Authentic Alaska: Voices of Its Native Writers

by Susan B. Andrews (Editor), John Creed (Editor)

In this lively and sometimes poignant collection of essays and autobiographies, nearly fifty Alaska Native writers tell of their unique way of life and bear witness to the sweeping cultural changes occurring in their lifetimes. They explore a range of experiences and issues, including skinning a polar bear; traditional domestic and subsistence practices; marriage customs; alcoholism; the challenges and opportunities of modern education; balancing traditional and contemporary demands; discrimination; adapting to urban life; the treatment of Native peoples in school textbooks; and the social realities of speaking standard and “village” English. With its fresh perspectives and unfailingly authentic voices, this collection is essential for an understanding of Alaska Native peoples today.

Genres: Indigenous

177 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Heather Herron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book in a thrift shop in Bethel, AK and figured I would find at least a few gems in this work. As I went through it I found that each page gave me a deeper appreciation for the unique experiences I'm gaining while living and working in Alaska. This is one of those books that I believe everyone should read. Not just people wishing to visit Alaska, or considering moving to Alaska, but EVERYONE. It contains dozens of beautiful anecdotes, personal accounts, and informative essays on everything from Eskimo dancing, Native foods and subsistence life, to the relationships between the Native peoples and the American government and numerous religious organizations. I often read this while I was waiting to go out to the villages or on a bush plane. It is very easily accessible and does a great job of keeping the cheechakos in the loop with culturally specific terms and concepts. My only complaint is that I wish they had included "voices" from more than just the Kotzebue area. They covered a few other areas, even Bethel was featured. But I truly wish they had included Kodiak, Kenai, Barrow, and just a greater sampling. On piece that particularly stood out to me was Project Chariot. A "civil engineering project" that was a disguise for testing the effects of fall out and radiation and new explosives on the people and land of Point Hope. My boyfriend and I looked further into it and found this documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDQ9w...

[Kelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Book