Cruikshank Principal/Teacher

Liz Blackbird se’ooze’
Setseye late Elman Pitka be’ooze’
Setsoo late Elsie Pitka be’ooze’
Setseye late Tony Sam Sr be’ooze’
Setsoo late Emily Sam be’ooze’
Eetaa’e Ron Yatlin be’ooze’
Eenaa’e Antone Pitka be’ooze’
Ts'aahudaaneekk'onh Denh lesdo

Hello, my name is Liz Blackbird. I am Koyukon Athabascan and Inupiaq from Beaver and Huslia, Alaska. This is my fifth year as the Principal-Teacher at Cruikshank School.

I received my elementary education teaching certificate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I taught special education in Montana for three years before returning to Alaska. I received a Master of Science in Special Education from Montana State University Billings in May 2020. I received a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of Alaska Southeast in June 2024.

Teaching in a small, rural school allows me to build meaningful, positive relationships with my students, families, and community. I am an educational leader in the Yukon Flats School District to bring culturally relevant education, build community partnerships and relationships, build positive relationships with my students, families, and colleagues, and inspire and grow local educators and leaders.

During the summer, I enjoy traveling and spending time with my family and friends at our Fish Camp located 30 miles below Beaver. I enjoy baking, cooking, and being outdoors.