Our elders are the culture bearers for the younger generations, adults, adolescents, children, and tots alike. They are our foundation, our source of cultural and historical knowledge, for what we are, and what we will become. Through their help, we’ve learned the art of subsistence, respect, and the importance of community and elder involvement.

In Igiugig, as is in most Native communities, elders are held with the highest respect. From them, we are connected to our history, language, and cultural ways. Without them, our knowledge of the Yu’pik language, which in Igiugig, is spoken between elders, would be naught. Our history, their stories, would remain untold. Traditional practices such as subsistence hunting and fishing, local Native dances, and local art would not be local any longer, leaving our people to learn the ways of other regions.

Igiugig has a strong community due to the relationship the elders hold with the younger generations. Mary Olympic, a revered elder, has helped many learn the ways of subsistence fishing; she is also famous for being the village protector. Gabriel Gust, though he is the quietest elder, still boats the Kvichak solo, and as a local teen quotes “Gabe is still really strong.” George Wilson frequents the river, also, known to boat half way to Levelock and hunt (with some of the young men) the many spring birds that migrate north. Mike Andrew, being the avid participator he is, has been involved with the Igiugig Village and Native Corporation for close to twenty-five years. Talk about commitment.

These elders have survived the transition from living off and through the land to a life of settlement. Having, in the past, to move with the seasons and animals, a life in a village with permanent residence is a big jump from tracking caribou to Kukaklek. And they have done well, substituting migrating with the animals with teaching the young men how to hunt and when, with living in a place where subsistence is embraced by all villagers and is exercised every season.

Elders are traditionally highly respected peoples in native communities. The same holds true in the case of Igiugig. In Igiugig, a person cannot usually be considered an elder until they are over the age of 60; there are, however, exceptions for those community members who are very highly respected and regarded. Elders are important to the Village community because they provide a link to the Village's past history and heritage in addition to traditional native knowledge. Children in the Village are taught to respect village elders in every day activities; this is shown in many ways including allowing elders to be served and eat first at various community events.

The Igiugig elders are Dallia Andrew, Mike Andrew, Sr., Gabriel Gust, Mary Olympic, Annie Wilson, George Wilson, Sr., and Alice Zackar.