What are rites of passage? Jerry Isaac joins the series to speak about important ones in Alaska Native culture, such as birth, puberty, marriage, and death. He describes what rites of passage have remained the same, which have changed over time, and some of the challenges in maintaining these culturally imbued ceremonies. Jerry shares the… Read More

Summer's here! What better way to celebrate than going out for that first catch of the season? Kenneth Frank joins the series to help us learn how to prepare to do just that. He focuses on netmaking in this episode, a traditional skill for catching all different kinds of fish. Kenneth describes the basics of… Read More

Harvest time! Alaskan berry picking season is about start. Pat Bessette and Sandy Koyukuk join the series to talk about all the steps involved in berry picking in Alaska. They will discuss the types of berries, how to clean and store them, their memories of picking, and how berries keep them connected to their Native… Read More

Highly accomplished caribou fur tufters, Emma Hildebrand (Northway, AK) and Dixie Alexander (Fort Yukon, AK), will share their tips for learning the craft. Join us August 11th at 12:30PM in the Morris Thompson Center, 101 Dunkel St. Fairbanks, AK. To ensure the safety of our guest speakers and audience members, we will ask that you… Read More

Learn how to prepare and use caribou hair for Alaska Native art. Highly accomplished caribou fur tufters Emma Hildebrand (Northway, AK) and Dixie Alexander (Fort Yukon, AK) will share their tips for learning the craft.

Hunting season is about start! Ever wonder what to do with the skin of a moose after harvesting? In the Alaska Native cultural tradition, the moose skin goes through the tanning process, making it usable to create clothing and crafts. Marie Yaska (Huslia, AK) and Eva Burk (Nenana, AK) join the series to talk about… Read More

Sam Demientieff explores the wonders and trials of Alaskan winters. He shares tips about looking for signs in the weather and choosing the right clothing for those conditions. Sam also explain the importance of passing on these skills and traditional wisdom to youth to keep Alaska Native culture strong.

Sourdough was the hot trend during the pandemic. But Alaskans have known it far before it was trendy. Kathleen Hildebrand (Nulato) joins the series to speak about the foods that sustain Alaska Natives through the winter when reserves of meat and berries decrease. Sourdough, pilot bread, bannik, and oatmeal are some of the foods used… Read More

Spring is a time for renewal. Consider renewing your commitment to health and well-being during this season and learn how culture can play a role. Jessica Black (Nenana, AK) and LaVerne Demientieff (Nenana, AK) join the series to speak about the connections between health, including physical, mental, and spiritual, and the continuation of cultural practices.

A key sign of spring is migratory birds returning to Alaska. Darrell Hildebrand and Debra Lynne join the series to speak about which birds to look out for in spring and their importance in Alaska Native ways of life. Watch live at https://www.morristhompsoncenter.org/live/.