Chief Dr. Reverend Anna Frank and Travis Cole join us to share their knowledge and experiences of the potlach tradition. Potlaches involve family and friends gathering, gift giving, ceremony, and food. Anna and Travis will explain the purpose, types, and variations of this tradition across the region, as well as its cultural significance. Watch Live… Read More
Join us as Sam Demientieff and Elizabeth Fleagle reflect on pandemics in Alaska, as COVID-19 reaches its 2-year mark. Sam and Elizabeth describe the changes brought on by pandemics, especially to events and gatherings that would traditionally occur in March. They also recall stories about how the Native community has been resilient through past pandemics,… Read More
Tom Huntington transports us on a journey across Alaskan landscapes in springtime. He describes how to navigate the land when the snow and ice start to melt, and how to prepare and what do once you're out there. He also explains the importance of Native place names when traveling. Tom shares the importance of passing… Read More
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.