This week on AK, we come together at the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) convention in Fairbanks and all around the state. Balloon animals, horses, rappers, playwrights, Alaska Natives, environmentalists — and a ghost — all hang out with us on the Last Frontier.
All that and more on AK, from APRN stations statewide, starting today.
Engaging Youth
Rebecca Sheir, AK
Matthew Stevens is a rapper and organizer: he’s working with Denakkanaaga and the students at Effie Kokrine Charter School in Fairbanks to produce a play based on Sydney Huntington’s book Shadows on the Koyukuk.
Jeff’s Balloons
Jeff Brown of Juneau is the Balloonist Laureate of Alaska, and the founder of Balloons Around the World Day. As AK’s Scott Burton tells us, it’s a chance for balloon artists to bring people smiles, just because.
300 Villages
Akiak
White Mountain
- Break: “Fiddle Bottle Waltz” by Eric Eid Reiner from Oasis Acoustics Vol. VI
Wisdom Bearers
Rebecca Sheir, AK
As part of AFN week, all the Natives who have received honorary degrees from the University of Alaska gathered to share some words of wisdom, including Walter Soboleff, Poldine Carlo, and Sydney Huntington.
Making (Green)Peace in the Pribilofs
The international environmental organization is trying to get Pribilof islanders to sign off on a sweeping conservation plan for the Bering Sea, but first it has repair a relationship that’s been rocky for decades. Charles Homans reports from St. George Island.
Carriage Driving
AK’s Ellen Lockyer learns to drive a horse and carriage (and a hay wagon and a surrey) with Carriage Wheel Ranch in Chugiak.
- Music Button: “Surrey With a Fringe on Top” by Oscar Peterson Trio from Live at Zardi’s
A 50th Birthday
The legendary Salty Dawg in Homer turned 50 this year; Rebecca Sheir visited before it closed for the season.
- Break: “Goop” by Mark Snow from The X-Files: Fight the Future
Staying with Harold
A not-so-friendly ghost at the hotel on St George Island made for some sleepless nights for APRN’s Annie Feidt.
- Music Button: “Ghostbusters” by Andrew Gold from Halloween Howls
- Calendar of Events
Honoring a Leader
Gathering is an important part of Tlingit culture. The memorial potlatch held recently for Mark Jacob, Jr., head of of the Killer Whale Clan, was the largest in decades. KCAW’s Melissa Marconi Wentzel was there.
Unfinished Business
UAA Music professor Craig Coray has produced a CD and book from recordings his father made of Yupik and Athabascan singers decades ago. He spoke with APRN’s Lori Townsend about the project.
- Closing: Bethel dance group performing at Quyana 2007
