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PETERSBURG, ALASKA Over 300 young children in Southeast Alaska got a head start in school through the national Head Start program this year. The educational program focuses on several key aspects of a child's development. That includes social interaction, family support and nutrition as well as cognitive skills like literacy. The program is administered by Tlingit-Haida Central Council in most Southeast towns, including Petersburg.
Nineteen children aged 3-5 were enrolled in Petersburg’s program this year. Earlier this month, a large crowd of friends and family filled the Presbyterian Church for their graduation ceremony. The event included homemade Native regalia and drumming. Matt Lichtenstein put together this audio portrait.