Homegrown conversations for curious minds.

A compilation of songs and poetry readings from past episodes of Homegrown Conversations that celebrate the annual FisherPoets gathering in Astoria, Oregon. Featuring Alec McMurren with additional works by Pat Dixon, Geno Leech, and Nicole McMurren.

Norwegian Dance Instructor, Heidi Lee, and former student, Lilith Odegaard, have a conversation about culture in Petersburg. This conversations was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Lily in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at the Petersburg High School.

Stan Hjort talks to Axton Kravitz about growing up in Washington State, his time in the U.S. Coast Guard, and moving to Petersburg. This interview was done in April of 2023 as an assignment for Axton in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at the Petersburg High School.

Brian and Marjorie Paust have committed their lives to serving Alaskan communities as educators since the early 1970s. Their dedication and enthusiasm are impressive, as are their tales of life in the Arctic. In this interview, they speak about their early years in Kivalina, a village on the Chukchi sea, where they opened a high school for local children. They also tell of the birt

Kelly O’Soup talks with her daughter, Meghan, about her work for the USFS. This interview was done in April of 2023 as an assignment for Meghan in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Martin Susort talks to his grandson, Kyle Biggers, about his time in Petersburg, what has changed over the years and what keeps him here.

Malcom Fry talks with his father, Louise “Chris” Fry, about their family history and Chris’s travels in Southeast Alaska prior to making it his home. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Malcom in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Novalee Thomas talks to Petersburg High School Teacher, Ioana Ward, about growing up in Romania and how it compares to Petersburg. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Novalee in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Tina Sakamoto tells Alexus Sakamoto-Quezon about her great grandfather, Harry Sakamoto, when he was taken to Japanese internment camp and how it affected their family. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Alexus in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at the Petersburg High School.

Will Ware talks to Kasiah Lopez about owning a small business and living a Lingít way of life. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 when Kasiah was a senior in High School and was done as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.