First Alaskans WEB Fall 2016

FALL 2016 | $4.
99 the magazine of Native peoples, communities, and ways of life
A Conversation About ANCSA | Traveling with Our Ancestors

Ivory Blues | Alaska Grown | A Love Letter to Second Language Learners
2 First Alaskans FALL 2016
BRIDGING
the GAP
Yaghanen nagh nduniuyu (Welcome to the good land in
Denaina language)! Kenai Peninsula College, a community
campus of the University of Alaska Anchorage, is located
on the banks of the beautiful Kenai River on the Kenai
Peninsula. Sondra Shaginoff-Stuart (center), KPCs Rural
& Native Student Services coordinator, is KPCs advocate
Students from rural Alaska for every Alaska Native, American Indian and rural student
attending the college.
are finding their place at Denali Schultz, (left), a JumpStart (high school senior)
Kenai Peninsula College. student and Davina Schultz, (right), a business major, sisters
originally from Klawock and Ketchikan, maintain a close
connection to their culture while pursuing their education.
Shaginoff-Stuart helps students establish their sense of self,
while finding their place at KPC. Because of the family-like
atmosphere, KPC is a great fit for people from small places.
Bring your culture here, then take home the knowledge you
gain!
Kenai Peninsula College | 1 (877) 262-0330 | www.kpc.alaska.edu | Located in Soldotna, Homer, Anchorage, Seward, & online
The University of Alaska is an AA/EEO employer and educational institution
Front: Ahtna Traditional Chief Fred Ewan
Back: Ahtna Heritage Dancers Isaiah Ewan & Daniel Pete
LEADER In All We Do
Oil Field Services

Government Contracting
Natural Resources
Tourism
The well-being of
our shareholders
and a respect for
our history in this
placeis topmost
in mind as we
continually enhance
our strong financial
position.
WWW.DOYON.COM
First Alaskans FALL 2016 5
CELEBRATE
TRADITIONS
Have a great gathering. Anchorage wishes

all delegates a successful meeting at the
50th annual AFN. BigWildLife.com
ANMC Patient Housing
Opening January 2017
More than half of our patients at the Alaska Native Medical Center hospital
travel from outside Anchorage to access a broad variety of health services. The
Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium is pleased to announce the opening of
our new 202-room patient housing facility in early 2017, which will provide a
home away from home for our people traveling to Anchorage for care.
To learn more, visit: anmc.org/new-anmc-patient-housing/.

I work in the maintenance bay of an oilfield service
company on the Kenai owned by Bristol Bay Native
Corporation. Every summer, I go home to Bristol Bay to
fish the salmon run. It took me years to save enough to
buy my own boat, but now I have two ways to make a
living in Alaska. In these difficult times, thats the kind of
thing many Alaskans are doing. Its also why Bristol Bay
Native Corporation has diversified its business, to help
diversify Alaskas economy and keep over a thousand
Alaskans employed, Native and non-Native alike.
Casey Coupchiak, BBNC Shareholder
Diversifying
Alaskas Economy
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Encouraging wellness in the individual, family and the way in which we live.
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Behavioral Health Management
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For more information, please contact

SCF Human Resources
(907) 729-4977
southcentralfoundation.com

127 TRIBES AND
GROWING
127 of Alaskas 229 tribes have adopted
tobacco-free and smokefree policies for
their communities.
Most Alaska Natives dont even allow smoking

in homes. We know:
there is no risk-free level of exposure to

secondhand smoke
policies provide strong support to keep

young people from using tobacco
policies offer a solid footing for those who

want to quit
Alaska Tribes, setting the bar high.

More than halfway there lets complete the circle.
Sample workplace resolutions can be found on tobaccofree.alaska.gov
under Tribal Resolutions or by contacting tobacco@alaska.gov.
alaskaquitline.com
FIRST ALASKANS INSTITUTE
BOARD OF TRUSTEES STAFF
Willie Iiagruk Hensley (Iupiaq) Joy Demmert (Haida/Tlingit) Jorie Ayyu Paoli (Iupiaq)
Chairman Administrative Coordinator VP & Organizational Advancement
Sam Kito, Jr. (Tlingit) Director
Heather Gatti (Haida/Tlingit)
Vice Chairman
Indigenous Research Assistant Andrea Akalleq Sanders (Yupik)
Valerie Davidson (Yupik) Alaska Native Policy Center Director
Secretary/Treasurer Dewey Kkoeyo Hoffman (Koyukon
Sven Haakanson, Jr. (Sugpiaq) Athabascan) Ella Sasuuk Tonuchuk (Yupik)
Leadership Development Director Leadership Development Coordinator
Albert Kookesh (Tlingit)
Sylvia Lange (Aleut/Tlingit) Elizabeth Laa.guen.gei, Kaa Tsas Darlene Paqpaluk Trigg (Iupiaq)
Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit) Social Justice Manager
Oliver Leavitt (Iupiaq)
President/CEO
Georgianna Lincoln (Athabascan) Emily Keneggnarkayaaggaq Tyrrell
Colin Tassaq Atauciq McDonald (Yupik) (Iupiaq/Yupik)
Byron I. Mallott (Tlingit)
Sustainability Assistant Sustainability Director
Senior Fellow
Morris Thompson (Athabascan) Kyle Dlaakaw.esh Wark (Tlingit)
In Memoriam Indigenous Researcher &
Policy Analyst
First Alaskans Institute is an Alaska Native non-profit organization. Our mission is: True to identity, heritage,
and values, Alaska Natives are informed and engaged in leading the decisions that shape the future.
606 E Street, Ste. 200 EDITOR

Anchorage, AK 99501 Vera Starbard
(907) 677-1700 (Tlingit/Denaina Athabascan)
Fax: (907) 677-1780 ART DIRECTOR
magazine@firstalaskans.org Dean Potter
ADVERTISE CONTRIBUTORS
(907) 677-1700
Shyanne Beatty (Han Gwichin Athabascan),
DIRECTOR OF SALES
Suzanne Little, Roy Corral, Wayde Carroll,
Mary Beth Carr (Athabascan)
mbc@gci.net ON THE COVER Cordelia Qinaaq Kellie (Inupiaq),
Richard Perry (Yupik/Athabascan),
SUBSCRIBE Tammy Ashley (Unangax) holds
Sam Bishop, Cindy Allred (Inupiaq),
subscriptions@firstalaskans.org a button created by Get Out
the Native Vote. Early vote from Susie Silook (Siberian Yupik/Inupiaq),
First Alaskans Magazine is published by October 24November 7, or vote on Mike Dunham, Erika Stone (Iroquois),
First Alaskans Institute. 2016. Election Day, November 8. Angela Gonzalez (Koyukon Athabascan),
Photo by Vera Starbard. Trina Landlord (Yupik)

In this generation, Southcentral Foundation Family Wellness
Warriors Initiative is working to end domestic violence, child
sexual abuse and child neglect.
Southcentral Foundation Family Wellness Warriors Initiative
(FWWI) provides education and training for those who desire to
strengthen their family. FWWI oers both men and women hope,
skills and the tools necessary for change.
For more information, or to apply for a training,

please contact FWWI at (907) 729-5440 or visit www.fwwi.org

16
20
LL
FA
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Strips of cedar bark harvested and processed

during a workshop in Metlakatla. See page 42.
Photo by Wayde CarrolL

volume 14, Number 3 THE MAGAZINE OF Native peoples, communities, and ways of life
nihch nktluu | connect khn trdho

h | catalyze
17 Reflect, Refresh, Renew 55 Changing Hands
AFN speakers Emil Notti and Megan Alaskas Lt. Gov. discusses ANCSA with
Alvanna-Stimpfle young Alaska Native leader
21 Ancestral Imperative: 57 Between the Lines
Adapt. Unite. Achieve. Initiative seeks to establish Indigenous
2016 FAI Elders & Youth Conference studies center at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks
24 What is Good for Alaska Natives
is Good for the World 61 A Compromise for Protection
Meet the people doing the work of First Finding balance for traditional Gwichin land
Alaskans Institute
62 nts ` njihtht / Opinion
28 wdk / Stories From Around PFD Automatic Voter Registration
ANS Culinary Academy; Barrow back will Empower Alaska Natives
to Utqiagvik; Navajo trademark case; Its a simple change, but if we vote for this
Migratory Bird Act change; Indigenous modernized system, every Alaskan would
Comic Con substantially benefit.
29 Birdman 64 nts
` njihtht / Opinion
Unangan man takes care of his winged In Need of Allies:
cousins in Cordova Protecting our Ways of Life
Ensuring the rights of Alaska Native
32 Traveling with Our Ancestors peoples are respected in relation to marine
An eight-day canoe journey from Kake to mammals.
Juneau tests strength, brings communities
together
wkjihthit | imagine
hozoo njinthat | focus 67 Ivory Blues
36 Becoming a Language Warrior How laws meant to protect African
Advice for an exhilarating, inspiring and elephants may end up hurting Alaska
highly emotional journey Native artists
40 nts
` njihtht / Opinion 72 shih / FOOD
A Love Letter to Second Language Autumn Recipes
Learners from Summers Bounty
You need nobodys permission to reclaim 74 Alaska Grown
your own words of your people. Growing nutritious food in Alaska is both a
42 ee / together challenge and opportunity
Material Traditions 81 A Tribe Called Red gives Intense
Teaching and documenting the use of Concert in Anchorage
cedar in Southeast Alaska
83 Etsy and Epic-ness
48 nts
` njihtht / Opinion
Inupiaq artist blazes trails on the tundra,
When the Alaska Justice System is the and online
Criminal
My time with U.S. Attorney General 85 Taking a Stand in Standing Rock
Loretta Lynch
this issues language: Section and department titles are in the Han Athabascan language.
Each issue of First Alaskans features a different Native language in this role. Thanks to Shyanne Beatty.

COASTAL VILLAGES
REGION FUND
Serving 20 member communities and over 9,200 people,

Coastal Villages Region Fund has leveraged our investments
in the Bering Sea fishing industry to build a pathway towards
our regions economic independence. We will continue to
move forward, and earn our own way through hard work,
To learn more visit
commitment to unity, and collective action. www.CoastalVillages.org

nihch nktluu | connect
PHOTOS COURTESY AFN
21 Ancestral Imperative: Reflect,

Refresh,
Adapt. Unite. Achieve.
2016 FAI Elders & Youth
Conference
24 What is Good for Alaska
Renew
Natives is Good for the
World
Meet the people doing the
work of First Alaskans
Institute
28 wdk
/ Stories From Around AFN speakers Emil Notti and Megan Alvanna-Stimpfle
29 Birdman
By Richard Perry (Yupik/Athabascan)
Unangan man takes care of
his winged cousins
Keynote Speaker Emil notti
I
32 Traveling with Our Ancestors n the 1960s, Emil Notti (Koyukon Athabascan) was part of a group of Alaska
An eight-day canoe journey
from Kake to Juneau tests Native advocates from around the state calling for a convening of Alaska
strength, brings communities Native leaders from every region. That call was heard. The Alaska Federation
together of Natives was formed in October 1966, when more than 400 Alaska Natives

representing 17 Native organizations gathered Federal Aviation Administration in Alaska.

for a three-day conference to address Alaska Among so many public service positions,
Native aboriginal land rights. Fifty years later, Notti has served many Alaska governors as
we know that first meeting became the annual Commissioner of Community and Regional
AFN Convention. Affairs, Commissioner of Commerce,
Notti spoke to University of Alaska Community and Economic Development, and
Anchorage for a series on the Alaska Native Deputy Commissioner of Health and Social
Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) about those Services.After the death of Nick Begich in 1973,
first gatherings. Notti ran for Congress against Don Young in a
With these open meetings, people started special election, losing by only 2,000 votes.
trusting each other; they all had a say and Notti says of ANCSA, One of the big events
they were all treated with respect. Even if we after the struggle of trying to get Congress to
had great differences of opinion, we arrived recognize our rights was the night we stood
at a position, issue by issue the amount of and listened to President Nixon say he signed
land, the amount of money. The land was a the bill into law. That was a big moment in our
effort to get a land settlement.
Notti has worked tirelessly to achieve that
With these open meetings, goal.
people started trusting
each other; they all had Keynote Speaker
Megan Alvanna-Stimpfle
a say and they were all Megan Alvanna-Stimpfle was born and raised
treated with respect. in Nome, Alaska. She is of King Island Inupiaq

heritage and takes pride in Eskimo dancing
and learning the Inupiaq language. She earned
a Masters degree in applied economics from
Emil Notti Johns HopkinsUniversity and a Bachelor of
Science degree ineconomics from George
Mason University. She previously worked as
big issue, because it ended up there were two the quota and acquisitions analyst at Norton
formulas one based on population, one Sound Economic Development Corporation in
based on area lost by your Tribe and those Nome. She was also previously employed as a
things were hammered out with great emotion legislative assistant for Sen. Lisa Murkowski.
and conviction. After a lot of arguments and As a legislative assistant for Sen. Murkowski
discussion, we arrived at our positions and in Washington D.C., Megan was responsible
marched on to Congress. forpolicies addressing infrastructure and
From 1966 to 1971, AFN worked primarily sanitation, housing, health delivery, public
to achieve passage of a just and fair land safety and justice, land management, as well as
settlement. Notti was the first AFN president, fish and wildlife management for Alaska Native
and was instrumental in the land claims and rural Alaskans.She assisted in organizing
movement and negotiations that resulted in the Arctic Imperative Summit to bring arctic
ANCSA. As president of AFN, Notti helped and coastal Alaskan issues to the forefront of
ANCSA evolve from an idea to an innovative American policy.
legal act that benefits all Alaskans today. Alvanna-Stimpfle is working alongsideKaw-
Notti was born in the Yukon River village erak, Norton Sound Health Corporation,
of Koyukuk, Alaska, and graduated from elected leaders and the Native community on
Mount Edgecumbe High School in Sitka. addressing sewer and water systems in the
After high school, Notti attended Northrop region, which need extensive reformation
University in Inglewood, Calif., and earned statewide. She currently serves as Port Com-
his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical missioner at the Nome port commission and is
and aeronautical engineering. He worked Chief of the King Island Tribal Council.
on the Minuteman Ballistic Missile while As port commissioner, Alvanna-Stimpfle
employed with Autonetics (a part of North attended the third annual Arctic Encounter
American Aviation) and is a U.S. Navy veteran. Symposium this year in Seattle, which brought
He was also an electronic engineer for the continued on page 20

LISTEN FOR LIVE
COVERAGE OF THE 2016
ALASKA FEDERATION
OF NATIVES CONVENTION
CARLSON CENTER / FAIRBANKS, AK
THURSDAY & FRIDAY
8:00 A.M. 5 P.M. OCTOBER
HOSTED BY:
JOAQLIN ESTUS,
KNBA NEWS DIRECTOR
SATURDAY
9 A.M. 3 P.M. 20 22
ANTONIA GONZALES,
NATIONAL NATIVE NEWS ANCHOR
TUNE IN LISTEN ON-LINE

KNBA 90.3 FM IN SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA KNBA.ORG / NV1.ORG
Also on participating public stations statewide: OR ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE OR TABLET
(Call your station for full schedule)
Daily features of AFNS impact and history in
English, Yupik, Iupiaq, Athabascan and Tlingit
LISTEN AT NOON
EACH DAY FOR LIVE ONE-HOUR PROGRAM Call your public radio station to inquire about
Alaskas Native Voice KNBA, AFN coverage.
BENEFACTOR SPONSORS:
MAJOR SPONSORS: ADDITIONAL SUPPORT:

Doyon Limited / Alaska Airlines / Donlin Gold / TelAlaska Ahtna, Inc. / First Alaskans Magazine / Collage of Rural
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BP / Ilisagvik College / Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium Corporation / Tanana Chiefs Conference / Bering Straits
Native Corporation
3600 San Jeronimo Drive, Suite 480, Anchorage, AK 99508 / (907) 793-3500

together Coast Guard officials, NASA

scientists, industry representatives
and delegates from across Alaska. The
intent was to promote the development
of a deep draft Arctic port in Nome.
She shared how busy the Port of Nome
is with the amount of research vessels
and tourist vessels that travel through
each summer. The following week,
she and her fellow delegates traveled
to Washington D.C. and explained
they were there to urge the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers to continue with
the Arctic Deep Draft Port Study. The
Corps had abandoned that study last
year after Shell cancelled its drilling
operation in the Chukchi Sea.
The group of delegates also met with
the Office of Management and Budget,
the White Houses top Arctic official
Mark Brzezinski, the Coast Guard, the
Committee for Marine Transportation
Systems, and the Congressional
Committees of Jurisdiction. She is
optimistic that their trips to Seattle
and Washington D.C. drew attention
CROWLEY FUELS
to the need for a deep draft Arctic
port. And she feels the arrival of the
BRIGHT FUTURES
1,500-passenger ship Crystal Serenity
to Nomes port in August also served to From fisheries to medicine to wildlife Emma Hopkins
bring Nomes port needs to light. Fisheries Science
At a recent Nome Public Schools conservation, our 2016-2017 From Juneau
board meeting, she asked the school
district to partner with the King Island scholarship recipients at the University
Tribal Council and apply for a grant
Keenan Sanderson
of Alaska Fairbanks are determined Fisheries & Ocean Sciences
from the Alaska Native Education
Program. She said the funding would to make a positive impact in Alaska From Ketchikan
provide students with an after-school
activity focused on Inupiaq culture and and beyond. Through the Crowley Gabriel Smith
language. In the longer term, she said Wildlife Biology
the council wants to work toward an
scholarship program, we are honored to
& Conservation
even larger language program, like an help fuel their dreams and bright futures. From Nome
immersion school within the district.
She feels that inaction will result in a
loss of the language and culture among Jesse Klejka
Learn more at Crowley.com/Scholarships. Biological Sciences
the younger generation of Native
students passing through the areas From Bethel
schools.
Richard Perry is a Yupik/

Athabaskan writer and playwright
with a bachelors degree in 907.777.5505
philosophy from UAA. Richard can CrowleyFuels.com
be reached at richardperry770@
gmail.com.

A young Inupiaq dancer at

the 2015 FAI Elders & Youth
Conference. Ancestral Imperative:
Adapt. Unite. Achieve.
2016 FAI Elders & Youth Conference
E ach year, thousands of Elders,

youth, and community participants
gather to connect, discuss, and plan
Thompson Cultural & Visitor Center. The
theme, Ancestral Imperative: Adapt.
Unite. Achieve, speaks to the call to
for the future of Alaska Native peoples action from our Ancestors that we all
across the state. This years statewide carry collectively and personally
First Alaskans Institute (FAI) Elders & to perpetuate who we are into the
Youth Conference takes place October future. It speaks to the recognition
17-19 at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, that it is through our cultural and
with a Warming of the Hands pre-session language wellbeing that our peoples and
on Sunday, Oct. 16th at the Morris communities will thrive. Being strong,

healthy, culturally-connected Native transference of knowledge between our Scenes from the 2015
peoples does not happen in a vacuum; it Elders and our youth to promote the FAI Elders & Youth
must be grown, nurtured, and loved. growth and strengthening of cultural Conference. top left: Youth
Through the conference we strive to identity, language learning, statewide excitedly posing with the
operationalize these values and ignite cohesion and relationships. We encour- Anchorage and Alaska
this responsibility. We thank all those age deeper understanding of the issues historic proclamations for
who collaborated to come up with this and challenges of our time with a focus Indigenous Peoples Day.
powerful theme, especially our wonder- on solution-making and proactive engage- top right: Alaska Native
ful and committed Statewide Elders & ment, while serving our communities as Veterans leading the opening
Youth Council, FAI staff and youth from a leader in all we do. ceremonies. bottom left and
the community. Our theme is the cul- We utilize our cultures, languages and right: Dance groups share
mination of a collective effort to craft a ways of being as the medium for knowl- their songs and dances
compelling and resonating anthem that edge building. We invite our cultural to help strengthen our
sets the tone for the conference and leads practices, aesthetics and arts, knowledge conference learning with
our organizing efforts. and innovation to create a platform for cultural practices.
This gathering, which has occurred hands-on engagement. Our participants
annually for over 30 years, is focused on are the experts of their experience and
creating lifelong connections to our vi- lives, and we create opportunities to tap
brant and diverse Alaska Native cultures. their knowledge, voice, and vision for a
We do this through the intergenerational healthy, thriving Native future.

Supporting Shareholders
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First Alaskans as an essential part of staying
informedthrough the worldview of the lands To learn more about the project please visit www.DonlinGold.com
original inhabitants. Call today to learn more
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Mary Beth Carr

(907) 350-0993
mbc@gci.net
Enjoy complimentary parking and WiFi, a full,

hot breakfast, Managers Reception and access to the
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BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE HE ART OF DOWNTOWN ANCHORAGE.
A HICKEL PROPERT Y MANAGED

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What is Good for Alaska Natives

is Good for the World
Meet the people doing the work of First Alaskans Institute
BY Elizabeth Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit)
E very day, by utilizing First Alaskans

Institute (FAI) as a vehicle for advancing
our peoples, we strive to operationalize our
learned as we do opportunities and invitations
to grow this work. But it is also true that it is
an absolute honor to work on behalf of our
Native values. We work to lift up who our Ancestors, our beautiful peoples and children,
Native peoples are in all we do, and assert the and our homelands.
imperative of the use and strengthening of our We wanted to share with you the faces and
diverse Native ways of knowing, being, and spirits of the people called to do this work
living in our work, in our communities and through our organization. Our Board of Trustees
organizations, in our governments and in the puts their knowledge to work in guiding the
world. organization, just as our staff does in rolling
We come from ancient peoples from across up their sleeves each day to put our vision into
our homelands whose wisdom grounds our action. It is the staffs words we highlight here to
work and inspires our future. To put handles share how they connect their work at FAI with
on FAIs vision of progress for the next 10,000 how we as an organization seek to be part of our
years our Trustees developed strength-based communities collective responsibility to advance
initiatives that allow us to work like sinew across our peoples for the next 10,000 years...
the challenges of our time. At FAI we focus on In the words of one of our Ancestors, Annie
strengthening our ability to stand up and for our David (Yupik, grandmother to Trustee Valerie
peoples through developing culturally grounded Davidson): When you lead with love, you never
and connected leaders, by working to ensure stand alone. We are thankful for this instruction,
our peoples knowledge and voice are at the and try to implement it in our work. We are so
core of our work in shaping policy solutions and grateful to our families and communities for
outcomes, ensuring our peoples are making the leading us with love. We welcome connection
decisions that shape our future, and by putting with all who are interested to see what more
our knowledge, cultures, languages and ways of we can do together to achieve our Ancestral
living and being to work as the architects of our Imperative.
communities aspirations.
Our Trustees knew when creating and
stewarding this unique institution for advancing
Native peoples that we must operate not by
First Alaskans Institute is a statewide,
the rule of recent events and systems but by
Alaska Native nonprofit and the publisher of
that which has strengthened and shaped our
First Alaskans Magazine. Please learn more
indigenous peoples since time immemorial and
about us at:
will carry us far into the future. In practical
words, we strive to indigenize our work and www.firstalaskans.org
organization on a daily basis. It is not easy; we info@firstalaskans.org
have just as many opportunities for lessons (907) 677-1700

FAI TRUSTEES FAI STAFF
We are guided by an incredible Board of Trust- Ella Sassuuk Tonuchuk
ees that voluntarily give of its time and leader- (Yupik)
ship to steward this organization. Without its Leadership Development
wisdom and time, we could not do the work we
Coordinator
have been tasked with. Our Trustees are incred-
ible people to their families and communities, Dr. Walter Soboleff said, Lift
and as Native, statewide, and national leaders up the face of your people! One
in their own right. We want to acknowledge and lifts up the face of our people
thank them for all they do for our organization by furthering their education,
and Native peoples: respecting Elders and parents,
providing for their families,
inspiring youth through cultures,
volunteering, etc.
Heather X ilay Gatti

(Haida/Tlingit)
Indigenous Research Assistant
The values of Responsibility, Native
Knowledge and Respect guide
Willie Sam Kito Jr. Valerie me every day in my role at FAI.
Iggiagruk (Tlingit), Davidson Through my work in the Policy
Hensley Vice-Chair (Yupik), Center, I get to lift up and give
(Inupiaq), Secretary/
back to our community.
Board Chair Treasurer
Colin Tassaq Atauciq McDonald

(Yupik)
Sustainability Assistant
For me, the work we do here at
FAI is grounded in my hope that
children in the rural areas of
Alaska can have the same amazing
childhood that I did. Growing up
Sven Albert Sylvia Lange
around and learning from the
Haakanson, Jr. Kookesh (Aleut/Tlingit)
(Sugpiaq) cultures and land that have been
(Tlingit)
so important in shaping who all of
us are today.
Kyle Dlaakaw esh Wark

(Tlingit)
Indigenous Researcher
& Policy Analyst
In my position, I spread awareness
of Alaska Native history and
Oliver Leavitt Georgianna Byron Mallott
(Inupiaq) Lincoln culture, as well as the impacts
(Tlingit),
(Athabascan) Senior Fellow
of colonialism on our peoples.
I advocate for policy solutions
grounded in our Native values
Morris Thompson (Athabascan), and worldviews, and uphold the
in memoriam traditions of our Ancestors.

FAI STAFF
Dewey Kkoeyo Hoffman Joy Gudangla Demmert
(Koyukon/Swiss) (Haida/Tlingit)
Leadership Development Director Administrative Coordinator
Strengthening our Alaska Native Through my role at FAI, I get
families and communities through to support the incredible work
our cultures is my lifes work. being done to help strengthen
With their support, I learn to be our Native community across
a healthy living vessel for our life the state. Ive been given the
ways just as my Ancestors have. opportunity to work toward a
better future for our people and,
for that, I feel blessed.
Andrea Akalleq Sanders (Yupik) Emily Keneggnarkayaaggaq

Alaska Native Policy Center Tyrrell
Director (Yupik/Iupiaq)
Through my role as director of Sustainability Director
the Alaska Native Policy Center, Fostering FAI sustainability isnt
I see how our healing dialogues just a job; its a calling that has
are lighting up Alaska with LOVE. enriched my life by allowing me to
I have found my lifes work at FAI, pull strength and wisdom from
and I know we are changing lives. my Ancestors to help advance
the entire Native community,
specifically through a philanthropic
and equity lens. #Imblessed
Darlene Paqpaluk Trigg Jorie Ayyu Paoli

(Iupiaq) (Iupiaq)
Social Justice Manager Vice President & Organizational
Advancement Director
Working at First Alaskans
Institute allows me to serve My grandpa Stanton Katchatag
my community in a way that said, We are eternal beings having
honors the Native values I was a temporary experience. I feel
raised with. honored to be able to dedicate
all my time and energy toward
the strength and wellbeing of our
Native peoples and communities,
every single day.
Elizabeth Laa guen nay

First Alaskans Magazine is a publication Kat Saas Medicine Crow
of First Alaskans Institute. Were always (Haida/Tlingit) is president/
looking for great stories written by or about CEO of First Alaskans
Native peoples, communities and ways of life. Institute.
magazine@firstalaskans.org
(907) 677-1700

Building for the
future fifty
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To learn more visit southcentralfoundation.com

wdk STORIES FROM AROUND
First graduates of the back. Supporters want to reclaim the

Inupiaq language in more official ways,
Alaska Native Sisterhood to respect and honor the language that
has been part of the land for thousands
Culinary Academy of years.
Part of the discussion also revolved
In July, 17 students graduated around changing city stop signs to say
from the Alaska Native Sisterhood Culi- nutqai. The council passed a unan-
nary Academy in Sitka. The students imous resolution to do so in hopes it
were taught food safety and basic culi- will encourage further use of the Inu-
nary skills, and earned SafeServ and piaq language.
Certified Food Protection certificates. While the council did not make a
Ultimately, the hope is these students definitive decision on the changing of
will be part of the community and cul- the Barrow name, council members
tural practices. moved to open it for community dis-
The local Alaska Native Sisterhood cussion.
camps hope to have a commercial
kitchen at the Alaska Native Brother-
hood hall that will benefit many com-
munity gatherings, including koo.eex, a
Navajo Nation loses battle
traditional memorial party. They want
community members to have train-
in trademark case filed
ing in skills that will benefit them for
employment, but also be able to give
against Urban Outfitters
back to the community.
The Alaska Native Sisterhood Camp 4,
In 2012, the Navajo Nation first
filed a trademark infringement case The case is
one of the
Alaska Native Brotherhood Camp 1, and against apparel chain store Urban
Faith Mountain Ministries sponsored Outfitters. The store was creating and
the culinary academy. There is already selling garments and products labeled
a waiting list for the next courses. Navajo, such as underwear and
flasks. A New Mexico federal judge
most visible
Barrow votes on
ruled that Urban Outfitters had fair use
of the term Navajo, because many
fights against
re-establishing Inupiaq
other non-Native companies also use
the term Navajo to describe their prod- cultural
place name
ucts.
The case is one of the most visible
fights against cultural appropriation,
appropriation.
In August, the Barrow City Coun- and the Navajo Nation argues that
cil voted on two major Native language because other companies are also
movements, including changing the infringing upon their name, does not
official name of Barrow back to the mean Urban Outfitters should get away
original Inupiaq name Utqiagvik. In the with its use.
1800s, a British geographer named the The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of
city after Sir John Barrow of the Brit- 1990 addressed the issue of misrep-
ish Admiralty. Before that, for at least resentation in marketing of Indian arts
1,500 years, the place was known as and crafts in the U.S., which is what
Utqiagvik, or place where the snowy the Navajo Nation was basing its law-
owls are hunted. suit from. The judge, however, ruled
The council discussed an ordinance that Navajo was not famous enough.
to begin a process of changing the name

Birdman
Unangan man takes care of his
winged cousins in Cordova
photoS by roy corral
E agles, ravens and crows can be seen from Cor-

dovas streets on any given day, catching morning
thermals that rise from precipitous mountainsides.
Most residents pay them no mind and go about
their daily chores. But Mark Hoover (Unangan), a
quiet man with a disarming smile, usually emerges
from his apartment at daybreak and counts the birds
gathered in nearby evergreens and along a fence next
to his house as a good sign.
Many of the ravens he knows by name. But others
continued on page 31

wdk STORIES FROM AROUND
Rule change in 100-year-old act

helps Alaska Native artists
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act is one of the oldest
wildlife management laws in the nation, but it has been
impeding Alaska Native artists ability to create and sell
art that is part of millennia-old traditions. The act has
restrictions against using feathers and other bird parts,
with no exceptions for traditionally made Native art or
regalia.
In 2012, Tlingit carver Archie Cavanaugh found him-
self paying a $2,000 fine and faced potential jail time
for creating and selling a headdress using migratory
bird feathers.
Both U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski and U.S. Rep. Don
Young proposed legislation that would create an excep-
tion for Native artists in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Gathering to give, Many Alaska Native leaders have advocated to Congress
about the act, and, in June, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
inspire and make Service proposed changes to the act that would make
an exception in selling Native arts and crafts if the birds
a difference were taken for food in a harvest season. Those who

wish to use and sell art with allowed feathers would
need to provide proof of Tribal membership or have a
Your gifts, energy and passion are even more Bureau of Indian Affairs card.
powerful when they are shared with others!
Choose from funds that touch your heart by:

Supporting healthy children and
communities
First Indigenous Comic Con to take
Improving patient and cancer care
Bolstering suicide prevention
place in November
And so much more! The Comic Con culture is well established in the U.S.,
and now Alaska Native and American Indian people
By giving today, you help create a will have their own event to celebrate Indigenerds.
healthier tomorrow for Alaska Native The inaugural Indigenous Comic Con will take place
families near and far. Nov. 18-20 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Franciss Native Realities Publishing and A Tribe
Called Geek are organizing the event, which will take
Make a difference today. place at the National Hispanic Cultural Center.
Part of the goal of the Comic Con is to break down
stereotypes of how Native people are portrayed. While
Comic Con cosplay is encouraged (participants dress
up as favorite characters) there are disclaimers about
being respectful and not portraying Native stereotypes.
Key guests and speakers include: Jeffrey Veregge,
Visit us at SKlallam artist who now works on Marvels Red
Wolf; the 1491s, a Native sketch comedy group; and
www.InspiringGoodHealth.org
Ishmael Hope, a Tlingit/Inupiaq writer of the video
or call 907-729-5652. game Never Alone.

continued from page 29

have also come, and Hoover knows they confirmed his commitment to capturing
are from a new generation whove now the birds characters, antics and behav-
followed their parents to visit him. iors with his camera. Some of his images
For the past 25 years, Hoover has cared are collected by his admirers.
for the birds by leaving them scraps of Hoovers photographic files of the
food, especially during the months of avian population of Cordova are exten-
bitter cold. sive. The videotape he has taken from
Winter is especially hard on them, he the window of his car with several ravens
said. I started throwing out scraps from flying alongside at eye level is particu-
my place some 25 years ago just to help larly compelling. The rare footage of the
them get through the cold spells. entourage of ravens appears on Hoovers
A quarter of a century later, he feels Facebook site, which he shares only with
like their kindred spirit. He has person- friends some of whom have come to
ally come to know some of the birds, and call him Birdman.
talks to them as his winged brothers and
sisters. It is in keeping with his beliefs Roy Corral is a photographer whose
that humans are the caretakers of all credits include the books Alaska Native
wild creatures and the connections are Ways and Children of the Midnight
circular in nature. Sun. His photographs have appeared
Hoovers deepening understanding and in National Geographic, Alaska
love of eagles, ravens and crows has also Geographic, and the Los Angeles Times.

Traveling with Our Ancestors

An eight-day canoe journey tests strength, brings communities together
BY Elizabeth Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit)
Y ou are about to enter the

land of our Ancestors, Ruth
Demmert said. Do not be afraid
to them. Let them in. Dont be afraid.
They are coming to help you. And
when you are pulling, and your whole
part in the One People Canoe Societys
effort to encourage our communities to
get back into our canoes our Elders,
they are waiting for you. body wants to give up, let them in. Use Tribal and community leaders, family
My throat tightened. My breathing their strength. They are giving them- and friends came to prepare us. They
deepened. My heart instantly grew selves to you. You are carrying all of us came with songs and words of encour-
10,000 years louder beating in my with you. agement, prayers, and, most impor-
chest. Elders nodded their heads in agree- tantly, their beautiful faces. Together
The animals, talk to them, let them ment. The young people listened we asked for ancestral guidance and
know where you are going, what you intently, too. heavenly protection for the journey
are trying to achieve. Ask for their It was early in the morning on June ahead.
help. Ask the water and land too, for 1 when we gathered at the Organized Despite being in my mid-forties and
permission. Do not be afraid. These Village of Kake dock. The weather was definitely out of shape, I was surpris-
words, spoken more elegantly than my typical, overcast with a slight rain, ingly calm for what we were about to
memory can recall here, were critical some wind but nothing out of the embark on. Honestly, I had expected
instructions just as relevant today as ordinary. It was the kind of weather some nerves, some second thoughts
for our Ancestors long ago. that has always made me feel at home, about being ready emotionally,
Then my Uncle Mike spoke. awake and energized. physically, and spiritually about
When you lay down to sleep, your As we prepared to push our canoe slowing down our crew. But our Ances-
Ancestors will come to you, he said. away from the dock and begin our 2016 tors were tough and the love we all felt
You will dream about them. You will Canoe Journey as the Kex Yaakw that morning was theirs. It was this
feel their presence. Open yourself up Kwan (Kake Canoe Family) - taking continued on page 34

O u r Da i ly Ca m p S c h e d u le
Day 0, Keex Kwaan: We loaded up Day 4, Square Cove: The Hoonah Day 7, Dupont Beach (South
the safety boat, and the Copper Bird canoe and Yakutat canoe join up with Gastineau Channel): We pulled
Canoe arrives to paddle out with us. us, and we have some adventures in 25 miles on this day, the longest
locating three special pullers who stretch in the hottest weather. It
Day 1, Chaik Bay: The group pulled were dropped off by a charter plane was beautiful and brutal. We pulled
out of our village, ran into rough at an old runway south of where around south Douglas Island and saw
weather in Frederick Sound, were they should have been. All were huge cruise ships and the bridge.
towed to Murder Cove, canoes safe and sound, and the new pullers People had hiked down to the beach
swamped. Both canoes were pulled immediately jumped into canoe life. and joined canoes. A wonderful man
on board the Christina Dawn, taken and his family donated boxes of crab
to Chaik Bay, and we are officially in Day 5, Funter Bay: Strangely, the to feed us all on the beach, and it was
the Fortress of the Brown Bear. The community refused to allow us to absolutely delicious. A cruise ship
SEARHC Canoe met us here. camp on shore. All canoes and safety went by us at full throttle, causing a
boats had to tie up on a small float wake that damaged canoes, boats and
Day 2, Angoon: We met up with the for the night. Tents and sleeping people. Luckily no one was seriously
Raven Canoe, Veterans Canoe, and conditions were rough and wet, but hurt, but common sense would
the One People Canoe Society at the our Ancestors lived and hunted in this require slowing down when you see
Angoon Ferry terminal to stage for place so we did not feel unwelcome smaller vessels in a narrow confined
the ceremonial landing in the village in our own lands. On the way out, we waterway.
IT WAS SO AMAZING! The kids and paid our respects to the Unangax
community sang us all in, the landing peoples for their time spent interned Day 8, Douglas Boat Harbor:
protocols gave us all goosebumps. here during World War II. The canoe stopped below the old
There was a community welcome and Thane Salmon Bake to pick up our
potluck, and more dancing. Day 6, Coglin Island: The tides Elder, Ruth Demmert. The weather
and weather were with us as we and currents were against us but she
Day 3, Angoon: We are storm paddled around Pt. Retreat, back jumped right in the bow like a seal.
bound. The canoes were moved to the into busier boat traffic. Our safety Other dignitaries had more difficulties
road, and the community completely boat captain intervened with boaters so we pulled up south of the tank farm
took care of us as we waited out the disrespecting the canoes and creating to load them in calmer water, pulled
weather. Special Gunalcheesh to unsafe conditions. Seeing him use his across the channel into the harbor
Elaine (Kookesh) and Frank Jack for all commercial fishing maneuvers to keep for the official Ceremonial Landing.
your love! us safe made us all feel protected and Afterwards, everyone scrambled to
pull even harder. We camped in view get ready for Celebration 2016 Grand
of Auke Bay and I felt a great sadness Entry.
at coming back into the city.

early morning send-off that began our just like our Ancestors did. Our Canoe Family
8-day prayer of grueling canoe pulling About three days into the journey,
and camp making. when the pulling made my muscles Tony Abbott, Skipper. Natalie
Some of us had done the journey burn and my back ache, when every- (Austin) Abbott, coordinator,
before, others were new to it, including thing inside of me wanted to give up, cook and puller. Mona Evan,
myself. Each of you will experience I paused and listened to the sound of health & safety and cook. Paul
your own journey, said Mike. Be the paddles lapping at the ocean. It was Rostad, safety boat captain and
helpful with each other, take care of then at those moments of pure ex- owner of the Christina Dawn.
one another. haustion that I felt my Uncles words, Arnold Skeek, safety boat deck
While our Kex Yaakw Kwan was Use their strength. hand and puller (may he rest in
only 18 people strong in number, we peace). Tyrone Paul, puller. Dan
were far greater in spirit. It was amaz- During the days, we experienced Willis, puller. Oscar Demmert,
ing to me how each person did their many moments of quietness; it was Sr., puller. Liz Medicine Crow
best, both in and out of the canoe. Ev- mesmerizing to feel the soft forward (author), puller. Dawn Jackson,
eryone worked hard to be helpful with- pull of the canoe, listening to the soft, puller. Jaqueline Bennum,
out being asked, to be kind, to notice rhythmic lapping of the paddles. And puller. Christine Bean, puller.
if someone needed something, carry then, suddenly, as if on cue, everyone James Jackson, puller. Shawaan
extra bags, get out of each others way, would start chatting and laughing Jackson-Gamble, puller. Skylar
and not let our own needs outweigh at the same time. We also had fun Ward, puller. Duane Brown,
the needs of the group. Squeezing 18 inventing new paddle styles which we puller. Burt Jackson, puller.
people into a small space might be a debuted in honor of our Veterans ca- Victor Demmert, puller.
recipe for high drama, but we all did noe. We called it the canoewalk, our
our best to take the advice of our com- ode to Michael Jacksons moonwalk,
munity we took care of each other. and those two funny ladies in Smoke we came into Juneau, it was exhilarat-
It also helped that we shared a col- Signals drove backwards in their rez ing, intense, and dizzying. Thousands
lective understanding of why we were car because it only had reverse. Wed of people and their songs rose up,
doing this. While we each carried our stroke together to go as fast as we echoing across the water long before
own reasons, we inherently knew that could, and then one side would hit the we could see them. After each canoe
we were not individuals on a sightsee- brakes as the other paddled forward paid respects to the waiting crowd,
ing tour through our own culture, but swinging us into reverse. Wed also we created a large flotilla of all the
rather stewards strengthening our do 50 good ones, jumping into fast, participating canoes, and one by one
ways of life and doing it for the love in-sync, strokes, loudly cadenced. This the landing protocols were done. Each
of our peoples. And that is an ancient was usually motivated by someone canoe called out to the local Tribe and
kind of love. sockeyeing (splashing) the person in told them where we were from, ask-
From day one, our canoe motto be- front of them or because one of our ing permission to come ashore. Each
came we eat whitecaps for breakfast, pullers just randomly decided to call canoe was welcomed with warmth and
because we hit some hard weather it out. And for no explainable reason, cheers from the shore.
crossing Frederick Sound. Our safety wed do it. After it was all done, our canoe
boats pulled us and the Copper Bird During the nights, wed set up our pulled into a slip at the Douglas Boat
canoe from Ketchikan into safety in tents just under the tree line of the Harbor. Everyone climbed out, greet-
Murder Cove. The swamped canoes beach to stay out of the way of the high ing our families and friends coming
were bailed out and brought onboard tides that time of year. In the evening, to meet us. But I couldnt. I sat in the
to get us through the unsafe condi- most folks would wander down to the canoe, by myself. I wasnt ready for it
tions to the first nights camping spot in beach to spend time with the other to be over.
Chaik Bay where we met up with the canoe families drumming and sharing Months later, it is the quiet glide
SEARHC canoe out of Sitka. We lost songs around the fire. of our canoe through the water, the
about seven miles of pulling because of When we came into Angoon and closeness of our Ancestors all around
the weather and our whole canoe was Juneau, the two communities along us, and the sound of our cedar paddles
resolved not to be towed again unless the journey route, the welcoming lapping in rhythm through our waters
safety required it. From then on our ceremonies were incredible. Angoons that I miss the most.
safety boat idled in neutral when we hospitality, especially the energy of
had to come aboard for meals or bath- their children, was incredible, hum- Elizabeth Laa guen nay Kat Saas
room breaks. We often lost ground due bling, and reminded me of how much Medicine Crow (Haida/Tlingit) is
to the currents and tides, but it didnt our peoples used to love to spend time president/CEO of First Alaskans
matter to us. We were there to pull, visiting each others villages. When Institute.

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Be com
a
War

hozoo njinthat | focus
ing
Participants of the Han Hwechin five-week language course at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks. photo courtesy of Shyanne Beatty
Lan guage
rior Advice for an exhilarating, inspiring
and highly emotional journey
By Shyanne Beatty (Han Gwichin Athabascan)
hile everyone was University of Alaska Fairbanks.

preparing to celebrate The Hn Nation resides in the vil-
one of our favorite lage of Eagle, Alaska, as well as on
Alaskan events, the the other side of the Canadian bor-
summer solstice, I was der in Dawson City, Yukon Territory
packing up and heading and the village of Moosehide. It is
to Fairbanks for five long weeks. It had an extremely endangered language
been a long time since I lived there. I with only six fluent speakers left; the
got a feeling of anxiety thinking about youngest of those speakers is 66 years
returning, but I knew it was for a great old. CoLang is short for Collaborative
reason. The reason was something I Language Documentation, and the in-
had waited forty years for, and now it stitute started in 2008 on the campus
was about to happen. of the University of California, Santa
I was driving seven hours away from Barbara. Every two years, the insti-
my home to learn my Hn Hwchin tute picks a new state to offer classes
language at the CoLang Institute at the necessary for learning, documenting,

and teaching a language. This years institute

offered Hn Hwchin, Unungam Tunuu from
the Aleutian chain and Miyako, a Japanese
language near Okinawa.
The first two weeks of the institute provided
Things I Learned Along the Way
me with valuable tools to move forward on
this language journey I was about to embark
on. I took Intro to Linguistics as my first class,
and it was like a revelation. I had been staring As I progressed through the next five weeks, I learned
at the Hn workbook for most of my adult life many things I wanted to share with anyone who decides to
and had no idea what sound an A with two pursue learning their own language:
dots over it made, which I now know is an
umlaut (). Linguistics was the key to unlock- It is vital to take a refer to them in the future.
ing this workbook that seemed so foreign. It linguistics class before you It is critical to develop a
was such an exhilarating feeling to begin to begin learning a language numbering system that
understand how to pronounce my written that uses linguistic diacritic you will always use for
language. marks. consistencys sake.
Be realistic when Get the best audio
The best way to
learn a language is to
It was such an planning your next step. possible. You will rely on
teach your language. exhilarating Saying you want to revitalize

your language is too broad
it for tone, intonation and
rhythm of your language!
There have been
many before you that feeling to begin to of an idea to put on paper
to get a grant. Start with a
Record your room first,
and listen to it. Remove
felt scared to fail but
have become success-
understand how small goal like collecting and unwanted sounds such as
ful language teachers. to pronounce my digitizing analog material for

use with modern equipment
loud fans, the hum of an
appliance, etc.
My personal journey
has been exhilarat-
written language. to make accessible to your Also try to capture as
community. much metadata as you can,
ing, inspiring and
highly emotional. I didnt know I would Use technology to such as the date, people
be overwhelmed with so much emotional give you more access to involved and, if possible,
trauma. I was struggling through being mad communicating with other brief descriptions of what
that I was never taught as a child. I felt some speakers. For instance, you is on the tape such as place
linguists just saw my language as something can start a weekly Skype names, kinship, traditional
to be dissected and not respected. Some lan- lesson to speak with various stories, etc. This will be
guage speakers would laugh at my pronuncia- language learners and extremely useful in the
tion and make me feel small as a child when I speakers. future when some wants to
attempted even to speak it. Start out with simple
access it.
I also grieved for my family that was part of introductions, and re- Learn how to use your
the generational trauma of losing the lan- establish what was audio and video equipment
guage and forbidding their children to speak developed in the previous by practicing, and always
it out of fear. So it came as a complete surprise lesson to build on what has carry back-up batteries,
when all this flooded through my body into previously been taught. power supplies and
an almost paralyzing moment of anger, fear recording media.
Repeat, repeat,
and sadness. Trying to learn your language
repeat! Repetition is your Make sure you talk with
seems like an insurmountable challenge, and I
friend, and it will help your your community about
could see how people would want to give up.
speakers to begin all lessons informed consent. The
Where do you even start? What are the most
by introducing themselves Ahtna Cultural Center
effective practices that others are using? So
every time. has an Ahtna Linguistic
many questions flood through your mind on
and Ethnographic Archive
where to begin and who you should ask for When gathering
and would be a great
guidance. But you dont have to re-invent the information, audio and/
resource for establishing a
wheel; someone has already done that for you. or video it is important
protocol of access to all the
It is definitely not an easy or short journey to to be organized. Label
information you collect.
take, but the path to learning your language is a things clearly so you can

worthwhile one. Start out by learn-
Unipkaausiksuuvik
ing to introduce yourself.
(the place of
the future/ancient)
Shozr Shyanne Beatty. Tthee
dwdlinn tsnn jihchee to An-
chorage hchinn. Shnaa Regi
Goebel tsnn shtseyy Silas
Stevens.
(My name is Shyanne Beatty. I
am from Eagle but live in Anchor-
age. My mother is Regi Goebel, and
my grandfather is Silas Stevens.)
Learning how to introduce

myself was a great way to begin my
journey in becoming a language
warrior. I would like to thank Percy
Henry, Ruth Ridley, Ethel Beck, On view Oct. 7
Angie Joseph Rear, Adeline Potts through Nov. 27, 2016
and my teacher Willem DeReuse at the Anchorage Museum
for helping me learn my language.
I have only just begun, but I know
I must try to attempt to save my
language from extinction. Yes, I Artist Allison Warden creates and
just said that extinction! It is a performs in an installation taking the
sobering and painful thought but form of an Iupiaq ceremonial qargi.
a completely factual one. It is also
one that makes you feel like you are
preparing for mission impossible.
But as Alice from Alice in Wonder-
land says, The only way to achieve
the impossible is to believe it is pos-
sible. We are the generation that is
going to revitalize our language and
culture! All we have to do is take
that first step and become a warrior
for language.
Mhsi cho!
(Thank you very much!) Good people make great lawyers.
Shyanne Beatty (Han Gwichin) is John M.Sky Starkey
Network Manager for Native Voice Alaska Native, Tribal, and Municipal Law
One, and producer of numerous

award-winning radio programs. To be a great lawyer in Alaska, you first need to understand Alaska.
Were part of this state, and the business and public entities that work
for its people. Whether its mergers and acquisitions, real estate,
government, Native Corporations or finance, business is our business.
A Love Letter to n We have the talent youre looking for in an attorney, and the
Second Language experience you need to succeed. Simply put, we know Alaska.
Learners
Turn the page for an apprecia-
tion of the tribulations and Anchorage 907.276.5152
rewards of second language LBBLawyers.com
learners.
Alaska n Oregon

` njihtht | Opinion
nts
A Love Letter
to Second Language
Learners
You need nobodys permission to reclaim the own words of your people.
By Cordelia Qinaaq Kellie (Inupiaq)
ear Second Learner, please press on; learn your

Language Learners, words, exercise them, and protect
You are some of the them because your language remains
bravest people I know.
With abounding love and
alive as long as you have these
words inside you. After all, caring is We want to pass
empathy, and the realness
that is the ways of our peoples, I
contagious; my friend who was gifted
with fluent parents and is himself down the language,
wanted to write to you these words: I conversational once told me, I would
know. care more about language if I saw that not the pain.
For those working through grammar people actually cared.
books and sharing language through I can tell you with certainty that
social media, signing up for classes, by staying true and consistent, by
and asking family and community sharing why its important with others
members for words, for those just when moments arise but also living by
starting out in your language journey, example, it catches on. Never give up. your view of your own people has been
and for those who have been involved I know that language work and warped through your work. Maybe
in language work for awhile, for those language learning leaves your heart you feel battle worn and scarred and
who are on the front lines of advancing in your palm, open for anyone to flay that once upon a time, before this
the language movement, and to those everything about your very essence of all began, you were different less
secretly interested in learning but being questioning your motivations, pained. Know that all of these feelings
maybe scared to do so I write this quizzing your skill, dissecting your are just the transfer of sentiments from
love letter to all of you. identity and authenticity as an what your community feels onto you; it
I know that at some moments, the indigenous person or the pureness is now time to give those feelings back
work can feel futile in the recesses of your blood. It makes me wonder if to those systems that gave them to us,
of your mind, in the very secret parts anybody who achieves conversational for they do not belong with our people.
of your heart, sometimes you might ability or fluency can emerge, speaking I know that if you only did language
wonder can my language really be well, but also whole. work, it could seem like you are
revitalized? Or is it going to go the way You were perhaps a different person working with seemingly harsh and
of so many languages and die anyway? before you began your language cruel peoples. I was talking with an
To that, dear Second Language journey. Maybe you are feeling like adult second-language learner in a

rural community, one relatively rich your culture, then it cannot be taken
in language, who told me, Maybe it away from you. Give yourself the
would be easier to learn the language permission you need to learn an
in Anchorage because then youre
away from the criticism. I know that language indigenous language. And if you are
ever in times of doubt, remember this:
Know this sensation comes from I never had a Spanish teacher who was
somewhere: the love of language work and language from Mexico or Bolivia or Spain.
our people have, the fierce sense
of protection for preserving it in learning leaves your Dear Second Language Learner,
its perfect form, and the very you who choose to go down this path,
real fear to see it changed, altered
or disappear. We have to keep
heart in your palm, to work through the frustrations of
asking for money to get back what
knowing and believing that going
forward, for espousing love and
open for anyone was taken from you, who struggles
through Tribal dynamics and personal
making it synonymous with language
work, is not only how we will stave
to flay everything politics to bring language work into
fruition, who feel like youre grasping
off bitterness, but it is how our
communities will heal and end the about your very to actualize within others why our lan-
guages are even important, who gets
inheritance of shame; we want to pass challenged for accented speech, who
down the language, not the pain. essence of being. in championing language or Native-
positive legislation has to push back on
When those remaining fluent policy makers wary of favoring one
speakers are our Eldership, it can minority over others, who carries on
be easy to think of our languages as despite disagreements about dialect,
languages of the old. Our work is, who is battling apathy about language
however, to once again make them lan- take up the charge, who is killing our from those who are closest to you,
guages of the young. Reclaiming our languages now? who is making the time because you
languages as the younger generations, know we all have time for that which
and taking ownership of them as ours I know the struggles you have we truly value, who is working to coax
requires so much bravery. I know we to work through regarding dialectical words from our precious Elders who
give our children upward of five years differences, and respecting the special share though it may gravely pain them
to practice learning their first language styles and cadences that have grown to speak I give you every possible
to babble, practice the sounds and in our communities, which make respect, courtesy and accolade that is
make mistakes, knowing they will our words unique. But the language owed to you and your bravery in trudg-
eventually self-correct, but it seems landscape is such that we must ask ing through. Dont stop believing.
we do not allow adult second language ourselves, if in being unwilling to learn With abounding empathy and love,
learners the same. In fact, it is the only all ways, will we lose the ways of all? Another Second Language Learner
way language has ever been learned. I know what it feels like to wonder, if
I once introduced myself in my in loving our languages, are we loving Cordelia Qinaaq Kellie (Inupiaq) is
language to an Elder who was part of them to death? I know what its like to an advocate, author, and English
the boarding school generation. She wonder if our peoples will ever accept Language and Rhetoric graduate of
began to cry and couldnt continue an evolving living language over a the University of Alaska Anchorage.
speaking with me. She said it was so perfect dying one. She is currently pursuing a masters
good to hear the words coming from And for those learning an indigenous degree in rural development at UAF.
a young one. Our languages must language who are non-Native, I take You may find her blog at nalliq.com.
once again become the languages of my hood off to you. Know that the
the young; taking ownership of our more people we have learning our
languages as the young is the charge of languages, the stronger they become; Publishers Note: The views of this
those who live without that pain. You we need more language, not less of writer are her own and do not repre-
need nobodys permission to reclaim it; and more language will always sent First Alaskans magazine or First
the words of your own people. The be a good thing. By helping keep Alaskans Institute. This space is for
missionaries and the boarding schools languages alive, you too are advocating the sharing of viewpoints, meant to
that took the words out of our Elders for our peoples, perspectives and catalyze thinking and deeper dialogue
mouths they are now gone; we communities, and I thank you. I once on important issues that impact the
know that if we young people do not heard someone say, If you share Alaska Native community.

Dolores Churchill leads workshop participants into the forest surrounding

Metlakatla where they will gather cedar bark to process.
ee | TOGETHER
Material
Traditions
photo story by Wayde Carroll
n June, on an overcast, Southeast millennia of women before her passed

Alaska day on Annette Island, a down through the years.
group of women followed Haida This cedar gathering activity was part
Master Weaver Delores Churchill of a series called Material Traditions:
into the woods, looking for just the Twining Cedar, organized by the Smithso-
right cedar tree. Once found, cedar nian Arctic Studies Center, in partnership
bark was pulled off the trees, the outer with the Haayk Foundation and Anchor-
bark removed, then brought back to the age Museum. It was the first of a four-part
community of Metlakatla to be prepared program to teach and document what the
further. Haida, Tsimshian and Tlingit people of
Those inner bark strips will be twined Alaska have practiced for so long: gather-
into baskets or plaited into headdresses for ing, preparing, and creating with cedar.
small children to wear while they dance. In October, the series will continue at right: Churchill
Or maybe they will be woven into weave the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center teaches Annette
mats to sit on and watch the children. They at the Anchorage Museum, where the Topham the
could become any number of items the public can view artists creating work from proper way to
people of Southeast Alaska have been cre- the gathered cedar bark. In November a separate the outer
ating for thousands of years. Churchill is language component will take place in bark from the
helping to teach a new generation the skills Metlakatla. inner bark.

ee | TOGETHER
1 2
3 4
1. Annette Topham works at separating the outer bark from the 4. Jamie Thompson pulls off a
inner bark. 2. Shayla Kitson displays her roll of harvested cedar strip of cedar bark. 5. Workshop
bark. 3. Kandi McGilton makes an incision into a cedar tree participants guide bark through
where shell pull off a patch of cedar bark. a shredder to create the long,
narrow strips necessary for
weaving. 6. Naomi Leask at work
while her daughter Selina sleeps
peacefully.

5 6

1 2
3 4
1. Dolores Churchill demonstrates the proper technique for

gathering Maidenhair fern. The stems are used in various cedar
bark pieces to add design elements. 2. Churchill looks on as
Annette Topham and Kimberlee Anderson prepare Maidenhair
fern stems to be used as an overlay material in cedar bark
works. 3. The Haayk Foundations Kandi McGilton, Churchill, and
Anchorage Museum conservator Sarah Owens study a piece
made by Mary Hudson held in the private collection of John
Hudson. 4. Ashlynn Horne shows off a cedar bark bracelet made
for her by her aunt.

ee | TOGETHER
above: A sampling of the many

wonderful cedar-bark works
made by Lillian Buchert. These
are part of the private collection
of artist Jack Hudson.
left: Churchill studies a cedar

bark basket, also by Lillian
Buchert, from the Haayk
Foundations collection.

` njihtht | Opinion
nts
WHEN THE
ALASKA
JUSTICE
SYSTEM
IS THE
CRIMINAL
My Time with United States Attorney General Loretta Lynch
By Cordelia Qinaaq Kellie (Inupiaq)

had been in Barrow just our names, indicating where we were
over a week when I received a to sit; it was the abundant security
call from First Alaskans Insti- detail that I noticed first. Every seat
tute, a statewide indigenous was taken. All of the other young
leadership development and Native leaders were sitting to my
policy center, inviting me right, and Department of Justice
back to Anchorage to meet officials were filling the seats to my
with United States Attorney left, as well as representatives from
General Loretta Lynch. Seek- the Alaska Federation of Natives and
ing to spend a few months of uninter- CITC. Additional legal professionals
rupted time in the region where my were also in attendance, as well as
family lives and is from, I was already the media. It was quite the affair.
leaving, but for an exciting purpose: I began speaking to the guests
a small group of young Alaska Na- around me, then someone said,
tive leaders were gathering to share Something is happening. Addi-
experiences related to the issues and tional security walked into the room,
challenges Alaska Natives face in an there was quicker walking outside,
authentic and unscripted way. and in walked the attorney general of
I was going to meet the Attorney the United States. My first impression
General! Soon after the invitation, was that she was kind, strong and
I already knew in my heart what I warm.
wanted to share. The meeting hosts opened the
The North Slope is a beautiful meeting, stated the purpose of the
and complex place, full of diversity meeting, and the first youth began
among the eight villages which com- to share her story of sexual abuse
prise our region. Each community and domestic violence. There was an
has a distinct history and personality; accompanying sound of camera shut-
many of the communities in modern ters. The next speaker echoed similar
formevolved from various Iupiaq circumstances, personalized with
groups who historically traded and, the challenges in his community. The
at times, waged war with one an- attorney general listened intently as
other. These communities comprise we all heard these raw, personal ac-
some of the most generous, sincere counts of overcoming homelessness
and loving people that I know. Along- and poverty, racial discrimination,
side this likeness, there are also a and striving to thrive while bat-
host of issues that plague the region, tling immense abuse, violence and
not unlike the rest of Alaska. It was trauma. Eight stories of tremendous
issues like these, and my experience adversity yielded eight accounts of
with them, that the attorney general overcoming the darkest aspects of
of the United States, a member of our state.
President Obamas cabinet, sought to The young leader to my right had
hear. just finished speaking about the heal-
So that Friday morning, I boarded ing, shared value of humor and how
the plane, and a friend picked me up humor has saved his life, when all too
in Anchorage. On the flight, I com- soon, there was only silence in the
mitted to sharing what it was that I room. Now it was my turn.
came to say. I didnt know that when
I arrived at the meeting, I would lean
on that commitment. I was slightly shaking. But
The meeting was in Cook Inlet something I learned long ago is that
Tribal Councils (CITC) conference bravery is not the absence of fear; its
room, a circular space with a round choosing to act in spite of it. I thought
conference table and placards with to myself, If I dont say this now,

the attorney general is never going to from this to have a single mark. There
hear it. are some areas of the world where
I knew most people in the room indigenous people are so entrenched
were not going to understand me, but in similar issues and experiences for
I was taught to introduce myself in so long, you ask yourself, Where do
Iupiaq; in doing so, you are repre- you even begin the road to recovery?
senting the truest version of who you My great vision for our people is, in
are. My name is Qinaaq. My family 100 years, we will look back and think
is from Wainwright. I am Iupiaq. I how, in the entire timeline of our
was born in Anchorage. I come from peoples, this was that one weird thing
the Tagarook and James families. that happened to us that one time.
These are my grandparents and great
grandparents. I am so very happy to
be here. That was conceptually what I
I continued, Weve had the oppor- wished to impart. But there was also
tunity to hear stories about a number something tangible that I wished to
of different challenges that affect Alas- impart. It was an example that show-
ka Native people. Weve heard about cased the inequity too many rural
the trials of dealing with domestic families face.
violence, sexual assault, homeless- I told her a condensed version of
ness, suicide, poverty and all forms how, when I got to Barrow, my good
of abuse. Today I hope to bring a friend told me, All charges for crimes
big-picture perspective to all of this: It less than a felony have been dropped
never used to be this way. for a year.
We never used to know suicide. I asked how that could be possible.
We never used to know displace- Im not sure, but its been this way
ment. All these ways that to us now since the DAs office here shut down
seem so normal this is not normal. last summer, he said.
Somethink that these issues exist Like any place in Alaska, the North
because of who we are as Alaska Na- Slope is going to have its share of
tives, and that is not the truth; these challenges, and its not as if people
issues are due to that which hap- werent getting arrested for crimes.
pened to us, not very long ago. We I was the only person flying in from
never used to be this way. This is not the North Slope who would be in
normal. attendance. I knew I was represent-
I can see this in my own familys ing the challenges of our region, so I
line. My great-grandmother had her sought to do my homework. At every
challenges. My grandma wasnt okay. opportunity, I talked and asked about
And my mom wasnt okay. But Im crime and justice issues here. What
okay. And my nephew is okay. And were the shared sentiments? What
the cycle of generational trauma, were people saying? My friend told
thats how it ends. Everyone in my me some think those in the justice
lineage before my great-grandma was system feel like, Oh, Eskimos are
okay, and everyone after me, includ- forgiving, so we dont have to do
ing my nephew, will be okay, and this too much. Eskimos will forgive each
just needs to happen family by family, other, or Shell just go back to him.
and thats how whole communities Another friend told me of how she
heal. woke up to someone unbuttoning and
I think of the image of a grenade unzipping her pants. She chased him
going off in my mothers hand, an ex- out of her house, called the cops, and
plosion of the factors the other lead- nothing was done. I asked another
ers spoke of. I received the shrapnel, friend if she had heard about the
residual pieces of her experiences, dropped charges, and she said, Yes!
but my nephew is too far removed Yes, for a year! Ever since the DAs

` njihtht | Opinion
nts
office closed! And even though the dis-

trict attorney here was shot and killed
last summer, they were going to close
it here anyway.
I heard enough to be direct about
getting additional information, so I If the state not affording
met with a senior representative of the
North Slope Borough Police Depart-
ment. I asked about what I was hear-
to prosecute cases is the
ing regarding the year of uniformly
dropped charges. He shared that it
was akin to the truth in the sense
best we can do, the best is
that in instances where you might see
prosecution, he was seeing bail, fines, not good enough.And one
sweet deals and, yes, dropped charges
instead because of the case loads
and budget cuts. He also spoke of how
thing I learned in Juneau is
the Fairbanks DAs office, which took
over the cases from Barrow and the
North Slope, was finally getting to
if a system is working for
cases for crimes that happened here in
Barrow two summers ago. nobody, then that system is
As my information rose, so did
broken.
my indignation. This was the level of
protection that was being provided to
my region? My family, my friends, our
community how could this be okay?
Additionally, if so many of our North
Slope questions were stemming from
the Fairbanks DAs office, what was
happening on the other end? Two days
after meeting with the police depart-
ment, I decided to place a call to the of-
fice of the Fairbanks district attorney.
Hi, my name is Cordelia Kellie call-
ing from Barrow, and I would like to
talk to someone regarding the conges-
tion of cases coming out of Barrow
and how misdemeanor cases are being
dropped?
And who are you with?
Im unaffiliated, but light-
bulb I actually have a meeting in
the morning with the attorney general
of the United States, and I have some
questions regarding case prosecution
in Barrow in advance of that meet-
ing. I was on hold and then patched
through to a senior representative of
the Fairbanks DAs office.
I introduced myself and told him
the purpose of the meeting with the

attorney general. I told him I had heard

that cases were not being prosecuted
for a year. He said, That is completely
untrue. But in hoping to dispel inaccu-
Every night our state rate notions, it was the truth that was
more frustrating than fiction.
The representative spoke of the bud-
leadership goes to sleep get cuts I had been hearing about and
how they were affecting his office. He
having put their political

spoke of everything they were doing
to provide the best service to their dis-
trict; there was a dedicated prosecutor,
interests and security for example, whose sole responsibility

is to prosecute Barrow and North Slope
cases. He also spoke in strong support
before that of our Alaskan of empowering Tribal courts to take
some of these cases, as misdemeanor
community members, I want

crimes are being screened out, that in
the past may have been taken up. In
2008, when he first went to Barrow,
them to know that a man there was a glut of cases that werent
moving, and felonies werebeing classi-
fied as misdemeanors with prosecu-
unzipped my friends pants, tion coming out of Fairbanks, at least
he can oversee systemic standards
and nothing was done.

such as correct designations of crime.
But because of the fiscal crisis and
financial constraints, the bottom line
is they can only take the cases they
canafford to prosecute. They have to
take the best cases, as in, the airtight
ones, because if there is any case that
requires additional resources, they
have to be conscious of how they
expend their funds. The bottom line is
that there are outcomes being decided
for crimes that might look differently if
the DAs office was more fully funded.
And as he told me, if there is a crime
that happens on the YK Delta, and they
have to fly in witnesses,they were go-
ing to ask themselves, Can we afford
to prosecute?
I shared this story and told the room
that this speaks to the very heart of in-
equity in our state. But how divine that
the official to my left would be charged
with oversight with the justice system
in Alaska, and how equally divine that
she directly reported to the attorney
general of the United States. And how
magnificent, that the attorney gen-
eral would shoot her looks all while I
shared my story.

` njihtht | Opinion
nts
Having worked this spring There ARE 10,000 residents

in Juneau for a state senator on the in the North Slope Borough. Where
Finance Committee, I understand why else in the United States would 10,000
and how the state is making cuts. I re- citizens receive this rate of protec-
ally do. But if Alaskas residents suffer tion? Some think, You choose to live
at the hands of the justice system due in rural Alaska; what do you expect?
to the fiscal crisis, let us equally suffer. How can rural Alaska not expect
I understand the North Slope Bor- second-rate service? as if rural Alaska
ough is doing its best with what servic- is a drain on Alaskas resources. How-
es are being provided by the Fairbanks ever, 90 percent of Alaskas revenue
DAs office. And I understand that the actually originates in rural Alaska, and
Fairbanks DAs office is doing its best so everything about that thought is
with the hard prosecution choices it backwards.
has to make with what is allocated in Rural Alaska at least deserves
the Alaska Legislature.But if the state equity. Rural Alaska does not want
not affording to prosecute cases is the special treatment; rural Alaska asks
best we can do, the best is not good for equal treatment. How base that
enough.And one thing I learned in justice in our state is so tied to budget
Juneau is if a system is working for no- and income. No matter where you are,
body, then that system is broken. This justice should not belong to those who
is not working for the Fairbanks DAs can afford it.
office, in my opinion. It is not working As we took a group photo, the attor-
for the North Slope Borough. It trickles ney general shook each of ourhands.
down to my community having a As she shook mine, I thanked her and
friends pants unzipped with no just remembered how she had said this
outcome. This is not working for me. meeting was the best hour she could
This is a complete failure of our state remember spending in a long time.
in depending so long on one resource, There is no telling how the stories
where so much of our revenue could in that room will affect the processes
disappear overnight. It is a failure of and procedures that govern our lives,
our legislature for introducing contro- that police us, that tell us what we may
versial bills such as guns on campus or may not have and guide what our
and Planned Parenthood in the class- experiences will look like.
room to distract the publics attention We have to hope that by educating
and delay dealing with the budget for those in power and sharing our stories
18 months to a year. It is a failure of our among us, progress willbe made.
state legislature to operate in fear, and
care more about reelection, than to Cordelia Qinaaq Kellie (Inupiaq) is
operate by the words of Gov. Walker: an advocate, author, and English
I did not run for governor to keep the Language and Rhetoric graduate of
job, I ran for governor to do the job. the University of Alaska Anchorage.
And every night our state leadership She is currently pursuing a masters
goes to sleep having put their political degree in rural development at UAF.
interests and security before that of You may find her blog at nalliq.com
our Alaskan community members, I
want them to know that a man un- Publishers Note: The views of
zipped my friends pants, and nothing this writer are her own and do not
was done. While they may have had represent First Alaskans magazine
nothing to do with that particular or First Alaskans Institute. This
outcome, they have with possibly space is for the sharing of view-
hundreds of other incidents just like it. points, meant to catalyze thinking
That the justice system has to consider and deeper dialogue on important
whether it can afford to prosecute is an issues that impact the Alaska Native
outrage. community.

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khn trdhoh | catalyze
Photo by Richard Perry
Changing
Tatiana Ticknor (Yupik/
Denaina/Tlingit) and Lt. Gov.
Byron Mallot (Tlingit).
57 Between the Lines
61
Indigenous studies center
envisioned for UAF
A Compromise for
Hands
Protection
Finding balance for Alaskas Lieutenant Governor discusses ANCSA
traditional Gwichin land with young Alaska Native leader
62 nts` njihtht
/ Opinion By Richard Perry (Yupik/Athabascan)
PFD Automatic Voter
T
Registration will atiana Ticknor and her mother, Jean Sam-Kiunya, are waiting
Empower Alaska Natives
outside a government office. The day before the interview it was
64 nts` njihtht announced Ticknor would be honored as one of the 2016 Class of 25
/ Opinion
Under 25 Native Youth Leaders with the United National Indian Tribal
In Need of Allies:
Protecting our Ways of Youth, Inc. (UNITY). She received an award from Champions for Change,
Life and even met President Obama. Today she will meet, and talk about the

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act

(ANCSA) with, Alaskas own Lt. Gov. Apparently, the ANCSA regional corporation took
on new business and investments, few
Byron Mallott (Tlingit).
Ticknor introduces herself to I am a leader. business leaders expected much from
the Native community.
I didnt know I
Mallott: shes an East High School ANCSA was a historic settlement
junior (now senior), 17 years old, involving nearly $1 billion and 44
Yupik, Denaina, Tlingit. And shes million acres of land. Few expected
ready to gain perspective about
ANCSA from a man who was there at was. I was just the level of successes some of the
regional corporations have had. But
the beginning.
Im 73. I have granddaughters saying what there are other important things to
consider.
I feel about
older than you! says Mallott. It gives me hope that, almost fifty
Born in Yakutat, and attending years after ANCSA has passed, all
a boarding school for many of his of our corporate boards could have
younger years, Mallott was a young
man in the sixties when ANCSA things and divested the land and distributed
hundreds of millions of dollars to all
discussions began. For a year, he
served as a special assistant to a U.S. speaking my the shareholders, Lt. Gov. Mallott
said. There has been only a small
language.
Senator in Washington DC. He was infinitesimal amount of Native land
only a few years older than Ticknor at lost. This is because our boards, over
the time. the years, have kept the ownership of
I was there during the develop- the land.
ment of ANCSA, he says. I have been But what is next? When asked about
involved in every decade of Alaskas the future of ANCSA, Mallott adds,
Tatiana Ticknor
history since statehood in some way. I would like to see corporations,
What I am most proud of is being Clan over time, to keep lands that are
leader. clearly of economic value. And
He is the currently Clan leader of breaking up of our lands into the perhaps create a process where the
the Tlingit Raven Kwaash Kee Kwaan [regional] corporations I went to other lands are transitioned into
Clan of Yakutat. the conferences in D.C., and so many some kind of ownership maybe
Mallott wants to know how Ticknor of the lower-48 Native people seem Tribal or something else, for use by
managed the meeting with President to live on mostly dry land and cant shareholders and descendants, but
Obama. She shared how she worked make a living off of it. Back home I protected from being taken by others,
at the Alaska Native Heritage Center think its maybe easier. or us as individuals. It must be kept
as a cultural ambassador and was Ticknor is from Nondalton, where for future generations, free from the
on the Youth Leadership Council at her family spends time whenever they terror of having our Native lands
school. She received an award from can. We get our land and resources. taken. Because I think we know that if
the Center for Native American Youth, Ticknor said. I like saying that we we dont, that ANCSA will be a failure,
who created Champions for Change. have our own land. We go fishing, if money alone dominates.
I got this award because apparently but we have to get a license, and I For now, Mallott finds encourage-
I am a leader, said Ticknor. I didnt dont know why. Its our land. But I ment in the young lady who has
know I was. I was just saying what I think were really lucky to have these accomplished so much in only 17 years
feel about things and speaking my corporations instead of reservations. of life.
language. ANCSA was never about regional I am hopeful, meeting you,
She was the youngest to join the corporations, Lt. Gov. Mallott replied. Mallott says to Ticknor. You
Champions for Change, and, as part It was about keeping as much land recognize whats important. When
of the program, she was invited in Native hands as possible, for future you become a leader, it is in your
to the White House Tribal Nations generations. Like anything in public hands, and I feel good about that.
Conference in Washington D.C. She policy, we dont operate alone. Then,
learned just before arriving she was and now, in politics the result is about Richard Perry is a Yupik/
going to have the opportunity to meet compromise in many ways. No one Athabaskan writer and playwright
and speak with President Obama. gets everything they want. with a bachelors degree in
When asked about ANCSA she Many ANCSA corporations are philosophy from University of Alaska
said, Im just learning about ANCSA, doing very well financially, he Anchorage. Richard can be reached
really. ANCSA to me was about continued. In the early seventies, as atrichardperry770@gmail.com.

Architectural rendering of what the indigenous studies center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks would look like.
Rendering courtesy of UAF
Between the Lines

Initiative seeks to establish Indigenous studies
center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks
By Sam Bishop
C hief Peter John had an idea, but, in the tradi-

tional way of an Athabascan Elder, he explained
it indirectly.
Called the Troth Yeddha Legacy initiative, the cam-
paign seeks to raise $25 million for an Indigenous
studies center set in a park designed to honor Alaska
Read between the lines, the chief from Minto Native peoples. The goal is to make the campus more
said, as he concluded a speech at the University of welcoming and academically rewarding for Alaska
Alaska Fairbanks in 1994. Native people and all who are interested in their cul-
Johns speech focused on Troth Yeddha the ture, history and future.
Dene name for the east-west ridge on which the Fair- In his speech to students, faculty members and
banks campus sits. His idea was that the universitys others gathered in Wood Center for the Rural Stu-
creation had fulfilled a destiny for the place. Alaska dent Services 25th Annual Native Summit, John de-
Native people should embrace that destiny by seek- scribed how earlier generations had picked troth,
ing education there, John said. the wild potato root, near the ridge, yeddha.
Two decades later, the university and supporters What they do here? the 94-year-old chief asked.
are ramping up a campaign based on that vision. The thing that your great-, great-grandfather and

grandmother did is what you see big building with the help of the Troth Yeddha Legacy initiative.
here. Evidence from other institutions shows that creating
That hinted at a greater purpose than picking a welcoming, scholarly center can help.
troth. John then elaborated. During the past decade, some of the grass roots
Our great-great-grandfather plant that eagle effort surrounding Troth Yeddha went into restoring
feather on this hill here so that the younger people its rightful name.
today could go to school and try to learn the true Above a bluff on the easternmost point of the ridge,
meaning what the Athabascan Indians were. Thats archaeological excavations from the 1930s through
not written in history, but you young people is there the 1990s found more than 9,000 artifacts. Many of
to accomplish that goal today, he these artifacts are thousands of years
said. old, testifying to an occupancy that
According to anthropologist David offers a source for the stories passed
Krupa, who spent a decade studying down by Elders and told by Chief
the Minto chiefs teachings, the eagle Peter John.
feather represented social integration Robert Charlie, also a fluent Dene
to John. The feather symbol came speaker from Minto, first suggested
from a story that John often told the idea of formally adopting the
about two Tribes that reconciled. traditional name for the full ridge.
In his 1999 doctoral dissertation, Charlie, Professor Emeritus James
Finding the Feather: Peter John Kari and Rural Student Services
and the Reverse Anthropology of the Director Annette Freiburger
White Man Way, Krupa wrote about campaigned for the name change.
Johns ancient storytelling tradition. The UA Board of Regents and the
[I]n making story, he hopes to To learn more about the Troth Alaska Historical Commission
script a world that, once made, can be Yeddha Legacy initiative, please authorized this request and, in 2013,
stepped into and lived as a proactive contact Evon Peter, UAF vice the U.S. Board on Geographic Names
experience, Krupa wrote. chancellor for rural, community and agreed.
Johns script for Troth Yeddha Native education, at 907-474-5860 In 2008, the UA Board of Regents
reading between the lines would or Emily Drygas, UAF director of also approved the creation of Troth
make it a place for Alaska Native development and alumni relations, Yeddha Park between the University
people to find success in their at 907-474-2619. of Alaska Museum of the North and
educational endeavors. the Reichardt Building. In 2010,
For decades, UAF has offered the architectural firm Jones and
programs on Alaska Native languages, Jones, working with a park planning
culture, art and government, as well as summer committee, completed a development plan designed
sessions to introduce village students to campus. to recognize and honor Alaska Native peoples.
In a recent promotional pamphlet produced for the With advocacy from the late Bernice Joseph,
Troth Yeddha Legacy initiative, former students vice chancellor of rural, Native and community
testified about the value of those programs. education, the committees concept then grew to
Rhonda Pitka, who is now the first chief of the include the Indigenous studies center a statewide
Beaver Village Council, met President Barack Obama academic hub for the study of Alaska Native cultures.
in 2015 when he visited Alaska. She shared with him In 2014, the committee launched the fundraising
her thoughts about the importance of Tribal rights. campaign to build the park and center.
I owe this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet As a ridge where Dene people gathered and
the president to the Tribal management program, watched the landscape, Troth Yeddha offers a
which has opened doors and given me the chance to natural metaphor for UAF.
network with people that I wouldnt have had as the The university, after all, also brings people
chief of a small village, Pitka said. together to study the surrounding world for insight.
Despite such praise, the percentage of Alaska The institutions role is rooted in the legacy of the
Native students who complete a degree is still far too place just read between the lines.
low, university officials say. The Fairbanks campus
has not always felt welcoming, according to some
students. Sam Bishop is a longtime Alaskan journalist, and
The university and supporters hope to change is now a writer and editor at the University of
that and strengthen the overall academic program Alaska Fairbanks.

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khn trdho
h | catalyze
A Compromise F or millennia, the Draanjik Gwichin people in

Alaskas Eastern Interior have known the place
that surrounds and sustains them as the land that
for Protection
gives their communities life.
The Draanjik River region extends from the
Yukon Territory into an undisturbed wildland that
includes 2.4 million acres of public land managed by
the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The vast,
pristine region includes watershed tributaries of
Finding balance for traditional Gwichin land the Yukon River and encompasses the traditional
territories of the Draanjik and Gwichyaa Zhee
By Suzanne Little, Gwichin. In a world where nature is increasingly
The Pew Charitable Trusts diminished and threatened by human activities, the
Draanjik is that rare place with room to breathe. It
looks today much like it did at the end of the last ice
age about 12,000 years ago.
Entirely free from mining, logging, or oil and gas
development, this land matches like a puzzle-piece
with contiguous protected areas across the Canadian
border and is subject to two international treaties:
one for salmon and one for caribou. The intact forest
and wetlands support more than two dozen species
of mammals, including the porcupine caribou herd
that requires large and isolated tracts of intact habitat
above: Photo by Michael DeChant of The Pew Charitable Trusts.
to thrive. The river supports spawning populations of

three species of salmon, including Chinook salmon
and is one of five known locations in the Yukon drain-
age where sheefish spawn.
The Draanjik Gwichin people have been the keep-
below: PHOTO COURTESY OF PAUL WILLIAMS, SR.
ers of this land for more than 10,000 years, maintain-

ing a culture rooted in respect for an environment
that has provided food, water and shelter people
need to survive. That relationship with the environ-
ment is evident in the Draanjik burial sites, seasonal
settlements, early travel routes, and age-old trap lines
above:Kristi Williams, enrolled Gwichyaa that have become part of the fabric of the place.
Zhee Gwichin; Paul Williams, Sr., Draanjik
Gwichin and Traditional Chief of Beaver; The BLM recently released its long anticipated
Nancy James, Chief Gwichyaa Zhee Eastern Interior Proposed Resource Management
Gwichin Tribal Government. Plan and Final Environmental Impact Statement after
below: Paul Williams, Sr. on the Yukon. eight years of planning. Once finalized, the plan will
serve as a guide for the next 20 years in the manage-
ment of approximately 6.5 million acres of public
lands. The Upper Draanjik River Subunit makes up
about one third of Alaskas Eastern Interior, nearly
2.4 million acres, in a region that has never had a
land-use plan and one that has sustained indigenous
communities for thousands of years.
Two Tribes in the Draanjik region, the Gwichy-
aa Zhee Gwichin Tribal Government and the
Chalkyitsik Village Council, committed significant
time, energy and resources to work closely with
BLM through the lengthy planning process to voice
concerns and advocate for protections for the Upper

Draanjik region. For nearly a decade the Tribes encour- ` njihtht | Opinion
nts
aged BLM to create a final plan that would preserve
the regions hunting, fishing and harvesting resources,
watersheds and the habitats upon which people depend.
The Tribes have been passionate in defending the tradi-
tional homeland of the Gwichin Athabascan peoples to
PFD Automatic
ensure the lands and cultural resources are sustained
for future generations. Voter
The Tribes have been
passionate in defending
Registration
the traditional homeland of
the Gwichin Athabascan
will Empower
peoples. Alaska Natives
A compromise of 623,000 acres is contained in the
proposed Salmon Fork Area of Critical Environmental Its a simple change, but if we vote
Concern (ACEC) in Alternative E. It is of great concern to
the Tribes to maintain this designation. Over the years,
for this modernized system, every
the Tribal governments have invested their limited Alaskan would substantially benefit.
financial resources and staff to travel from rural villages
to Washington D.C. to educate federal decision makers By Cindy Allred (Inupiaq),
on the significance of the Eastern Interior region and to Get Out The Native Vote
support the Tribally nominated Salmon Fork ACEC to
protect fragile and irreplaceable subsistence and water
resources.
Tribes believe the current plan provides balance
that goes a long way toward fulfilling the BLMs trust to
federally recognized Tribes. The Tribes support BLMs
F ifty years ago, the Alaska Federation of
Natives was formed, creating a powerful voice
for the Alaska Native community. Since its inception,
decision to recommend both the Salmon Fork ACEC and Alaska Native leaders and organizations have
important watersheds remain closed to development worked together to ensure the rights of our people.
through Alternative E. When our community coalesced to take charge of
While the plan does not include all of the protec- our political power in the state, we were able to fight
tions the Tribes sought, the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwichin for ANCSA and pass major federal laws that protect
Tribal Government and the Chalkyitsik Village Council Native interests. Our leaders work tirelessly against
acknowledge the plan is a compromise that strikes an all adversity to represent our community and work
appropriate balance between protection of important together in protecting Native interests on a state and
areas of traditional use in the Upper Draanjik River federal level.
Subunit and development in conformity with the BLMs Yet, when we look at our current Alaska
multiple use mandate. Legislature, we dont see that same cooperation.
The Gwichin people believe they are inseparable Instead, there exists constant conflict, dormancy
from the land because of their sacred connection, and hostility between elected officials that are
because of their sacred responsibility to look after the supposed to represent our interests. Recognizing
land. The Gwichin people want to protect the Draanjik our government is currently in a fiscal crisis, and we
because they are part of it, says First Chief Nancy James do not even have a comprehensive budget passed for
of the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwichin Tribal Government. the year, we cannot sit idly and continue to let this
Without the land, she says, people cannot survive. happen.
Our community has immense power in Alaska
Suzanne Little is a U.S. Public Lands Officer with politics, and countless Native leaders have worked
The Pew Charitable Trusts. to influence policy that protects the rights of

khn trdho
h | catalyze
Imagine if the same time. The Division of Elections will receive

the information from the PFD application and will
entire Alaska Native register an Alaska resident, if they are eligible to vote
according to state and federal law. New voters will
receive mail that will request them to either declare a
community voted in political affiliation, or opt-out of the voter registration
process entirely. And, traditional paper voter forms
the general election. will still be accepted, if preferred.
Its a simple change, but if we vote for this
Every government modernized system, every Alaskan would
substantially benefit. By using the information from
official would have the PFD application, voter fraud will be even less
likely, due to the PFD Divisions strict fraud detecting
a great incentive to system. Voter registration forms will also become
accurate, as every PFD recipient will have his or her
fight for indigenous voting address updated annually. Also, the State can
reduce bureaucracy and save money, as the majority
rights when they are of registered voters will have their information
submitted electronically, instead of depending
threatened. on clerks to manually process handwritten voter
registration forms. The Division of Elections estimates
that, if this initiative passes, it would register 70,000
new eligible Alaska voters within the first year.
Imagine if the entire Alaska Native community
voted in the general election. Every government
official would have a great incentive to fight for
threatened indigenous rights. We would have a major
impact in voting for representatives that support our
interests, rather than ignoring our concerns. We need
to advocate for policies that will advance the civic
every Alaska Native individual. However, every engagement for the Alaska Native community because
individual in our community should take charge of we hold vital ties to the state. We must to continue
our own political power. Currently, the Alaska Native pushing for simple, effective policies that promote the
community is at a loss for voter engagement: Alaska political voice of the Alaska Native community.
Natives comprise of 16-18 percent of the population, Every election following November should be
yet hold only 6-8 percent of the voting electorate. integral to our lives, as each elected official should be
There are thousands of Alaskans who are eligible a voice for Alaska Native people and our rights. If PFD
to vote but are either not registered or have outdated Automatic Voter Registration passes, our community
voting addresses. Its all too common for Alaskans will have the ability to vote effectively, accurately and
to move around the state and forget to update their often. Vote Yes for PFD Automatic Voter Registration.
voting addresses. According to Get Out The Native
Vote, there are thousands of Alaskans who are Cindy Allred (Inupiaq) has led the Get Out the
registered in rural communities, yet are actually Native Vote initiative in Alaska for many years.
living in urban areas. Additionally, villages outside
of the Railbelt do not have access to common voting
registration sites, such as the DMV. There needs to be
a better way to update voter registration.
We endorse an initiative that will empower the
voting potential for Alaska Natives. This November, Publishers Note: The views of this writer are her
vote Yes for Ballot Measure 1: PFD Automatic Voter own and do not represent First Alaskans magazine
Registration. The initiative will be an easy, reasonable or First Alaskans Institute. This space is for the
update to the voter registration process. When an sharing of viewpoints, meant to catalyze thinking
Alaska resident files for the annual PFD application, and deeper dialogue on important issues that
he or she will also get registered to vote at the impact the Alaska Native community.

` njihtht | Opinion
nts
In Need of Allies:
Protecting our Ways of Life
We are working to ensure the rights and
concerns of Alaska Native peoples are respected
in relation to our use of marine mammals.
By Susie Silook (Siberian Yupik/Inupiaq)
I n 2013, President Obama initiated

Executive Order 13648 to end the
African elephant ivory market in
by Alaska Native artists, as well as
shop and gallery owners. According to
business owners Ive interviewed, the
Organisation (1).For those reasons, by
way of exception, Regulation (EC) No
1007/2009 allows the placing on the
America. This action was motivated only consensus that has emerged is market of seal products which result
by the slaughter of elephants by confusion. Significantly, sales are also from hunts traditionally conducted by
poachers, said to be fueling terrorism down. Inuit and other indigenous communi-
and organized crime. If not comprehensively addressed, ties for their subsistence and which
Section 1(d) of the order states the sales could further plummet, similar contribute to such subsistence.
United States shall seek to reduce the to the experience of Canadian and
demand for illegally traded wildlife, Greenlandic Inuit and their subsis- The laws purportedly banning the
both at home and abroad, while al- tence economy when the European use, sale and possession of ivory took
lowing legal and legitimate commerce Union (EU) banned seal products be- us by surprise. Our villages depend
involving wildlife. cause of concern about the methods heavily on both the food and the
This wording clearly includes used by commercial sealers. The mat- income derived from hunting, which
Alaska Native food security and ways ter has since been addressed in favor then contributes to further acquisi-
of life as protected under the Marine of the Inuit subsistence and traditional tion of food. It would have been nice
Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). economy as reflected in the recently to have been consulted, or at least
However, safeguarding the rights of adopted European Union legislation invited to the talks conducted by the
Alaska Natives was not made explicit concerning the regulation of trade of Presidents task force for the execu-
in President Obamas order, nor is it seal products, which states: tive order and subsequent creation of
clear in the numerous state laws that these laws.
have been adopted or are pending in Moreover, it is broadly recognised A press release from the U.S. Fish
response to the senseless and illegal that the fundamental, economic and and Wildlife Service (USFWS), online
slaughter of elephants in Africa. social interests of Inuit and other at Regulations.Gov., includes in its
State laws erroneously include wal- indigenous communities should not summary:
rus ivory in their definition of ivory, be adversely affected, in accordance
despite the affirmative exemption in withthe United Nations Declaration This rule would regulate only Af-
favor of Alaska Natives. For good mea- on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples rican elephants and African elephant
sure, many states are including whale, adopted on 13 September 2007 and ivory. Ivory from other species such
polar bear and sea otter in their bans. other relevant international instru- as walrus is also regulated separately
Consequently these ill-informed ments. In addition, three Member under the Marine Mammal Protection
actions create much confusion over States (Denmark, the Netherlands and Act.
what is now legal and illegal. Spain) have ratified the Convention Government-to-Government Rela-
The confusion generated by the concerning Indigenous and Tribal tionship with Tribes: The Department
wording in these various laws are Peoples in Independent Countries of the Interior strives to strengthen its
adversely affecting the legitimate (Convention No 169), adopted on 27 government-to-government relation-
ivory use, and sales and possession June 1989 by the International Labour ship with Indian Tribes through a

khn trdho
h | catalyze
Laws must be Sen. Lisa Murkowskis office, after

receiving requests for assistance from CONTACT
aligned with the various Native organizations, has
begun initial dialogue with the state
Facebook:
Sikuliiq: Alaska Native Artists
exemptions made of California. Businesses are report-
ing much confusion there, including
Advocacy Group.
Email:
in the MMPA a customer accounts of the confiscation
of indigenous-made seal items at San
Susie Silook:
s.silook@live.com
law intended to be Francisco security checkpoints, likely
due to the confusion over the EU seal Denise Wallace:
denisehwallace@gmail.com
responsive to our bans.
Greenpeace publicly apologized for Dalee S. Dorough:
lives, rights and its role in not considering the impact
to indigenous communities in the
dsdorough@alaska.edu
interests. seal bans, but this may have been too

little, too late, as much of the damage
to Inuit economies has and continues We are working to ensure the rights
to be done. Yet, such action is crucial and concerns of Alaska Native peoples
commitment to consultation with because powerful and wealthy wild- are respected in relation to our use of
Indian Tribes and recognition of their life and environmental organizations marine mammals. These laws must be
right to self-governance and Tribal are behind these bans, as evidenced aligned with the exemptions made by
sovereignty. We have evaluated this by this email sent by the Wildlife Con- the Marine Mammal Protection Act
rule under the Departments consul- servation Society: a law intended to be responsive to our
tation policy and under the criteria in lives, rights and interests.
Executive Order 13175 and have deter- African Elephant Julie Larsen Sikuliiq is grateful for Sen.
mined that it has no substantial direct Maher WCS Murkowskis assistance, and is also
effects on federally recognized Indian JOIN THE FIGHT FOR ELEPHANTS keeping the Native American Rights
Tribes and that consultation under Speak Up For Global Ivory Bans! Fund (NARF) informed.
the Departments Tribal consultation We need your help to make sure the We intend to move forward with
policy is not required. United States leads on domestic ivory art exhibits, presentations and media
bans. productions to educate the American
I figure this is where the confu- Closing all ivory markets would public. We may take legal action, if
sion began. The MMPA was created save elephants lives. To get more necessary, but are hoping diplomacy
to protect our subsistence cultures. countries on board well need strong and education will suffice. Many
The American public knows little U.S. leadership at CITES CoP17 (thats people support our cultures. There
about our long-standing and distinct an upcoming treaty meeting of 182 is a lot at stake, particularly for vil-
cultures. Additionally, few are aware governments that decides regulations lages where hunting and harvesting
of the numerous artists who work around wildlife trade). And to get that remains the only real economy. This is
with old ivory, another important we need you. our main concern.
resource. More significantly, it is Weve seen incredible success
entirely possible to differentiate old when advocates like you speak Susie Silook (Siberian Yupik/Inupiaq)
walrus ivory from both mammoth and up the U.S. ivory ban is a great is a carver, writer and sculptor.
elephant ivory. The use of old ivory example. CITES CoP17 is coming up Her sculptures can be found in the
does not contribute to the poaching soon. Please dont sit this one out Anchorage Museum and Alaska
of elephants. Native artists also work Elephants are counting on you. Native Heritage Center.
in mammoth ivory where available, Tell the U.S. delegation to CITES to
and this is being banned because of support a global ivory ban now.
the similarities between it and old Publishers Note: The views of this
elephant ivory. Take Action writer are her own and do not rep-
Vera Metcalf, director of the Walrus Alaska Native artists are taking resent First Alaskans magazine or
Commission, attempted to engage in a action and we need allies. We have First Alaskans Institute. This space is
dialogue with USFWS representatives created Sikuliiq: Alaska Native Artists for the sharing of viewpoints, meant
to address this matter months ago. As Advocacy Group, on Facebook. Siku- to catalyze thinking and deeper
of press time, she has not received a liiq means new, thin ice along older dialogue on important issues that
response. floes, in St. Lawrence Island Yupik. impact the Alaska Native community.

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wkjihthit | imagine
Ivory
A carved ivory bear that,
while legally obtained and
carved, will be illegal or
difficult to sell under current
Blues
legislation.
72 shih / FOOD
Autumn Recipes How laws meant to protect African elephants
from Summers Bounty
may end up hurting Alaska Native artists
74 Alaska Grown
Growing food in Alaska is a By Mike Dunham / Alaska Dispatch NEWS
challenge and opportunity
81 A Tribe Called Red Gives
Intense Concert S upposeyou own a sculpture by SiberianYupikartist
BeulahOittillianmade from walrus ivory, whalebone and polar
bear fur. And suppose you bring it toLos Angeles, where someone
83 Etsy and Epic-ness
Inupiaq artist blazes trails offers to buy it from you.
on the tundra, and online Can you sell it to them?
85 Taking a Stand in Once upon a time, the answer from those familiar with art and law
Standing Rock would have been an unequivocal yes. The Marine Mammal Protection

Act says federal prohibitions against Save the elephants
taking marine mammals and selling The intent of the state laws is to pro-
things made from them do not apply tect African elephants. The California
to any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo who law, for instance, declares, There is
resides in Alaska if such taking is a worldwide concern regarding the
done for the purposes of creating and plight of elephants and rhinoceroses,
selling authentic native articles of who are being poached at alarming
handicrafts and clothing. rates an average of 96 elephants per
That would seem to cover the resale day are killed in Africa.
ofOittillianssculpture. Right? The New Jersey law states that wal-
Dont be so sure. rus ivory is included becauseother
Anew law that went into effect in species with ivory teeth and tusks
Californiaon July 1 outlawsthe sale such as walruses, and whales are
and the possession with intent to sell equally threatened.
of any tooth or tusk from a species But walruses are not among
of elephant, hippopotamus, mam- the1,400 American species listed as
moth, walrus, whale or narwhal, or threatened or endangeredaccording
a piece thereof, whether raw ivory or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
worked ivory. The Hawaii law may or may not
California joinsNew Jerseyin ban- actually encompass walrus since it
ning walrus ivory. More suchbills are pertains to animals listedunder the
working their way through theHa- Endangered Species Act or in appen-
waiiandMassachusettslegislatures. dixes I and II of theConvention on
ANew Yorkivory ban appears to International Trade in Endangered
exempt walrus ivory but includes Species. Walrus is on neither list.
mammoth tusks. But in an email, Hawaii State Sen.
In Alaska, where many Native fami- MikeGabbard, who authored the bill,
lies count on sales of ivory handcrafts said he included walrus in the general
for income, alarm is growing over how language because it is a protected
laws banning their work from being species that is currently being traf- Mammoth ivory found in Alaska
sold in other states will affect incomes. ficked in and through Hawaii. Hawaii and carved by Alaska Native artists
We have been quite concerned is the third largest market for the poses no threat to living animals, but
about the expanding ivory bans, as illegal ivory trade, so it makes sense has been unintentionally roped into
they have the real potential to nega- for the state to do more to stem this legislation in many states that makes
tively impact income opportunities problem. its sale difficult for Alaska Native
for Native artists and villages where CharliePardue, aGwichinAthabas- artists.
economies are depressed, said kan ivory artist who lives in Sutton,
RositaWorlof theSealaskaHeritage understands the problem and is sym-
Institute. pathetic.
When we first heard of the Im all for them doing that in
California proposed ban, we Hawaii, he said. A lot of competition
attempted to stop the legislation, but for my business comes from Hawai-
it was already too late, she said. We ians. Ive had Hawaiians walk up and
alerted other Native organizations and say, Hey, where can I get a bunch of
our congressional delegation about the ivory? They like ivory in Hawaii.
California ban, but, again, it was too But he also said state ivory bans
late. have cost him sales.
On May 4, the Eskimo Walrus Despite the protections in the
Commission, which represents Native Marine Mammal Protection Act,Par-
In Need of Allies
hunters and users of walrus, issued duesaid Alaska Nativesneed to be on See page 64 for an opinion on
a statement assertingthat suchlaws their own home territory if they dont various laws that are adversely
should not further restrict Alaska want to be hassled trying to do busi- affecting legitimate use, sales
Native artisans and carvers whose ness in other states. and possession of ivory by
ivory is obtained legitimately and Its one reason I dont go Outside Alaska Native artists.
legally. and pursue the powwow trail or the

wkjihthit | imagine
How will they enforce

it? Who will be
punished? Under what
circumstances? I dont
know.
Robert James
knife show trail in the Lower 48, he nia law raises unanswered questions: under existing law.
said. Id spend the entire time argu- How will they enforce it? Who will be While existing federal law allows
ing my case. punished? Under what circumstanc- Alaska Natives to sell traditional ivory
Pardueis not alone. es? he said. I dont know. art, it makes no mention ofdocumen-
We used to do the Marine Show in Neither does anyone else. tationrequired for finished arts or
San Francisco but didnt do it this year crafts. Nor does it address the sale of
and likely never again, said Robert Show your papers legalivory art by one buyer to an-
James, manager ofMaruskiyasof Sen.Gabbardsbill has exemptions other.
Nome.The shop on Front Street car- for Native Hawaiians pursuing tradi- Thousands of walrus ivory figures
ries work by many of the leading ivory tional crafts, though like the laws in and jewelry pieces are sold in Alaska
artists in Northwest Alaska. other states it makes no mention of shops and at craft fairs every year.
Parduesaid he encounters confu- work by Alaska Natives.Gabbardin- Few come with any documentation
sion over ivory from potential buyers. sisted the state law would not override aside from the Alaska State Silver
Tourists get off the boat believing federal law. But when pressed about Hand sticker, often applied to the
misinformation theyve heard from whether ivory art legally made by an price tag rather than the art work
the ivory activists, he said. Ive had Alaska Native could be transported itself. The Silver Hand, used by many
hundreds of visitors walk up to my to or resold in Hawaii, he suggested but not all Alaska Native artists, shows
table and say, I thought ivory was there would be conditions. that the work is by an Alaska Native.
illegal. If the individual is specifically Gabbarddid not specifywhat he
James said the mere speculation authorized to sell the product under thought proper documentation might
about ivory bans has put a damperon theMMPAand can document that au- consist of. He did say that the onus
sales. thorization, they would still be permit- should be on the seller to provide it.
We have seen a downturn in Cali- ted to sell the item, he said. If they Its the responsibility of the seller
fornians buying artwork in the past are selling items without documenta- to show they are compliant with all
couple of years, he said. The Califor- tion, they are selling items illegally state and federal laws, he said. Its

required not only to show that the animal part was prop-
erly acquired but that it is genuine Alaska Native art.
Benjamin Brown, chairman of the Alaska State Council
on the Arts, which manages the Silver Hand program,
thought that some new kind of certification might be
needed. The Silver Hand sticker is nothing like a state-
ment of legality, he said.
Brown acknowledged that additional certification
could be burdensome to the artists and cumbersome to
buyers.
What is a person wearing the earrings going to do?
he asked. Carry a certificate in her purse?
Save the fossils

State bans on walrus ivory dont only concern Native
artists and their customers. Bans on mammoth ivory,
included in all the aforementioned state laws, affect non-
Natives as well.
Mammothivory is not hunted; it comes out of the
ground. As far as federal authorities are concerned, any-
one can own it, buy it and sell it.
Bruce Schindler is a non-Native living inSkagwaywho
has been making mammoth ivory itemsand restoring
tusks for 20 years.
The New York and New Jersey bans havent hurt me
too much, he said. But Ive lost two-thirds of my busi-
ness in California. Theres a chilling effect. People find
out that some product is illegal somewhere and they
think there must be something wrong. They dont ques-
tion why.
Gabbardsaid he included mammoth ivory in his bill
because the mammoth loophole is used by some folks
to import illegal African elephant ivory.
Schindler acknowledged that it could be true. He has
heard of people whoclaim elephant ivory is actually
mammoth ivoryby staining or artificially aging it.
But its easy to tell mammoth from elephant ivory, he
said: Any first-year Fish and Wildlife employee should
be able to spot it right away.
The mammoth ban presents a double whammy for Na-
tive artists likePardue. TheGwichinwere inland people,
not likely to get a walrus. But they did and still do
find mammoth ivory as it washes out along river banks
in Interior Alaska.
Mammoth ivory figures heavily in my culture,Par-
duesaid.
Pardueestimated he currently uses more mammoth Walrus is not
ivory than walrus ivory. classified as an
Climate change has made it harder for Natives on the endangered or
coast to get to the walrus, he explained. So tusk avail- at-risk species,
ability has gone down in the last 10 years. but some state
As a result, he said, Im frequently falling back to laws specifically
mammoth ivory. The scarcity of walrus has more effect include walrus
on my business than what Joe Legislator is doing in the in their list of
Lower 49. (Hes including Hawaii.) But if theres a lot banned ivory.

wkjihthit | imagine
of politicking ordisinformationthat or with ivory, and particularly those of

jeopardizes my mammoth ivory sales, historic, artistic, cultural and practical
then Im being affected. importance.
Not onlythe artists are jeopardized In our suit were saying that the
by bans on mammoth ivory, said statute is unconstitutional, said
Michael Harris, the attorney for the
group. It amounts to taking of property
If theres a lot of politicking without due process or compensation,

he told the Dispatch News. It violates
ordisinformationthat the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Con-
stitution by having a deleterious effect
jeopardizes my mammoth on commerce between the states and
ivory sales, then Im being otherwise runs afoul of the principle
that only the federal government has
affected. the right to regulate acts of interna-
tional commerce.
While the plaintiff seems mainly con-
cerned about elephant ivory, the new
CharliePardue bans on walrus and fossil ivory are also
addressed in the case.
An ivory object derived from the
Schindler. So is the preservation of the tusks of an extinct animal (or) such
mammoth tusks. non-endangered species as walrus
When I started buying mammoth simply cannot have any impact on
ivory, I got it from miners who were current elephant poaching, and the
finding it all over the place, he said. proponents of the Law have offered no
They just put it in a huge pile. They credible evidence to the contrary, the
couldnt care less. But when you take a complaint reads.
mammoth tusk out of the permafrost, Alaska State Council on the Arts
if you dont take care of it, it will de- chairman Brown, a lawyer, noted
compose and turn into chalk and dust. several legal grounds on which state
Imagine surviving 35,000 years walrus bans might be overturned.
only to rot away. That would be hor- I dont see how someone could be
ribly shameful. prosecuted for selling a piece of legal
walrus ivory anywhere in the U.S.,
Heading to court he said. The Commerce Clause of the
Legislators who sponsored the New U.S. Constitution gives Congress the
Jersey and Massachusetts bans did ultimate authority over transportation
not return emails or phone calls from and sale of goods between states.
Alaska Dispatch News. The staff of But, Brown cautioned,You never
California Assembly Speaker Emeri- know if it applies until someone brings
tus Toni Atkins, the legislator who a challenge. If it doesnt work out, you
sponsored the California ban, initially could go through a hard time, legally.
responded to emails with statements The state laws are really new. Well
that made no reference to walrus ivory. have to see how it shakes out and hope
They offered more comment on the federal laws provide as much protec-
condition that the source would not be tion as possible.
identified. The Dispatch News declined Brown said the issue may ultimately
to agree to those terms. At that point require an amendment to the Marine
Atkins spokesperson would not speak Mammal Protection Act or a change in
on the record, citing a pending lawsuit. federal regulations.
The lawsuit in question was brought Alaska U.S. Sen. LisaMurkowskisof-
by the nonprofitIvory Education fice is weighing that option. A state-
Institute, which represents collectors ment fromMurkowskisstaff noted
and possessors of objects made from variations in these laws which might

wkjihthit | imagine SHIH | FOOD
cause some Alaska Native arts and hundred dollars. Sculptures by Su-
crafts to fall outside the exclusions of sieSilookare regularly advertised for
the federal law. $10,000 or more.
The statement advocated encour- These big-ticket customers tend to
agingdialoguebetween the states and consider how much their purchase
the indigenous artist community. may be worth in the future. Will they
If this is not successful, the state- make more when they sell it than they
ment continued, preemptive legisla- spent to acquire it? Will ones heirs
tion could be formulated. be able to liquidate ivory artwork like
any other asset in ones estate?
A year in jail For the time being, Harris, the
State bans on walrus ivory attorney for the Ivory Education
saleshave the potential to reducethe Institute,doubts anyone would be
income received by carvers, especial- prosecuted for buying an ivory piece
ly inroadlessareas of the state. in Alaska and bringing it to California.
Its not like theres a lot of cash in Thought the law is vague about what
these villages, Brown said. constitutes intent to sell, it doesnt
The average per capita annual seem to target simple possession.
income in Alaska is $30,000.InGam- But inside California, Harris said,
bell,SavoongaandToksookBay, the buyer wouldnt be able to sell it.
where several celebrated ivory artists
live, its less than one third of that.
The law defines selling to include
trading, bartering for monetary Autumn
Beyond the villages, the ban could
create headaches and depress sales
for art shops in Alaskas bigger cities
ornonmonetaryconsideration,
giving away in conjunction with
a commercial transaction, or
Recipes from
and tourist hot spots.
Its going to be a nightmare, said
giving away at a location where a
commercial transaction occurred Summers
GinaHollomanof Anchorages Blue.
Holloman Gallery, who often has to
help customers navigate inconsistent
at least once during the same or the
previous calendar year.
So what could happen if you parted
Bounty
laws when they want to ship an art- with thatOittilliansculpture using By Erika Stone (Iroquois)
work purchased from her. any of the above transactions in Los
So much Native art uses material Angeles? Harris cited the penalties in Many Alaskans spend much
from animals that could be deemed at the California law: one year in jail and of their summers hunting,
risk by legislators in one place or an- a fine of $40,000. fishing and gathering local
other that its hard to know where to The art itself will be confiscated. plants and berries. Indeed,
start,Hollomonsaid. She pointed to It may begiven to a museum or one of the benefits of living
a decorated tusk by PeterMayacfrom other authorized repository. Or in this state is the abundance
the1940sor 50s, a whalebone carv- the statemay smash and burn it to of natural foods that are
ing by contemporary sculptor Nick destroy any value of the ivory on the available for harvesting.
Evan and a traditional basket that black market. Spot prawns and halibut are
uses seal blood as a dye. Could happen. But will it? relatively abundant throughout
It could get dicey,Hollomoncon- There are questions, the warmer months, and
tinued. Its going to be a nightmare if wroteMurkowskisstaff. blueberries seem to grow in
it gets enforced. Its a classic gray area of the law, lush patches on every bush.
Most items carved from walrus saidBrown. Autumn is the time to enjoy
ivory in Alaska are miniatures sold Who wants to be the first one to this bounty. Here are some
to tourists. But a small yet important find out? saidHollomon. recipes that make use of a few
part of the market consists of col- of the wonderful foods Alaska
lectors who are drawn to larger and Mike Dunham writes about culture, offers up when the days are
much more expensive pieces of sig- arts and Alaska history for the long and sunny.
nificant artistic merit. A simple pair of Alaska Dispatch News. This article
ivory earrings can cost less than $100. first appeared in the May 21 Erika Stone (Iroquois) is cur-
Larger pieces by BeulahOittillianor issue and is reprinted here with rently studying to become a
FredKingeekukwill cost several permission from the ADN. holistic nutritionist.

Simplest Salmon
As the name implies, this
recipe is as simple as it is
delicious. The one small
trick is getting the skin of
the salmon to sear prop-
erly. Pan temperature
and a dash of salt help to
achieve the perfect crisp-
ness.
Ingredients Backstrap over Peppers and

2 salmon filets, about 1 lb.
each Mushrooms with a Browned Butter
1 tbsp sunflower seed oil
tbsp olive oil
Balsamic Reduction
1 tsp garlic powder
Dash salt This dish is rich and warm- until onion becomes
Beer and Creole Dash pepper ing, and great for a chilly translucent and slightly
fall evening. It tastes just browned, about 5 min-
Spice Marinated Heat a large pan over as good, if not better, as utes. Add peppers and
Grilled Prawns medium-high heat. Rub
the salmon filets with
leftovers, as the flavors
combine and develop.
mushrooms and a dash of
salt and pepper.
tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle At the same time, heat
Just because the days are evenly with garlic pow- Ingredients the balsamic vinegar with
getting shorter and the der, salt and pepper. Add 2 lbs deer backstrap the remaining two cloves
air is a bit chillier doesnt sunflower seed oil to the (moose, caribou or of garlic in a saucepan
mean you cant still fire pan, and sprinkle with salt other game meat also over medium heat.
up the grill. This recipe (this keeps the salmon works well) Stir the sauting
makes use of the abun- skin from sticking). Place 2 red, yellow or orange vegetables and the vin-
dance of spot prawns filets in the pan, skin-side bell peppers, sliced into egar regularly. When the
that come out of the cold, down and cover. Cook for strips vinegar has reduced to a
clean Alaskan waters. 30 seconds and flip filets, 1 small yellow onion, sliced quarter cup, stir in but-
reducing heat to medium. 20 baby bella or white ter, and simmer over me-
Ingredients Cook two more minutes mushrooms, sliced dium low heat. When the
20 large spot prawns and flip again. Cook ad- 1 cup balsamic vinegar mushrooms and peppers
1 bottle beer of your ditional 2 minutes, then cup salted butter have become soft, turn
choosing turn heat to high for 30 1 tbsp sunflower seed oil the heat to high for one
4 cloves garlic, chopped seconds. Remove from 4 cloves garlic, chopped minute, stirring regularly,
1 tsp onion powder heat and serve immedi- 1 tsp garlic powder to give them a slight sear.
1 tsp garlic powder ately. Makes 4 servings. Dash salt Heat the remaining
1 tsp paprika Dash pepper sunflower seed oil in a
tsp salt medium pan over medium
tsp pepper Slice the backstrap into high heat. Add the slices
pieces inch thick. Sprin- of backstrap and heat
Combine all ingredients kle with garlic powder, salt on each side for about a
in a large Ziploc bag and and pepper on both sides minute for medium rare
marinate for 4-6 hours and set aside. doneness.
(or overnight if you have Heat 1 tbsp of the Divide the sauted veg-
the time). Fire up the sunflower seed oil in a etables over four plates.
grill and cook shrimp on medium pan over medium Top each with backstrap
each side for 2-4 minutes. heat. Add onion and two slices and drizzle with
Serves 4. cloves of the garlic. Cook balsamic reduction.

wkjihthit | imagine
Al ask a
GrowN
Growing nutritious food in Alaska is both
a challenge and opportunity
By Erika Stone (Iroquois) / photos by the author
A s most A lask ans know, obtaining fresh produce

in the state can be difficult. Even in the larger cities like
Anchorage and Juneau, produce is generally shipped from
thousands of miles away and often turns to rotten mush
shortly after it is purchased. About 25 percent of produce
is spoiled and must be discarded before it even reaches
the market. In the smaller villages located in remote areas,

Parsnips and beets.

wkjihthit | imagine
fruits and vegetables can be almost

impossible to come by. When produce
is available at all, it is generally poor
quality and monstrously expensive.
In some of the more secluded
villages, apples can cost more than
three dollars per pound, and a half
watermelon upwards of $20!
There are numerous obstacles to
ensuring fresh fruits and vegetables
are available in villages throughout
the state. Many areas are not
accessible by road, so food must
be flown in or sent by barge. This
drives up the price and increases
the shipping time, so when the
produce finally ends up on grocery
store shelves, it is far beyond its
peak. Some villages dont even have
grocery stores, so acquiring store-
bought food requires a long trek that,
for many months of the year, is also
dangerous due to cold and icy weather
conditions.
Historically, Native people were

able to supplement their diets during
clockwise from top left: hanging strawberry baskets; kale is a cool-
the colder months with food stored
in the permafrost of the ground and
season crop; if possible, store potatoes in a root cellar; a high tunnel.
meat they could hunt throughout the
winter. Walrus, seal and whale were
staples that provided nourishment
when fiddleheads, beach asparagus
How To G r ow Yo u r Ow n A l as k a G a r d e n
and salmon berries were scarce. Choose cool season crops that vegetables from root maggots,
But climate change is making both tend to do well in Alaskas climate. and to protect all crops from
of these practices difficult. In many These include peas, potatoes, colder temperatures.
areas, the permafrost has melted, beets, kale, lettuces, turnips,
making traditional food storage Hang plants in pots (this works
carrots, broccoli, spinach, radishes particularly well with strawberry
impossible. Sea ice is also melting, and cauliflower.
shifting and becoming thinner, which plants) to protect them from
is disrupting some types of hunting. Sprout plants indoors, if possible, ground pests like slugs.
As a result, many people throughout to protect young, vulnerable Sluggo is another means to keep
the state consume pre-packaged foods plants from excessive rain and cold slugs at bay while maintaining an
that are filled with preservatives temperatures. organic garden.
to extend shelf life and lower in Use season extension tools, like Use local, natural fertilizers like
nutritional value. According to The hoop houses, high tunnels or seaweed to replenish the soil with
Alaska Native Traditional Diet Survey, greenhouses to allow for growing vital nutrients for plant growth.
the most commonly consumed foods conditions beyond the warmer
in the state are Tang and soda. White summer months. If possible, store vegetables like
rice and white bread were also found potatoes and beets in a root cellar
Cover plants during storms in so they can be kept and consumed
to be staples. This affects the health of areas that receive large amounts
the states population, as evidenced by throughout the winter.
of precipitation.
growing rates of obesity and diabetes. E.S.
Growing produce in Alaska as an Use horticultural cover, like
alternative to shipping it into the Remay, to protect cruciferous

uses several methodologies to
disseminate information about
growing techniques, particularly to
smaller villages, where she says there
is great interest. She is a part of the
Cooperative Extension which teaches
hands-on workshops throughout
the interior of Alaska, as well as two
online programs that are available
statewide: the Master Gardeners
Program, and the Alaska Growers
School. The latter specifically targets
Native Communities in rural areas.
Workshops include topics from seed
starting to container gardening
(growing in smaller spaces when an
outdoor garden plot is not an option).
Rader is also an educator for the
Tanana Chiefs Conference Region.
She says the current increase in
interest in growing food in the state is
High tunnels are essentially less expensive due to economic sustainability, as well
greenhouses without heating capability. as health benefits. While gardening
may not be a traditional means of
feeding small villages in Alaska, it is
certainly a practice that was more
prevalent in the last several hundred
state presents its own set of unique when daylight approaches 24 hours, years, and people are looking to
challenges, and these challenges vary some plants, like spinach and beets, return to that instead of relying on
across the state. The growing season can bolt and flower quickly, ruining pre-packaged convenience foods
is short, particularly in the northern their tender leaves or succulent roots. and high-priced, sub-par produce.
areas. Frost can occur as late as June Pests too, as their name implies, Growing is a viable option throughout
and as early as August. This will kill can cause trouble in the garden. the summer months when armed with
the less hearty plants like cucumbers, In Southeast Alaska, slugs will eat the right information, and even into
tomatoes and squash. Some areas in almost any fruit, vegetable or leaf they the colder months if the right methods
the interior and northern parts of the can find. Root maggots can destroy are employed. Additionally, many
state experience an extended deep cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, types of vegetables can be canned or
freeze that will kill most vegetables, cabbage or cauliflower when they lay stored throughout the winter months
or at least hinder their growth for their eggs at the roots of these plants, to supplement the diet.
that time period. Southeast Alaska which are used as nourishment when Rader recommends several
is a temperate rainforest and often the eggs hatch. methodologies to combat the
experiences torrential downpours challenges of growing in Alaska.
that can drown plants, especially Despite these challenges, many Choosing the right crops is the first
when they are vulnerable young initiatives are underway to encourage step. Cool season crops like lettuce,
sprouts in the spring and early growing fresh food in Alaska instead potatoes, turnips, peas and spinach
summer. The interior receives of shipping mealy, wilted versions up grow best, even outdoors. Warm
significantly less precipitation, and from other states. From education and season crops like zucchini, pumpkins,
can actually be quite dry throughout outreach, to organizations that make corn and cucumbers can be grown
the summer months. use of modern technology to grow with a little more attention. These
Daylight hours are also an issue. throughout the year, the availability of crops should be sprouted inside,
Planting that can occur in the late fresh produce throughout the state is then moved to a greenhouse or high
winter and early spring months in on the rise. tunnel, or hoop house. These are
the Lower 48 isnt as successful in Heidi Rader, assistant professor all season extension technologies,
Alaska when sunlight is still scarce. of agriculture and horticulture at which allow for growing even when
Conversely, in the summer months the University of Alaska Fairbanks, the weather conditions are not

wkjihthit | imagine
G r ow i n g M i c r og r e e n s at Ho m e
If you are interested in growing some of your own food

but arent quite ready to invest in a full garden or hoop house,
sprouting microgreens is an easy and effective way to ensure you
have fresh, nutrient dense produce throughout the year. Sprouting
requires minimal space, effort and resources, and yields tasty,
healthy microgreens that are great sprinkled atop anything from
1 sandwiches and salads, to egg dishes or soups.

While most microgreens look similar, they already exhibit the
flavor of the vegetables they will grow into. Carrot microgreens
taste like carrots, radish microgreens like radishes, etc. So growing
a variety of sprouts allows for mixing and matching to suit any dish
or cuisine. Additionally, microgreens are nutritional powerhouses
and can actually contain more of some nutrients than their mature
vegetable counterparts. Broccoli microgreens, for instance,
contain 50 times more sulforaphane, an antioxidant known for its
anticancer properties, than mature broccoli.
To start, you will need the following materials:
2 Seeds of whichever vegetables you would like to sprout. Radish,
broccoli, arugula and beets work well, but use whichever appeal
to you. Seeds are inexpensive, and this is an opportunity to be
creative.
Shallow pans or trays. You can use any type of container you
have on hand that can be filled with a thin layer of dirt.
Potting soil
Water
Full spectrum grow lights
3 Shelving in which the lights can be installed over the plants
To begin, install full-spectrum lights to shelving units (photo 1).

Many come with equipment to hang them, but if they do not, you
will need a rope or wire or some way of fastening them to the
underside of a shelf above your trays. Next, cover the bottom of
the trays with a thin layer of dirt about an inch thick (2). Sprinkle
one or two packets of seeds evenly over the dirt. It is not necessary
to adhere to the package instructions for spacing, because the
plants arent going to grow to full size (3). Seeds can be very close
4 together, so you get a forest of sprouts. Add a thin layer of dirt

over the seeds, about 1/8th of an inch thick. Lightly soak the dirt,
being careful not to move the seeds around with the water. Place
the trays under the grow lights and continue to water every other
day, or when the soil gets dry. Most seeds begin to sprout in just a
few days (4), and many sprouts are harvestable within a week (5).
To harvest the sprouts, cut them at the base of the stem using
a small pair of scissors. Make sure the roots stay intact, as the
sprouts will re-grow multiple times. When the trays stop producing
sprouts, throw the dirt away and begin the process again. If you
have several trays growing together at staggered intervals, you
5 should have fresh sprouts almost all the time.
E.S.

concerned with growing locally and
using local resources, so he teaches
methodologies like using seaweed
to fertilize plants instead of buying
fertilizer from a large chain store.
People want to know where their
food is coming from and that their
produce is organic. Growing it
yourself is the best way to do that, he
notes.
Vertical Harvest is a larger-scale

organization that is changing the
way produce is grown, and the
availability of produce in the state.
Cargo containers are used to house
shelves of greens that are grown
hydroponically. Because the system
is closed, pests are not a problem so
pesticides are not necessary. Growing
conditions, like temperature, light
Use local, natural fertilizers like seaweed and moisture are controlled, so the
to replenish the soil with vital nutrients. growing season is not limited.
Vertical Harvest opened in 2014,
and is quickly expanding due
to demand for fresh, affordable
produce. It recently partnered with
ideal. Greenhouses require the most large hoop houses on his land. He is Arctic Greens, a subsidiary of the
resources to build and maintain, while planting or harvesting throughout Kikiktagruk Inupiat Corporation (KIC),
high tunnels and hoop houses may most months of the year. He makes to bring 25 varieties of vegetables to
be a better solution for smaller family use of the methodologies mentioned Kotzebue above the Arctic Circle. The
gardens when space or materials are above, along with a few additions. first harvest occurred on June 22,
scarce. High tunnels are essentially To deter slugs, he uses both the and the indoor farm will continue to
less expensive greenhouses without environmentally friendly product provide food throughout the year.
heating capability, and hoop houses Sluggo, which kills slugs while While obtaining fresh fruits and
are smaller versions of these. Hoop maintaining an organic garden, and vegetables continues to be a greater
houses consist of a raised bed of soil a mixture of one part ammonia, one challenge in Alaska than most other
with a drainable bottom. This not part water to keep slugs at bay, and states, this is beginning to change.
only helps to keep pests out, but also provide nitrogen, a vital nutrient for Modern technologies like hydroponics
provides removable shelter, so plants plants. Copper strips are another coupled with Alaska natural resources
can be protected during heavy rains effective, albeit more expensive way like seaweed fertilizer are helping to
or winds, and uncovered to absorb to keep these pests out. To keep root facilitate this change. Throughout the
sunlight when conditions are less maggots at bay, he uses Remay, a state, initiatives both to make produce
harsh. horticultural fabric that doubles as more widely available and to educate
an insulator when the temperature is Alaskans about growing their own
Ed Buyarski, a Juneau resident, chilly. food are underway. The end result will
is in another educator and master Buyarski has numerous tricks and be a healthier population that utilizes
gardener, and the owner of Eds tips for growing despite Alaskas local resources for nourishment. What
Edible Landscaping. His property is unique challenges. He teaches is more Alaskan than that?
tucked into the woods alongside the workshops throughout Southeast
northern part of Glacier Highway, and hosts two radio shows, Garden Erika Stone (Iroquois) is an actor and
and his landscape is indeed edible. Talk on KTOO and In the Garden personal trainer. She has degrees
Raised beds of garlic line the edge on KFSK. He says interest has been in biology and psychology, and is
of the property, while vines of sweet growing quickly, particularly among currently studying to become a
peas and heads of cabbage fill several young people. More people are holistic nutritionist.

wkjihthit | imagine
A Tribe Called Red performed at a benefit concert on July 13 in Anchorage. The show incorporated stunning visual
artistry, like indigenous people in pop culture, into the performance. Concert goers filled up the Williwaw in downtown
Anchorage. Photo by Angela Gonzalez
A Tribe Called Red A Tribe Called Red per-

formed on July 13 in An-
chorage, and Alaskas very own
Gives Intense Concert

Pamyua opened up for the con-
cert. The concert benefitted First
Alaskans Institute, Healthy Alaska
Natives Foundation and Alaska
in Anchorage
Native Heritage Center. One of the
organizers, Steven Blanchett of the
Alaska Native Heritage Center, said
getting the performers to come
up to Alaska was five years in the
By Angela Gonzalez (Koyukon Athabascan) making. The planning team from
all three organizations worked
together to pull off a successful
concert.
Concert goers got an opportu-
We Are
nity to get photos taken by Andre
The Halluci
Horton of Dre Foto red-carpet
Nation
style. There was a VIP reception
A Tribe Called Reds before the concert, held at Wil-
newest album, We liwaw in downtown Anchorage,
Are The Halluci one of the citys newest concert
Nation, dropped on venues.
Sept. 16. Concert-goer Carol Wren said,
I went to the concert because I
wanted to hear how A Tribe Called
A Tribe Called Red incorporated Alaska Red blends traditional Native
Native dancers in the performance. songs with contemporary music
Photo by Angela Gonzalez and I loved it! I also enjoy sup-

Pamyua did not disappoint concert goers when it gave an electrifying
performance with its Inuit soul and Tribal funk music. Pamyua opened up
for the A Tribe Called Red benefit concert in Anchorage on July 13.
Photo by Angela Gonzalez
porting our own Alaskan Pamyua! and traditional hoop dancing.

The music, atmosphere and pride in Tungwenuk Nothstine enjoyed A
Native identity was so uplifting that Tribe Called Reds performance so
night! much he bought the CD. He said,
Attendees were mainly from I went because I wanted to share
Anchorage, but there were some the experience with my 21-year-old
people from Juneau and Fairbanks daughter. Tungwenuk mentioned
who came to town for the concert. he could barely walk from the two-
One audience member said the con- and-a-half hours of dancing he did.
cert was like a mini-AFN (Alaska A Tribe Called Red incorporated
Federation of Natives convention) Alaska Native dancers into its per-
because the concert attracted so formance, including Lyle and Kolene
many people from all over the Native James (Tlingit/Haida/Tsimshian),
community. Haliehana Stepetin (Unangan) and
Pamyua electrified the crowd Olivia Piiyuuk Shields (Yupik).
with its Inuit soul and Tribal funk Toward the end of the concert, a few
music. People couldnt help but to brave dancers jumped up on stage to
dance. Pamyua shared its indigenous dance with A Tribe Called Red. The
knowledge and history through its benefit concert was a contemporary
music and dance performance. indigenous music celebration.
A Tribe Called Red is an Indige- Marilyn Balluta of Anchorage at-
nous producer/DJ crew from Ottowa, tended the concert with her hus-
Canada. Its sound has inspired a band, Nick Gonzales, and said, I
global Native youth renaissance. had a great time at the concert! Na-
Organizers said, Championing tive music! Fresh Native music with a
their heritage, the show is a plat- message!
form to address aboriginal issues,
mixing traditional powwow vocals Angela Gonzalez (Koyukon Atha-
and drumming with cutting-edge bascan) works in communications, A greenhouse in Anaktuvuk Pass
electronic music. The performance and founded the blog www.atha- houses plants used in salves and
incorporates stunning visual artistry bascanwoman.com. ointments. courtesy of Rainey Hopson

wkjihthit | imagine
Etsy and
Epic-ness
Inupiaq artist blazes trails on the tundra,
and online
By Trina Landlord (Yupik)
R ainey Hopsons Inupiaq name, Nasugraq, means trail

breaker.
She describes living in the Arctic as an epic place, and her
earliest memories are camping on the coast of the Arctic
Ocean, or walking on the tundra. She remembers making sal-
ads from the tundra plants with her mother, who passed away
when she was 11 years old.
Born in Barrow, originating from Point Hope, and now call-
ing Anaktuvuk Pass home, Rainey went to college at Hum-
boldt State University. A far cry from the tundra, Humboldt is
near the redwood forests, mountains and beaches. There she
received a degree in Art Design.
When Rainey returned to Alaska, she started a business
as an art broker in Barrow. She focused on buying Inupiaq
artwork and selling online to art collectors and customers
and interested galleries up and down the West Coast of the
United States. Her goal was for artists to get fair market value
for their work.
While living in Barrow, she met her husband, who invited
her to visit Anaktuvuk Pass for two weeks, where she says she
gained ten pounds from eating delicious soul food and fell
in love both figuratively and literally. She decided to move
there.
When she moved, she discontinued her online art broker
business but kept her entrepreneurial spirit.
Rainey heard about Etsy, an online platform for selling
handmade goods and vintage items, from Annie Patterson, a
watercolorist from Barrow. At the time, the website platform
was new.
Raineys first Etsy shop was called Salmonberry Dreams,
where she sold adornments and jewelry made from tradition-
ally-harvested animals, such as earrings made from tufts of
My knowledge starts polar bear fur.
with talking to Elders. That winter, something happened that initially seemed
unfortunate.
I went ice fishing and tore a muscle in my back. It was
the most painful feeling and the clinic kept giving me pills,
Rainey Hopson Rainey said. In consultation with Elders, she discovered that
alder and willow have natural pain relievers.

wkjihthit | imagine
She researched how to make a salve

and found the effects lasted a long
time. She questioned why everyone
wasnt using this. She discovered you
could use plants in different ways.
The reawaking of this knowledge
blossomed into a business, said
Rainey.
Rainey now has two more Etsy shops
called Salmonberry Thoughts for her
artwork, and Salmonberry Origins
for scents, salves and crafts. She uses
the salmonberry themes because the
salmonberry is the darling berry of
the north. In Inupiaq, they are called
akpiks. Rainey Hopson gathers plants all summer to make products that
can be sold all over the world. photo courtesy of Rainey Hopson
Now in her new home of Anaktuvuk
Pass, Rainey began hanging out with
Elders and had flashbacks of picking one the best methods to building a where she lives in place where there
plants and eating the leaves with her knowledge base. People know she into are 24 hours of daylight in the sum-
mother. The community is located plants, so they send her info. mer, and no daylight in the winter. She
in a unique area where two different Ive been online for 17 years and needed to think ahead and photograph
ecosystems meet. To the north and have experience and know advantages products in the late summer. Not many
south, you will find completely differ- and disadvantages of selling online, Lower 48 Etsy shops have to contend
ent plants. Rainey said. with that sort of timeline.
In the summer months, Rainey picks She has found that one major benefit She was patient, knowing she would
about 80 percent of her herbs and of having an online store is she can make mistakes. Rainey read, talked
plants. She pays young people to pick lead a traditional lifestyle. There are no to people and sharpened her writing
the remaining 20 percent as a way to other people in her community with skills to describe her products. She re-
teach them about Inupiaq plant his- Etsy shops. lied heavily on a thesaurus and reading
tory. It also gives them something to do Three years ago, a team from Etsy, other peoples descriptions.
and an opportunity to keep them out headquartered in Brooklyn, visited Rainey found creative ways to
of trouble. Some of the youth come to Alaska and reached out to Rainy, as describe her pieces, and one of the
her and ask, Is it time to pick? they were specifically focused on most important descriptions is wild
Rainey dreams about plants all year rural, or hard-to-reach, communities harvested.
long. She has a long list of tundra vege- that need income. On that trip, Etsys She also had to be cautiously con-
tation; there are over 70 plants Rainey goal was to empower tiny communi- scious of individuals that may object to
has been working with over the years. ties. Rainey is one of only a handful of traditional Native lifestyles of hunting
She begins picking in early spring and Alaska Native people with Etsy shops. animals. She said, Were not mythical
stops at first frost. The Etsy team helped artists set up creatures like unicorns living off the
My knowledge starts with talking to shops in Anchorage, Wasilla, Sutton, land and killing animals. You have to
Elders. She hangs out with them and Nome and Savoonga. educate the public.
draws knowledge, which she articu- Rainey has learned a lot everything Now, products originating from the
lates is like gold. There are no classes from dealing with taxes, to taking Alaska tundra have made their way all
to sign up and no online courses with photographs and posting them online, over the world India, China, Thai-
plants. to researching federal laws regarding land Australia, England, Africa. Rainey
Its an Inupiaq thing with humility, herbs and plants. She has found dif- even has a lot of customers in the
she says. Most of what I get is tiny bits ferent elements to having a successful Netherlands.
of information. Etsy shop. One is learning how to take Now, thats epic.
One plant is used in this way and creative photographs, having a decent
then she backs it with botanical and camera, good lighting and a computer, Trina Landlord (Yupik) is an artist,
scientific knowledge by research done and learning how to crop photos. communicator and a frequent
in other countries and Inuit peoples. One challenge of Raineys Etsy ex- contributor to First Alaskans
She also finds talking to people is perience is how to use natural lighting Magazine.

wkjihthit | imagine
Taking a Stand in Standing Rock

DeAndre King Jr. (Tlingit) traveled to the Standing Rock Reservation to join
protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline in September. He traveled with
artist Doug Chilton (Tlingit), who towed a canoe from Juneau to Standing Rock
to join the demonstrations, and a large gathering of canoes on the river.
Photo by Stephanie Masterman.

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FALL 2016 | $4.

99 the magazine of Native peoples, communities, and ways of life

A Conversation About ANCSA | Traveling with Our Ancestors

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