Rav’n about Sitka

In this special holiday episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn shares the remarkable story of the 2024 White House Christmas tree—a Sitka spruce from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, marking the first time the official tree came from outside the lower 48 states. Catherine explores the tree’s journey, the forest’s cultural and ecological significance, and Sitka’s unique, community-centered...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn recounts the mysterious 1986 disappearance of 17-year-old Virgil Wade Tackett, who vanished after taking a small boat out on Sitka Sound. Despite exhaustive searches by authorities and his family, Wade was never found, leaving only rumors and unanswered questions. The episode explores Sitka’s deep connection to the sea, the enduring pain of los...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathryn explores the complex history of Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska. She recounts Reverend Sheldon Jackson’s role in founding the Sitka Industrial and Training School, his efforts to educate Alaska Native children, and the cultural costs of forced assimilation. Kathrynn traces the school’s evolution into Sheldon Jackson College, its closure...

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn shares the inspiring story of Ellen Hope Hays, a Tlingit leader and civil rights advocate from Sitka, Alaska. Kathrynn traces Ellen’s journey from her early education and activism to her groundbreaking leadership in Native organizations and cultural preservation. The episode highlights Ellen’s pivotal role in advancing Alaska Native representat...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn takes listeners on a lively, figurative hike through the mountains surrounding Sitka, Alaska. She explores the history, legends, and cultural significance of peaks like Mount Edgecumbe, Verstovia, Arrowhead, Bear Mountain, Harbor Mountain, and Cross Mountain. Kathrynn shares Tlingit traditions, local pranks, military history, and humorous anecd...

In this episode of Raven About Sitka, host Kathrynn interviews David Kanosh, a Tlingit storyteller, linguist, and culture bearer. David shares his journey growing up in Sitka, his passion for languages, and his experiences overcoming challenges like vision loss. He discusses the importance of storytelling in Tlingit culture, the role of the trickster Raven, and how he adapts traditional tales for...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn guides listeners through Sitka, Alaska’s historic streets, exploring iconic sites like Castle Hill, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, the Russian Bishop’s House, and the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall. She weaves together stories of indigenous leadership, Russian colonization, American acquisition, wartime history, and Alaska Native civil rights, show...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the symbolic and spiritual significance of ravens in both the natural world of Sitka and biblical texts. She discusses how ravens, often seen as unclean in ancient Hebrew culture, play vital roles in scripture—such as feeding the prophet Elijah—and serve as symbols of resilience, provision, and transformation. Kathrynn also connects th...

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn, the self-proclaimed fog whisperer, explores the surprising spiritual connection between Sitka, Alaska, and the Dave Matthews Band. Though the band has never performed in Sitka, Kathrynn draws poetic parallels between their nature-inspired music and Sitka’s deep environmental values. She highlights shared themes of sustainability, reverence for...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," guest host Kalynn guides listeners through the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, Alaska. She explores the center’s vital work rehabilitating injured birds of prey—like bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, and hawks—while highlighting its educational and research missions. Kalynn introduces resident raptors, shares inspiring recovery stories, and encourages support...

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores Whalefest, Sitka’s annual marine science symposium and festival. She highlights its unique blend of scientific talks, art, music, and community events celebrating whales during their fall migration. Kathrynn discusses the festival’s history, educational activities, and its importance to Sitka’s culture and marine conservation. With eng...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn honors Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, a trailblazer in Alaska’s civil rights movement. Kathrynn recounts Elizabeth’s life, her pivotal 1945 speech that led to Alaska’s anti-discrimination law, and the annual Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebrations on February 16th. The episode highlights community events, student reflections, and the ongoing r...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn ventures to Juneau, Alaska, to explore the haunted Baranov Hotel. She shares its glamorous history and chilling ghost stories, including the mysterious Woman in White, haunted elevators, the Mirror Man, and the phantom bellhop “Eddie.” Kathrynn recounts eerie listener experiences and staff encounters, discusses theories behind the hauntings, an...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the fascinating world of bald eagles in Sitka, Alaska. She discusses their life cycle, nesting habits, and dramatic personalities, highlighting their importance in the local ecosystem and Tlingit culture. Kathrynn shares stories of eagle encounters, explains their unique behaviors, and emphasizes the conservation efforts that help thes...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the intelligence, behavior, and cultural significance of ravens, focusing on the local Sitka raven. A deceased guest recites Poe’s iconic “Quoth the raven...nevermore,” highlighting the bird’s literary mystique. Pauline Duncan, a former teacher, shares how she adapted Tlingit raven legends for young children, reading her original stori...

Learn about the bears native to Sitka Alaska and how important they are to Sitka's ecosystem.

Join us as we explore the dramatic war between the Tlingit people and the Russian invaders-a conflict that proved the resilience and bravery of Sitka's founders.

Join us for some harrowing stories of rescue, heroism and community by Air Station Sitka-our local base for the United States Coast Guard.

Listen to our guest host, Kahryn, talk about the lingering spirits that you might come across while visiting Sitka, Alaska

Listen as we adventure into the exciting world of tourism in Sitka, Alaska!

Join us in celebrating the unique sense of culture experienced when you visit Sitka, Alaska.

Learn about the history of how the capital of Alaska makes a move after 40 years from Sitka to Juneau.

For our first official full-length episode, join us and learn about 10 fascinating things about Sitka, and decide what you want to do when you visit!

Welcome to Raven About Sitka—the podcast where rainforest meets you. Join us from the lush, rain-soaked town of Sitka, Alaska, where towering spruce trees, moody skies, and opinionated ravens set the scene. Each episode, we wander beyond the tourist brochures to explore the wild beauty, rich stories, and quirky truths of life on the edge of the Tongass National Forest. Whether you're visiting by c...