Alaska Native Arts & Culture

The state board of education approved the Lower Kuskokwim School District’s request to expand Ayaprun into the extra grade levels.

The initiative pairs mentors with apprentices to develop traditional skills — and to foster vital cultural and traditional knowledge of the Chilkat Valley.

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.

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. 

A group of researchers and historians learned key details about Benny Benson’s life, including his real age and roots in Unalaska.

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