Our People Speak

Jul 28 2023 22 ep. 57 mins 4
Our People Speak Podcast artwork

Stories from Elders about seasonal Alaska Native culture

  Society & Culture
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The Bounty of Summer: Making Alaska Native Fish and Berry Ice Cream

Jul 28 2023 34 mins  
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

Making Knots and Casting Out- Fishnets for the Summer Catch

Jul 05 2023 60 mins  
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 p

Peeling Bark, Creating Art- Birch Bark Baskets

Jul 05 2023 51 mins  
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

Ceremonies of Aging and Transition- Alaska Native Rights of Passage

May 26 2023 61 mins  
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

Tugging at Our Roots- Alaska Native Medicinal Plants

May 12 2023 64 mins  
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.

Voyage Across the World: Migratory Birds in Alaska's Spring

Apr 28 2023 53 mins  
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.

Navigating Springtime Travel- Traveling in Spring and Native Place Names

Apr 21 2023 56 mins  
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 perpetua

The Smell of Moosehide- Traditional Regalia Today

Apr 14 2023 69 mins  
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.

“Springing Out” – Next Generations Prepare for a New Season

Apr 07 2023 59 mins  
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 traditio

Connecting Alaska Native Culture to Health and Wellness

Mar 31 2023 60 mins  
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.