The 2020 dollar coin honoring Elizabeth Peratrovich will either have a literal image of the Alaska Native civil rights leader on it, or a Raven holding a key — a symbol of her Tlingit Raven moiety and her role in agitating for an anti-discrimination law.
Alaska Native Arts & Culture
Bethel scientist returns home to study climate change
What happens after fire scorches the tundra, and what follows when carbon that’s been locked away for millennia gets released? Currently, a group of scientists is camping 50 miles north of Bethel are attempting to answer these questions. For one scientist the research is personal because it means coming home.
Free Tlingit workbook part of language revitalization
Sealaska Heritage Institute recently published the “Beginning Tlingit Workbook.” It is part of the ongoing effort to revitalize Tlingit language.
Seward statue unveiled in front of Alaska Capitol
A bronze statue Secretary of State William Seward has been installed in front of the Alaska Capitol. The 19th century U.S. statesman engineered the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia.
Walker signs law recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day in Alaska
The law establishes Alaska as the second state in the nation to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day on the second Monday of October, replacing Columbus Day.
Archaeologists find Alutiiq fishing method at low tide
A local archaeologist says there may be the remains of a historic Alutiiq fish trap on the north end of Kodiak Island. Those types of man-made formations are rare to discover in the region, he said.
Chilkat weaver receives national folk art honor
The National Endowment for the Arts has named a Chilkat weaver from Juneau as one of its nine National Heritage Fellows. Anna Brown Ehlers, 62, has been recognized for her mastery of this challenging art form that’s specific to Southeast Alaska and parts of British Columbia.
Confusion over legalities is hurting Alaskan ivory market, locals say
With five different states’ ivory bans currently in effect, the latest passed by Hawaii at the beginning of this year, confusion remains among potential walrus ivory buyers in Alaska about what ivory is legal and what isn’t.
Smithsonian representatives wrap up information meetings for Native veterans memorial
In 2013, Congress authorized the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian to establish a national veterans memorial for Natives. The Alaska community consultations of that national effort wrapped last week.
Federal officials make formal apology for WWII internment of Unangan people
Federal officials apologized Wednesday for their role in the World War II internment of the Unangan people. Jim Kurth, acting director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, traveled to St. Paul Island to speak with survivors and descendants.