Russians in Alaska

“For thousands of years, the Tlingit people made their home in the islands of Southeast Alaska among other indigenous peoples, including the Haida, but at the turn of the 19th century, they came into contact with a group that would threaten their relationship with the land: Russian traders seeking to establish a footprint on the North American continent.” Read full story here.

Alaska Native Women

The world could go to hell, but Alaska Natives would survive, 70-year-old Connie Timmerman said. She wants her grandkids, whether male or female, to know how their ancestors subsisted from Bristol Bay’s land and sea.  “Us women we could do anything. It’s a tough life, but you could do it if you set mind to it. And I truly believe that,” Timmerman told interviewers last summer. “We’re capable just as much as our men are. And it’s a good companionship, that way I think it’s healthier. You work together.”  For full story click here.

The Cold War in Alaska

The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union was a significant part of 20th century history that had worldwide repercussions. This project includes the personal stories of veterans who worked at Nike Missile Sites in Alaska, along with others talking about Alaska's role in the Cold War in general.  Click on a person's name, then on the interview to listen to the interview and follow the transcript, as well as a summary. The website is here.

Traditional Fishing in Alaska

For the first time, centuries-old fishing knowledge from the Upper Kobuk River is being recorded.  "The knowledge that is in us, in our brains, has not ever been written," said Virginia Commack, tribe manager for the Native Village of Ambler, "not even the elders, we learned it from, which is like 500 plus years old. I'd say it's a 1,000 or more years knowledge that we've never been able to write down to pass onto our children."  For full story click here.

The Serum Run – Alaska 1925

Fairbanks, AK – In 1925, the residents of Nome were facing one of the coldest winters in memory.  They were also facing a deadly outbreak of diphtheria and the local doctor had run out of medicine to treat the disease.  What followed was one of Alaska’s most famous sled dog runs.  The story itself has become Alaskan folklore, but there is little written on the Serum run.  A new documentary film, Icebound, leans on oral histories to tell the true story.  It premieres tonight in Anchorage.
For full story including film trailer and audio interview with film maker here.