Mayor Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak is proud to announce the launch of the Taiguaqta Initiative, a program developed in partnership with the North Slope Borough School District (NSBSD) to advance early and elementary literacy across the North Slope.
The Taiguaqta Initiative will focus on North Slope children from kindergarten through grade 3, a critical period identified by research, including Alaska’s own Alaska Reads Act, as foundational for long-term academic success. Studies show that the ability to read proficiently by the end of grade 3 is one of the strongest predictors of future educational achievement and lifelong opportunities.¹
Every three months, students will receive culturally responsive and age-appropriate books selected to nurture a love for reading and strengthen early literacy skills. By integrating traditional stories and local experiences into everyday learning, the Taiguaqta Initiative will help children build strong connections between literacy and culture.
“Our Borough was built on the vision that we, as Iñupiat, could govern ourselves and shape our future according to our own values, a vision championed by Eben Hopson,” said Mayor Josiah Aullaqsruaq Patkotak. “As the Borough’s first mayor, he reminded us that, ‘Possibly the greatest significance of home rule is that it enables us to regain control of the education of our children.’ With the Taiguaqta Initiative, we are continuing that legacy. A small step like providing meaningful books to our youngest learners can lead to big outcomes for the future of our children, our communities, and our region.”
The Taiguaqta Initiative aims to:
Increase reading engagement and achievement among K–3 students.- Enhance family involvement in early literacy activities at home and in the community.
- Foster cultural pride and identity through the power of storytelling and literature.
- Support the long-term goal of improving reading proficiency by the end of grade 3.
“The early years, especially kindergarten through grade 3, are critical for setting the foundation for a student’s entire educational journey,” said David Vadiveloo, NSBSD Superintendent. “We are already seeing encouraging progress in early literacy across the North Slope, and the Taiguaqta Initiative helps us continue that momentum. By building strong literacy skills early, we can create even greater opportunities for academic and personal success for our students.”
Aligned with the Alaska English Language Arts Standards and the goal of the Alaska Reads Act, this initiative also reflects NSBSD’s commitment to culturally responsive education and strong family-community partnerships.
Mayor Patkotak and the North Slope Borough School District are excited to work together to inspire a new generation of readers, thinkers, and leaders rooted in tradition, strengthened by family, and prepared for success.
Qitunġaptignullu, iñuuniaġusiptignullu, tikisaaksraptignullu.
For our children, our culture, and our future.
¹ (Alaska Reads Act, 2022)
Resources
Letter from Mayor Patkotak
About Taiguaqta & Reading Tips
