When Lani Hulse, an author with deep roots in the Y-K Delta, learned about the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong, she was thousands of miles away in Hawaii, where she resides.
"Every time I watched the videos online—people sharing their experiences during and after the disaster—I felt compelled to act," Hulse reflected. "I couldn’t just remain passive; I knew I had to do something meaningful."
At the time, Hulse was in the midst of writing a novel as part of her quest to reconnect with her Yup'ik heritage. Having spent parts of her childhood in Bethel, she has strong familial ties to the village of Kotlik in the Yukon Delta, which faced significant damage from the storm in October. Her father also held the position of principal at various schools in the region, including Kipnuk.
"I realized that I could channel my creativity into a project that would benefit a nonprofit organization and create something positive that resonates with my culture," Hulse expressed with enthusiasm.
To put her plan into action, Hulse partnered with the Alaska Community Foundation to organize a fundraising initiative for a children's book she felt inspired to write. Titled "Aanaq? Am I your sunset?", this book allocates 50% of its proceeds directly to the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, aimed at assisting families impacted by Typhoon Halong. The remaining half will cover production costs and taxes, ensuring that the project is sustainable.
The inspiration for this storybook stemmed from a poignant moment shared between Hulse and her young son, Ashton. After a particularly challenging day, they decided to take a drive together.
"As we drove, a stunning sunset captured my attention, and I couldn’t help but pause in awe. I exclaimed, 'Ashton, look at that sunset! It’s absolutely beautiful!'" Hulse recounted, still moved by the memory. "In that moment of silence, my son asked, 'Am I your sunset?' I was momentarily taken aback by his question."
This heartfelt exchange sparked the creation of the book, which aims to explore the deep connections between parent and child through the lens of Yup'ik culture. The narrative unfolds like a poem, with an adult responding lovingly to a child's inquiry, affirming their importance against a backdrop rich with cultural significance.
"Each page reads like a poetic affirmation: 'Yes, you are my sun. You are my moon.' The illustrations include culturally meaningful elements such as picking salmonberries, enjoying tundra tea, fishing, and marveling at the Northern Lights," Hulse elaborated.
Hulse hopes that the book will resonate not only with those who wish to contribute to relief efforts but also with families who have been directly affected by the storm. To further foster connection, the book includes a journal section designed for families to document their shared memories.
"I can hardly fathom the challenges these families are currently facing, and my goal is to bring a touch of positivity into their lives," Hulse said earnestly. "The essence of this story emphasizes that what truly matters are those precious moments spent with family—those small yet significant interactions that brighten our days."
Readers can find "Aanaq? Am I your sunset?" available for purchase at Barnes and Noble booksellers online (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aanaq-am-i-your-sunset-lani-hulse/1148802618;jsessionid=878329F1FAFD1B8C6FE18ED64565D1A9.prodny_store01-atgap01?ean=9798260373491).
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