Traditionally, members of Alaska Native communities might have celebrated major life events including coming of age, womanhood, and first hunts. Today school graduations have become an important rite of passage, and April is a time to celebrate the graduates and their accomplishments. Wearing traditional regalia at graduation has become a way to celebrate the achievement of graduation for Native youth while also honoring their values and cultural heritage. For graduation month, Denakkanaaga hosts an April event called “The Smell of Moosehide- Traditional Regalia Today,” discussing the importance of regalia in contemporary ceremonies and how to respect the culture and traditions behind its creation and use.
Luke Titus and Miranda Wright join us for this talk. Luke is former First Chief of the Denakkanaaga Board of Directors, and deeply embodies Native culture. Many call upon him for his knowledge of culture and traditions to help guide and direct future generations. Miranda Wright currently serves on the Doyon, Ltd Board of Directors and has done so since 1995, as well as holding esteemed positions with the Doyon Foundation and UAF. “The Smell of Moosehide- Traditional Regalia Today” will be aired on April 23rd at 6pm. Please join us for the program at www.morristhompsoncenter.org/live/.
This event is part of Denakkanaaga’s “Our People Speak” online speaker program series. Each monthly program features respected elders and other leaders from the Native community, and centers around seasonal themes that highlight aspects of traditional Alaska Native culture. The programs take place as live streams or premier airings on the Morris Thompson Center website. Please visit us at www.morristhompsoncenter.org/live to view upcoming and past programs and to sign up for updates about future cultural programs. For more information about this series and other programs hosted by Denakkanaaga, please visit www.denakkanaaga.org
These programs are proudly brought to you through a partnership between Denakkanaaga, Tanana Chiefs Conference, and the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center with generous support from Doyon, Limited.