Our People Speak

Summer’s bounty is here! Fishing, berry picking, and hunting are in full swing. Kathleen Hildebrand joins the series to talk about how to use this bounty to make Alaska Native fish and berry ice cream. She will discuss harvesting the ingredients, along with sharing memories of this tradition and how it promotes Alaska Native culture. To view “The Bounty of Summer: Making Alaska Native Fish and Ber...

Join us as special guests Lena Tickett and Vernell Titus discuss and demonstrate birch bark basketry. They speak about the basic process and materials used in birch bark basketry as well as the significance of them in Alaska Native culture. To view “Peeling Bark, Creating Art- Birch Bark Baskets” visit https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUKkPBrXPiLopLQuUH-KsQg This program is the Season 1, June epis...

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 netmaking and how to properly use them on the water and the necessity of passing this...

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 necessity of passing these traditions on to youth to preser...

Join us as special guest Kathleen Meckel addresses the topic of Alaska Native medicinal plants. She will share her knowledge about the types, uses, and harvest of medicinal plants in spring, as well as the importance of preserving and perpetuating this cultural wisdom.

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.

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 this knowledge and tradition on to youth to preserve and perpetuate Alaska N...

Join us as special guests Luke Titus and Miranda Wright discuss the importance of traditional regalia in contemporary ceremonies and how to respect the culture and traditions behind its creation and use.

April signals the beginning of spring here in Alaska. For many Alaska Natives that means time to start preparing for summer activities, like making and mending fishnets and beginning to hunt small game such as muskrat. Spring is also a time of renewal. In this talk our guests, Jessica Black and Tristan Madros, will discuss how younger generations are renewing Alaska Native traditions, including se...

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.

Join Denakkanaaga for an evening of stories about the spring carnival seasons of years past. Learn why March remains such an important month for gathering and meeting, from dogsled races and spring carnivals to stakeholder meetings of major Native organizations. Elders Marie Yaska and Andie Jimmie will share their knowledge and stories. Moderated by Sharon McConnell, Executive Director of Denakkan...

Join us as moderator Sharon Hildebrand welcomes guests Georgianna Lincoln and Steve Ginnis for a discussion of how traditional values guide Native organizations today.

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, such as the 1918 Influenza, and remains so...

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 to supplement traditional harvests. Kathleen describes their rise...

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. To view “Joining Hands, Filling Plates: The Potlach Traditi...

Sam Demientieff (Holy Cross) 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 explains the importance of passing on these skills and traditional wisdom to youth to keep Alaska Native culture strong. To view “Winter Wisdom- Weather Watching and Warm Clothing” visit www.morristhomp...

Join us as Lorraine David takes us into the depths of winter in Alaska long ago, when storytelling was a key activity to pass time and impart culture through the long nights. Lorraine shares a few of the stories told, called Kk'edon Ts'ednee, that communicate life lessons and creation stories. To view “Small Dots Far Away, What Am I? Denaakk'e Kk'edon Ts'ednee in Winter” v...

First Traditional Chief Trimble Gilbert (Artic Village) shares his wealth of wisdom and experience with the essential activities of preparing for winter. He addresses some of the logistics of this season change as well as the cultural significance and generational passage of these traditions from elders to youth.  To view “Before the Snow Falls- Preparing for Winter” visit www.morristhompsoncenter...

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. To view “Fluffy Creation: Caribou Hair Tufting” visit www.morristhompsoncenter.org/past-online-events.   This program is the Season 2, August episode in Denakkanaaga’s Our People Sp...

August represents an important time for Alaska Native ways of life. It is a time for deep connection to the land and reliance upon its bounty. Miranda Wright addresses the essence of a Native way of life which encompasses more than survival off the land, often termed as subsistence; it includes the integral spiritual connection Alaska Native people have with their environment. Miranda addresses th...

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 culture. They even share some of their favorite berry recipes! To view “Sweet and...

Summertime in Alaska means time to go throw out your line, your net, or get your fish wheel turning because its salmon fishing season. Special guests Manny Carlo and Marvin Kokrine join us to discuss fish camps. Marvin highlights the importance of fish camp in Alaska Native culture, like how it ties to the values of family and connection to the land. Manny helps emphasize the need to fish sustaina...