Work of the Bureau of Education for the Natives of Alaska. Bulletin, 1923, No. 45

The administration of the work of the Bureau of Education in Alaska involves great difficulties, arising principally from the remoteness of most of the schools, the enormous distances between the schools, the meager means of communication, and the severity of the climate. In addition to maintaining schools for the children belonging to the aboriginal races of Alaska, the bureau aids entire native communities by extending medical relief, by maintaining sanitary methods of living, by fostering the commercial enterprises of the natives, by promoting the reindeer industry, and by relieving destitution. The field force in Alaska in 1922 included 5 superintendents, 144 teachers, 8 physicians, 14 nurses, 5 nurses in training, 16 hospital attendants, and 7 herders in charge of reindeer belonging to the Government. Seventy schools were in operation, with an enrollment of 3,679. Orphanages were maintained at Kanakanak and Tyonek for the care of children left destitute by the epidemic of influenza which prevailed in those regions. [Best copy available has been provided.]