Alaska – March 20, 2004

Opening Ceremonies Celebrate Alaska’s Diversity

An orange and purple sunset welcomed a crowd of approximately 500 Friday, March 19, 2004, to the Chevrolet 2004 U.S. Alpine Championship opening ceremonies at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. The Miracle Drummers and Dancers in their colorful Native garments amazed the crowd with songs and dances that started the night by accurately portraying the evening’s theme of diversity.

“Alaska is not special just because of Alaska culture, but because of its diversity of people.” Anchorage Mayor Mark Begich told the group.

Begich, along with U.S.S.A. President Bill Marolt, welcomed the crowd, many of which had driven the 40 miles from Anchorage just to catch a glimpse of great ski talent and Alaska culture.

Alyeska Resort and the Alaska Native Heritage Center worked together to create an opening program that would portray Alaska as a great place of winter fun and where culture and diversity is never lacking.

The Miracle Drummers and Dancers represent Yup’ik, Cup’ik, Athabascan, and Inupiaq cultures. Their performance also included Yup’ik tales that have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Alyeska-sponsored, youth ski club, the Mighty Mites, lighted the athletes’ parade into the ceremony with brightly lit torches. The crowd welcomed them with loud cheers and applause.

Dog sleds driven by Alaskans such as Viola Anvil, who was wearing a handmade, beaded headdress, mushed Olympians such as Tommy Moe and Megan Gerety into the celebration.

Native American Music Award winner in 2003, and internationally traveled Alaska Native band Pamyua warmed the athletes and crowd with their soulful tribal and contemporary songs. The group includes brothers Stephen and Phillip Blanchett, who are African American and Yup’ik; Karina Moller, who is Phillip’s wife and a Greenlandic Eskimo; and Ossie Kairaiuak, who is Yup’ik.

The diversity of the group reflects the diversity of the state. Begich pointed out that students in the Anchorage school district speak 93 languages. He said this is important to convey to those who are not familiar with Alaska.

Elder Warren Matumeak blessed the athletes. Speaking in Inupiaq, he wished for the athletes to remain in good health and asked that they not be harmed.

Matumeak travels nationally and tells others about Alaska. When it is time for him to come home, many express their desire to join him and say, “I shall go too next time.”

Colorful fireworks adorned the starry Alaska sky to finish off the celebration. This is a sight Alaskans rarely get to see. Fireworks shows are rare and mostly done in the summer when the long, sunny days don’t allow such a vivid view as this night did. It was a treat for all.

Monica Terrones
UAA Student, PRSSA Member and Chevrolet 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships Media Room Volunteer