In the Iñupiaq culture the word Ivalu holds a special meaning. It means thread, or bind, and it comes from the sinew of our Native caribou. For thousands of years it has been vital to the survival of our people allowing our umiaq (skin boat) to float, our clothes to be sewn.

Today Ivalu remains just as important. It’s the thread that serves our traditions and represents the bond that ties our people together.

The Arctic Education Foundation honors Ivalu through its gala to support our young people, helping them achieve success through education.