Our People Speak

Ceremonies of Aging and Transition- Alaska Native Rights of Passage

Denakkanaaga Season 2 Episode 5

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 preserve and perpetuate Alaska Native culture.