"Ernestine Hayes"

Getting fellowships and awards like this has given Hayes more than funding, she said. It has made her feel valued.

Ernestine Hayes says that when she reads the print version of “Blonde Indian,” she sees so many things that she would tell her creative writing students not to do. But reading the book aloud for the recording was a different experience.

Author Ernestine Hayes, Producer Mandy Mallot, and Editor Scott Burton chat about the creation of Ernestine’s Blonde Indian audiobook project with Sheli Delaney.

Indigenous artists say the disqualification raises questions of who gets to be heard in Juneau’s art community, and who doesn’t.

The achievement represents a lifetime of creative excellence and outstanding contribution to Alaska’s arts and culture.

U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith is visiting Juneau as part of a national tour to rural communities in Alaska, South Dakota, Maine and Louisiana.

Their insurance adjuster noted that homeowner Ernestine Hayes’ clan, the Kaagwaantaan, are known as the Burnt House People.

Petersburg High School student Elisa Larson took first place and will advance to the National Finals in April, held in Washington, D.C. Jania Tumey of West Anchorage High School was runner up. 

“We are surrounded tonight by resolute, substantial brilliant flames of the arts, humanities, social justice, community service and the human caring,” said Alaska state writer laureate Ernestine Hayes.

The Alaska State Council on the Arts facilitates the selection of the Writer Laureate. The Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities can be seen on 360 North beginning at 8 p.m.