The state board of education approved the Lower Kuskokwim School District’s request to expand Ayaprun into the extra grade levels.
Arts & Culture
Veteran Alaska journalist Jay Barrett dies at 60
His first ever broadcasts were in his hometown of Dillingham, where he announced high school basketball games as a kid.
Chilkoot Indian Association launches traditional arts apprenticeship program
The initiative pairs mentors with apprentices to develop traditional skills — and to foster vital cultural and traditional knowledge of the Chilkat Valley.
‘Molly of Denali’ explores Filipino Athabascan identity
A new episode of the kids’ show “Molly of Denali” centers around a character named Vera Malakas, who is Filibascan, a combination of Filipino and Athabascan. Those who worked on the show say that representation of Filipino Alaskans will allow more kids to see themselves and their lives on TV.
Storytime returns to Juneau public libraries
There are some changes to storytime. Sign-ups are required now, and masking is encouraged. And it’s in a large room with more floor space and better ventilation.
$10M in cruise passenger taxes to boost Capital Civic Center project
Juneau cruise ship passengers could foot a big chunk of the bill for a new, integrated convention center and performing arts venue.
Lingít totem pole in Juneau taken down in 2016 finds new home
The Wooshkeetaan Kootéeyaa, meaning Wooshkeetaan totem pole, used to be located outside of Centennial Hall, but it was taken down in 2016 and put in a warehouse because of weather damage.
Historians uncover Benny Benson’s Unangax̂ heritage nearly a century after he designed Alaska’s flag
A group of researchers and historians learned key details about Benny Benson’s life, including his real age and roots in Unalaska.
Disqualification of Lingít Wearable Arts entry sparks talk of racism and exclusion in Juneau art scene
Indigenous artists say the disqualification raises questions of who gets to be heard in Juneau’s art community, and who doesn’t.
Fisher Poets keeps up annual tradition from afar
Commercial fishermen from Alaska to Maine have been gathering in Astoria, Oregon since the late 1990s to share spoken-word poems and shanties about life at sea.