Preschool Open Gym returns to Mt. Jumbo Gym Dec. 18–Jan. 12

The Preschool Open Gym will return to Mt. Jumbo Gym this year for the first time since 2020, offering children ages 6 months to 6 years a place on Douglas to run and play — as well as new toys to explore — in a warm and dry environment during the winter break.

Preschool Open Gym will be held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Mt. Jumbo Gym (909 4th Street). It runs Dec. 18 through Jan. 12 and is closed Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.

Preschool Open Gym sessions cost $5 per child, with no charge for parents/guardians or infants under 6 months. Turf for Tots passes and Parks & Rec Winter Passes are also accepted, though please note that the Winter Pass must be assigned to the child. Ten-visit passes and monthly Preschool Open Gym passes are available for purchase online under the Mt. Jumbo Gym tab and may also be used at the Field House for Turf for Tots.

The City and Borough of Juneau’s Parks and Recreation Department is currently hiring for recreation aides at Mt. Jumbo Gym. Visit the job posting to find out more and submit your application.

For more information, contact the parks and recreation department at (907) 586-5226 or parks.rec@juneau.gov.

Daaljíni promoted to Tlingit Immersion Manager

The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida) is pleased to announce Daaljíni, Mary Cruise, has been promoted to Tlingit Immersion Manager.

Since 2019, Daaljíni has served as the lead instructor for the Tribe’s Haa Yóo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi (HYXK) Language Immersion Nest, which is a community-based language learning program focused on improving language transmission between generations and within families. The program immerses students, ages three to six years old, in the Lingít language and ensures families are provided the resources needed to be on the language journey with their children.

As the Tlingit Immersion Manager, Daaljíni will develop and implement Lingít immersion curriculum and support Early Education initiatives through collaboration with birth speakers, Elders, tribal programs, educators, and partners to embed Indigenous languages in early education programs throughout Southeast Alaska.

“There are many language learners and warriors, but there are few educators who teach our children in our Indigenous languages,” shared Amelia Rivera, Senior Director of the Cultural Heritage & Education Division. “I’m so proud of the commitment Daaljíni has made to her learning, to uplift our precious Elders, collaborate with her peers in the Tlingit Culture, Language and Literacy (TCLL) program, empower her staff, and contribute to our partner organizations. But mostly, I’m in awe of the profound impact she and other Haa Yóo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi language nest staff have on our youngest tribal citizens. Because of their work, our students are firmly rooted in their culture, a foundation that allows them to be unapologetically Tlingit.”

Daaljíni has long been preparing for her vital role to support the revitalization of the Lingít language. She has been mentored by Ḵaakal.aat, Florence Sheakley, and studied under Nora and Richard Dauenhauer, Selina Everson, Flora Huntington, and Lillian Austin.

“Working in Haa Yóo X̱ʼatángi Kúdi has been the most rewarding job I have ever held,” shared Daaljíni. “I love working in a safe space with my teaching team, helping to nurture our children in our language. I cannot wait to see where this path takes our language.” Daaljíni holds a bachelorʼs and masterʼs degree in education through the University of Alaska Southeast’s Preparing Indigenous Teachers and Administrators for Alaska Schools (PITAAS) program.

Daaljíni grew up in Deishú (Haines) and Lḵóot (Chilkoot) and is Tlingit and Southern Tuchone. She is from the Ch’áak’ (Eagle) moiety and the Yanwaasháa Kaagwaantan clan, and is a child of the L’uknax̱ .ádi clan.

Juneau’s Anna Dale named Middle Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Week

Lebanon Valley College’s Anna Dale of Juneau was named Middle Atlantic Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the week ending Dec. 10. Dale is a member of the Flying Dutchmen women’s ice hockey team.

Dale led the Dutchmen with 14 shots and an assist in a pair of tough one-goal defeats at the Viking Cup despite out shooting their opponents 83-41 over the two games. In a 3-2 defeat to Albertus Magnus where LVC had a 38-23 shot advantage, Dale took four shots and had the primary assist on the goal that gave LVC a 2-1 lead in the second period. Dale then took 10 of the team’s 45 shots in a 1-0 defeat to MCLA where the Trailblazers only took 18 total shots and scored the game’s lone goal midway through the third period.

Dale, a graduate of Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé, is pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing at Lebanon Valley College.