Isaac Rush, a ninth-grade shareholder descendant from Wasilla, is on a passionate quest to preserve the traditions and language of the Ahtna people.

Isaac was born into a family deeply connected to their Ahtna heritage. His parents are Jason and Felecia Rush and he’s part of the Udzisyu (Caribou) clan. His grandparents, Kati and Bobby Bass, further enriched his understanding of Ahtna culture, with Grandma Katie playing a pivotal role.

Isaac’s journey into the Ahtna language began at the age of 7-8, under the guidance of his grandmother who worked for Chickaloon Village. Attending Ahtna language classes and leveraging resources like YouTube videos and conversations with Beverly Cloud, a Ya Ne Dah Ah teacher, Isaac honed his linguistic skills.

Isaac’s dedication to learning the Ahtna language is rooted in his desire to honor his heritage and counter the language loss among his people. Inspired by a culture camp experience where children counted in Ahtna, he felt a deep resonance with his roots.

For those interested in learning the Ahtna language, Isaac advises mastering pronunciation first. With a firm foundation, the language flows naturally, unlocking a deeper understanding of Ahtna culture.

Beyond high school, Isaac envisions himself continuing his Ahtna language journey, aspiring to teach either Education or Business in Ahtna. He would also like to work for Ya Ne Dah Ah, an Ahtna Athabascan Tribal school. He recently taught his class two songs in Ahtna which they performed at his high school’s Christmas concert.

In his leisure time, Isaac delves into his Ahtna language binder, refining his skills, or enjoys the company of friends. He’s also working to perfect his fry bread recipe.

Isaac Rush embodies the spirit of resilience, determination, and reverence for heritage. We are proud to see him carrying on the language and culture of his ancestors.