Ugik/Flora Roddy

Uvaŋa atiġa Ugik. My Iñupiaq name is Ugik. My English name is Flora Roddy. I am half Iñupiaq Eskimo & half melting pot of at least 5 different Caucasian groups. My parents are the late Dorcas & Jim Sears from North Pole, Alaska. My mother was born in Nome, Alaska and raised in Fairbanks, Alaska. My grandparents are the late Flora & Evans Karmun from Deering, Alaska. I share the name (Ugik) of her great great grandmother Carrie Newlin. I am related to Umialaq Elsie Eckman (auntie), Kaman Harry Karmun (uncle), and Aqimayuk Carmen Sears (sister), who are also in the dance group. I have been with the Pavva Iñupiaq Dancers since the year 2000 and have enjoyed performing for many different events in the Fairbanks area. I am currently the Administrative Secretary for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Teaching and Learning Department and have been with the District for over 15 years. I have been involved with the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics in one way or another since 1997, WEIO is another group that believes in continuing cultural activities & traditions for the youth of our community.Photo: Ugik at a dance performance for the National Women's Association for Curling Club, held at Westmark Hotel, March 2015, in Fairbanks, Alaska.