10/28/2026
In sorrow we share the passing of Elder and fluent speaker Irene Coyle (1947-2026). Born in Akhiok, Irene also lived in Old Harbor, Kodiak, and Wasilla. She and her husband Fred have six children and numerous grandchildren. She was one of the members of the Cuumillat'stun Dancers, the first modern Alutiiq dance group that formed in the 1980s. Irene was a decades-long language consultant and cultural advisor for the Alutiiq Museum, and contributed to many recordings, songs, and learning resources. Irene's perspective on language and proper living was evident in her 2018 statement on stage at the Alaska Native Language Revitalization Institute:
“Our language has been in intensive care long enough. It is no longer in a coma. This is how our language looked. When we wake up we are bewildered, then we ask what happened? We start about making a change in our lives to better ourselves. We began to make changes, as awkward as they may feel. We begin to think about how we acted before the coma. We start doing and thinking differently. We find discipline. Not to forget where we come from – Who we are. We want to watch how we talk, how we conduct ourselves.
“This [our language] is God-given. We do these things on behalf of human learning. Yet, we don’t know these things are on behalf of human learning. We don’t know anything until we hear it first. Then we begin to see each other. Respect comes from seeing and practicing. We respect ourselves first and we give respect in return graciously.
“Your dignity, not pride, comes from humility. Never thinking, ‘We are better than anyone or anything.’ This is all about never forgetting where we come from. With this respect, discipline, and humility…then pretty soon you start thinking about forgiveness. Forgiveness is a learned action. Fear only comes from yourself. When it comes to us we change our minds.
“Ask yourself now, ‘Are you a lovely person.’ Let your inner spirit from God lead you—Breath is all God. We were not a common people. We lived uncommon lives. Our minds and our spirits were untouched.”
Our thoughts are with Irene's many family members and loved ones, as they gather to honor Irene's uncommon life.
Quote from Drabek, Alisha, "UAF Alaska Native Language Institute an inspiration" Kodiak Daily Mirror, May 30th, 2018
https://alutiiqmuseum.org/language-archive/irene-coyle-2/
