“Ayagnera” was released on March 25. Two days later, it ranked among the top 10 new albums in the worldwide genre on iTunes.
Alaska Native Arts & Culture
Juneau’s Riverbend Elementary could soon be called Kax̱dig̱oowu Héen
Kax̱dig̱oowu Héen refers to a part of the Mendenhall River. And could soon be used to refer to the elementary school that sits on its banks in Juneau’s Mendenhall Valley.
Haida, Lingít and Tsimshian artists celebrate completion of 360-degree totem pole
The totem pole will be installed later and unveiled when the Arts Campus opens. Young said it will probably be in June.
Juneau’s Native Youth Olympics makes comeback after 2 years
For athlete Alexandria Toloff, the events are more than just the games — they are also about the culture, the dancing, the food and seeing your community come together.
Chefornak dancers honor loved ones at this year’s Cama-i Dance Festival
The group is dancing this year without one of its main elders, who died recently of COVID-19.
How Yup’ik dance returned to Napaskiak after a 70-year absence
Some groups are just beginning to dance together again after two years of the pandemic, but the village of Napaskiak remembers a longer period without the drums.
Proposal to name Ketchikan’s Eagle Park after tourism promoter gets chilly reception
A cedar monument in the park — “Thundering Wings” by Lingít master carver Nathan Jackson — depicts an eagle taking flight.
Bethel Yup’ik immersion school will add 7th and 8th grade at new campus
The state board of education approved the Lower Kuskokwim School District’s request to expand Ayaprun into the extra grade levels.
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.