
Our People Speak
Stories from Elders about seasonal Alaska Native culture
Episodes
22 episodes
The Bounty of Summer: Making Alaska Native Fish and Berry Ice Cream
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 ingredient...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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34:05

Making Knots and Casting Out- Fishnets for the Summer Catch
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 catc...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:00:37

Peeling Bark, Creating Art- Birch Bark Baskets
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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51:55

Ceremonies of Aging and Transition- Alaska Native Rights of Passage
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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1:01:38

Tugging at Our Roots- Alaska Native Medicinal Plants
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 perpetuat...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:04:13

Voyage Across the World: Migratory Birds in Alaska's Spring
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.
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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53:58

Navigating Springtime Travel- Traveling in Spring and Native Place Names
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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56:43
The Smell of Moosehide- Traditional Regalia Today
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.
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:09:22

“Springing Out” – Next Generations Prepare for a New Season
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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59:00

Connecting Alaska Native Culture to Health and Wellness
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 th...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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1:00:30

Spreading Resiliency, Not Germs- Alaska Native Reflection on Pandemics
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 o...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:07:28

Our People and Land Speak – Traditional Values For Today’s World
Join us as moderator Sharon Hildebrand welcomes guests Georgianna Lincoln and Steve Ginnis for a discussion of how traditional values guide Native organizations today.
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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59:30

March in Our Memories: Spring Carnivals and Dog Mushing
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 Nat...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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55:20
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Bubbly and Sticky: Making an Alaskan Sourdough Starter
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 an...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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55:07

Joining Hands, Filling Plates: The Potlach Tradition
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, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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56:36

Winter Wisdom- Weather Watching and Warm Clothing
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 sk...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:05:27

Small Dots Far Away, What Am I? Denaakk'e Kk'edon Ts'ednee in Winter
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, t...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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1:01:05

Before the Snow Falls- Preparing for Winter
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 significa...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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54:24

Fluffy Creations: Caribou Hair Tufting for Alaska Native Art
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:...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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50:27

Our Way of Life- Then, Now, and Forever
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 o...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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55:53

Sweet and Healthy: Berry Picking and Jam Making in Alaska
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, thei...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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47:10

Kings of the Yukon: Summer at Fish Camp
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...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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1:03:37
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