Cruikshank Principal/Teacher

Hi, My name is Liz Blackbird. I am Koyukon Athabascan and Iñupiaq from Beaver and Huslia. I am excited to begin my third year of teaching at Cruikshank School. I am delighted to be teaching in my village, where my students are my nieces, nephews, and cousins. I attended Cruikshank School during preschool and middle school. Paul Williams Jr. was my Gwich’in teacher. I am honored to be his co-worker. This is a dream come true, to return home as a teacher.

I received my elementary education teaching certificate from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. I taught special education at Hay Lodge Pole High School in Montana for three years before returning to Alaska. I received a Master of Science in Special Education from Montana State University Billings in 2020. This is my sixth year of teaching.

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

Teaching in a small, rural school allows me to build meaningful, positive relationships with my students, families, and community. I believe this is important to their education and future success.