RVN - Alaskan Spirit | Issue 9 | Digital Edition

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THE MAGAZINE OF RAVN AIR GROUP AND RURAL ALASKA

SEPTEMBER 2019

CULTURE IN OUR ART

Native Art and Artists

ALASKA FEDERATION OF NATIVES 2019 Fairbanks Convention

SEASON OF GATHERING Hunting and Subsistence

ANCHORAGE Living The Big Wild Life

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Welcome to RavnAir Group Welcome aboard! Whether [OPZ PZ `V\Y Ä YZ[ [YPW ^P[O \Z or you are a frequent guest VU V\Y Å PNO[Z ^L ^HU[ `V\ to know we appreciate your business, and want to make `V\Y Å PNO[ HUK [PTL ^P[O \Z enjoyable, comfortable and safe. Whether you are a lifelong Alaskan, a transplant to the Last Frontier, or a visitor, the Alaskan Spirit magazine is how we express our enthusiasm about this great state, its people, its culture and the many things that inspire us all about Alaska. In these pages, we celebrate our people who live, work and play here—who

contribute to the rich fabric of Alaska through their THU` [HSLU[Z ;OL Ä ZOLYTLU and builders, hunters and artists, the educators and Olympic athletes who all are part of what makes Alaska KPɈ LYLU[ HUK \UPX\L This is about our communities—from the larger cities to the villages of the Arctic Slope and the Aleutian Chain. These are places that we love and bring to life in the pages of this magazine. And what would a visual look at Alaska be without adventures? Whether you’re a resident of urban or rural (SHZRH `V\ JHU HS^H`Z Ä UK

new adventures close to home. From hiking in the Chugach National Forest to camping in the Brooks Range, there is no shortage of wild places and open spaces to visit and enjoy. At RavnAir Group, we enjoy (SHZRH HUK HSS P[ OHZ [V VɈ LY We enjoy the people—our friends and neighbors—who call this place home. And we want you to enjoy Alaska and its people as well. Within these pages, we will continue to introduce you to new sites, adventures, attractions, people, experiences and destinations. Thank you for joining us today at RavnAir Group.

Contents

The annual Elders and Youth Conference is held in concert with the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, this year in Fairbanks. On our cover Aaron Alstrom, whose Yup’ik name is Apali, is performing with the Inu-Yupiaq Dance Group during the 2013 Elders and Youth Conference in Fairbanks. Look inside for extensive coverage of what to see and do throughout the AFN convention in October. Photo by Sherman Hogue, Explore Fairbanks.

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End of Season Tia Shoemaker is a second-generation (SHZRHU O\U[PUN HUK Ä ZOPUN N\PKL ISLZZ ed with a gift for sharing her experiences in wild places. She gives us a glimpse PU[V [OL JOHUNPUN ZLHZVUZ HZ Ä ZOPUN HUK hunting seasons wind down.

6 Around RavnAir Country Where do you want to go and what do you want to do this fall? Here are some great things to do and places to visit in the more than 115 Alaska communities `V\ JHU Å ` [V ^P[O 9H]U(PY HUK 7LU(PY

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10 Fly Your Way

16 Art and Dance

Ravn Air Group’s charter department helps our passengers build custom JOHY[LY Å PNO[Z [V NV ^OLYL [OL` ULLK when they need. Our charters carry Alaskans to everything from high school championships to international conventions. Learn more from our charter team.

AFN provides a bounty of experiences for all the senses. The Customary Art Show allows hundreds of Native artists to display and sell their creations. Quyana, two nights of Native dance, both celebrates and preserves centuries of heritage commemorated in dance.

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22 The Business of Boats

Join us for our preview of the annual convention of the Alaska Federation of Natives in Fairbanks this October. AFN is the largest gathering of Native peoples in the country and combines history, family, tradition, dance and art, with real action to solve today’s biggest issues for Alaska’s Native people.

On The Cover

Our favorite community of Homer is also one of the busiest harbors in Alaska, home to hundreds of businesses provided specialized services for commercial and recreational boats of every size and purpose. McKibben Jackinsky introduces us to the role that Homer plays in supporting Alaska’s maritime industry.

Embarrassment of Riches 7H\S ([RPUZ PZ H ^PKLS` RUV^U HUK YLZWLJ[ ed outdoor writer from Kotzebue who YLÅ LJ[Z VU [OL PTWVY[HUJL VM O\U[PUN HUK subsistence living in this fall season, as Alaskans gather the bounty of wild game HUK Ä ZO [V WYLWHYL MVY [OL JVTPUN ^PU[LY

34 Meet Molly of Denali ;OPZ UL^ 7\ISPJ )YVHKJHZ[PUN :LY]PJL television series, created in Alaska, is breaking new ground to education young people worldwide about Alaska and Alaskans. We introduce you to the voices and people that are making this possible.

46 The Anchorage We Love Not only is Anchorage Alaska’s largest city, it is also the center of meetings and events throughout the fall and winter season. It’s also a great place to come for a day or a week, to shop and see and do.

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Alaskan Spirit is published by Fireweed Strategies LLC. Publisher and Advertising: Lee Leschper Fireweed Strategies LLC 7V[[LY *YLZ[ *PYJSL Anchorage, AK 99516 Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com 907-957-6025 Editorial: Will Leschper Design and Production: Southfork Graphic Services Contributors: 7H\S ([RPUZ Susie Jenkins-Brito Lori Evans Clark Fair Erin Kirkland McKibben Jackinsky Tia Shoemaker Laine Welch

RavnAir Group

Our RavnAir vision Connecting our passengers with friends, MHTPS` HUK HSS [OH[ (SHZRH OHZ [V VɈ LY RavnAir Group is the state’s largest YLNPVUHS HPYSPUL ^P[O TVYL [OHU Å PNO[Z a day serving 115 cities and villages across the 49th state. RavnAir is Alaska’s homegrown airline providing safe, reliable and friendly service delivered by our Alaskan employees—all 900 of us.

RavnAir Group Corporate Headquarters: RavnAir Alaska 4700 Old International Airport Road Anchorage, AK 99502 7OVUL! Fax: 907-266-8391

We travel to the farthest reaches of the largest state in the union—from Kodiak to Kaktovik, and St. Mary’s to Savoonga— transporting more than 800,000 passengers annually.

Statewide Reservations: Hours: Daily 7:00am to 7:00pm 7OVUL! 907-266-8394 (in state) Fax: 907-266-8391

Committed to exceptional service, we are also dedicated to supporting the JVTT\UP[PLZ ^L ZLY]L 7HY[ VM 9H]U(PY»Z corporate focus is to give back through the sponsorship of hundreds of local JOHYP[PLZ HUK UVUWYVÄ [ VYNHUPaH[PVUZ

Group Travel Desk Flyravn.com/group-travel Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 7OVUL! Fax: 907-245-5745 ,THPS! NYV\W [YH]LS'Ã… `YH]U JVT

supporting groups that contribute to the betterment and advancement of Alaska’s people and communities. We recognize that it is an honor to connect people, cultures, vital cargo and even the daily mail as we strive to bring the very best in essential services to and from our state’s major hubs, while providing connectivity to the most remote locations. As you travel throughout this great state, RavnAir pledges to deliver the same warmth and comfort in the air that you’ll Ä UK MYVT (SHZRHUZ ^OLYL]LY `V\ SHUK Whether we’re transporting a group of climbers to Denali, a family back to their village, or a sports team to their next big game, we are here to provide a safe and friendly experience during your travels. We appreciate your patronage.

FlyAway Rewards Program Flyravn.com/rewards 7OVUL! 907-266-8394 (in Anchorage) *VUZ\TLY (Ɉ HPYZ! Flyravn.com/askravn ,THPS! JVUZ\TLY'Å `YH]U JVT RavnAir Alaska Air Cargo 4750 Old International Airport Road Anchorage For more online at FlyRavn.com/cargo 7OVUL! (UJOVYHNL *LU[YHS 6ɉ JL Corporate Sales 7OVUL! Fax: 907-266-8391 ,THPS! JVYWVYH[L ZHSLZ'Å `YH]U JVT

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From the CEO

Bringing Alaskans together

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Greetings and welcome onboard. At RavnAir Group, we are excited to have you with us and to show you the great state of Alaska.

Fall is the time of year when Alaskans begin to put away their kayaks and focus on planning for the coming year. With that comes what we call ‘conference season.’ 6UL VM (SHZRH»Z Ä YZ[ THQVY JVUMLYLUJL VM the fall is the Alaska Chamber convention, which will take place October 28-30 in Girdwood this year, at the Alyeska Resort. Other conferences after the Chamber gathering are the Alaska Miner’s Association annual convention November 3-9 and the Resource Development Conference November 20-21. Both are at the Dena’ina Center in downtown Anchorage. The largest of them all however, is the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) convention, which alternates between Alaska’s largest community, Anchorage and the second largest, Fairbanks. The 2019 convention is scheduled for Fairbanks October 17-19, where leaders

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from across the state will gather to address key issues facing the Alaska Native community and develop policy positions on these issues.

year and help steer the organization. The AFN Convention has the distinction of being the largest annual gathering of Native peoples in the United States.

AFN is the largest Alaska Native organization, consisting of 191 federally recognized tribes, 171 village corporations, 12 regional corporations, and 12 YLNPVUHS UVUWYVÄ [ HUK [YPIHS JVUZVY[P\TZ AFN is governed by a 38-member board, which is elected by its membership at the annual convention.

During the convention, there are evening cultural performances known as Quyana Alaska, featuring traditional Native dances. Dancers from across the state present event has a maximum capacity of 2,500 attendees per night and traditionally sells out.

;OV\ZHUKZ VM Vɉ JPHS KLSLNH[LZ HUK WHY ticipants from membership organizations across the state gather in Fairbanks for the event, which includes 100 trade show exhibitors, keynote speeches, a banquet, dancing and the sale of Native arts and crafts from more than 150 artisans who attend the Customary Native Arts Show. Delegates discuss strategic opportunities and challenges and hear from political SLHKLYZ HUK LSLJ[LK Vɉ JPHSZ 0U HKKP[PVU stories are shared that provide knowledge and insight to the future leaders of the next generation. A cornerstone of the convention is the resolutions that the delegates propose and vote on. The resolutions passed by the delegates set the priorities for the

;OL NYHUK Ä UHSL PZ [OL JSVZPUN IHUX\L[ ^P[O LU[LY[HPUTLU[ HUK H Ä UHS JLSLIYH[PVU before the 6,000 delegates, observers, vendors and others say their goodbyes until next year. The AFN convention is estimated to have an economic impact of more than $5 million to its host city each year. The event is open to the public who would like to observe or visit the trade fair and the arts and crafts show, to see some of (SHZRH»Z Ä ULZ[ HY[PZ[Z» ^VYR >L LUJV\Y age you to drop by if you’re in Fairbanks this fall. We appreciate you joining us on RavnAir [VKH` HUK SVVR MVY^HYK [V Å `PUN `V\ [V and from the great networking conferences ahead this fall. Photo by Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks

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September through November

What’s Happening in RavnAir Country provides stunning views of roadless, backcountry Alaska’s fall and winter landscapes. After enjoying a quick trip to the Fairbanks area, you’ll have plenty of time to catch a quick RavnAir flight home.

access and educational signage and development, development and improvement of bird-viewing. www.kenaichamber.org/ living-here/kenai-silver-salmon-derby

www.alaskarailroad.com

Alaska World Arts Festival

Equinox Marathon and Relay

Homer September 6-19

Fairbanks September 21

Artists and art lovers of all ages are invited to a two-week celebration of worldwide arts in Homer, with 100 performances, exhibits, readings, studio tours and workshops through music, dance, theater, film, visual arts, written word and comedy in 50 venues. The Alaska World Arts Festival is an assembly of worldwide artists and audiences of all ages, engaging in an exchange of culture and ideas through multiple art forms by means of workshops, performances, exhibits, presentations and studio tours.

The premier running event in Interior Alaska and one of America’s toughest marathons—26 miles through rugged terrain up and over Ester Dome with views of Denali—incudes a full marathon and three-person relays. The 10-hour time cutoff is great for walkers who can keep a steady pace. The race is planned around the autumnal equinox, typically when leaves are turning yellow and orange usually before winter snow.

www.alaskaworldarts.org

Jackpot Holiday Derby Anchorage Concerts All Access

Homer Ends September 15

Anchorage September 19

There’s still time to catch a halibut that could win the $10,000 grand prize or major tagged fish prize of $25,000. The longest running halibut derby in Alaska began in 1986 and includes tagged fish, biggest fish and kids prizes. You must purchase a ticket prior to fishing and catching. Winners will be announced at the September 20 Halibut Derby Gala.

Celebrate the arts at this food and music extravaganza at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts Discovery Theater. Includes behindthe-scenes evening of wine, food, music, backstage tours, auctions, games and art. Special performance by Argentina-based, bluegrass-flavored, Latin-infused Che Apalache. Ages 21 and older only with photo ID required. Tickets are $60.25.

www.homeralaska.org/jackpot-halibut-derby.html

www.equinoxmarathon.org

www.anchorageconcerts.org/ community/anchorage-concerts-all-access

Ian Merculieff

3rd Annual Kenai Silver Salmon Derby Kenai River September 13-15 & September 20-22

The event returns for its third year with daily cash prizes for adults and youths, as well as an overall prize for each division. The event helps raise funds for management and protection of river banks and other riparian zones in Kenai, including improved wetland

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Like what you see here?

Aurora Winter Train

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Anchorage to Fairbanks Mid-September to Mid-May

`V\Y L]LU[Z Email complete information

For a long fall or winter weekend, hop on the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The 12-hour northbound journey

and images to HKTPU'ÄYL^LLKZ[YH[LNPLZ JVT

Oktoberfest at Alyeska Girdwood September 20-21, September 27-28

Autumn just wouldn’t be the same without a festive atmosphere celebrating the many attributes of beer! Oktoberfest is two full weekends of live music, beer-filled steins and merrymaking. Get your polka on with

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great local oompah bands, grab a stein and sample authentic Bavarian delicacies. A variety of food and drink will be available for purchase at Sitzmark Bar & Grill. www.alyeskaresort.com

discoveries in Canada, and artifacts raised from HMS Erebus. “The Culture of Media: Representation from Nanook to Molly” runs through October 13 at the Anchorage Museum. The exhibit provides context for the new PBS Kids series “Molly of Denali,” featuring an Alaska Native lead character.

annual gathering in the country of Native peoples. Renowned as one of the best places to purchase Alaska Native and Native American artwork, the Customary Native Arts Show typically features more than 170 Native artisans from Alaska and the Lower 48. Quyana Alaska features traditional dances and ensures they will be passed on to future generations.

year’s event celebrates the U.S. Coast Guard’s mission to ensure the safety of all mariners and members of Alaska’s thriving commercial and sport fishing industries. www.valdezmuseum.org/ events/18th-annual-roadhouse-dinner-and-auction

www.anchoragemuseum.org

www.nativefederation.org/ convention

“Jurassic Alaska” Music and Arts Festival Seward September 27-29

The Seward Music and Arts Festival includes 20-plus live musical acts and dance performances, along with Alaska artisan craft and food vendors, and a beer garden. Sponsored by the Seward Arts Council, the event is family oriented with children’s activities and artists’ projects throughout the weekend. www.sewardfestival.com

High School Tennis, Football & Volleyball Championships Anchorage October 11-12, October 11-25 & November 14-16

Get ready to belt out “we are the champions” as you celebrate Alaska School Activities Association winners in tennis, football and volleyball. Tennis is at the Alaska Club East, football at the Anchorage School District Football Stadium and volleyball at UAA’s Alaska Airlines Center. www.asaa.org

Goldstream to HooDoo Half Marathon Fairbanks October 12

International Friendship Day

About 600 runners, walkers and joggers signed up for the second annual race, making the event the largest half marathon in Interior Alaska. A fun packet pickup a few days before will set the tone for an amazing race day. The beer festival after the race at HooDoo Brewing Co. will feature tasty craft brew, food vendors, awards ceremony and great door prizes. Rain, sleet, snow or shine—we will run for beer!

Fairbanks October 19

Continuous five hours of ethnic song and dance performances, cultural displays and various ethnic food from noon–5 pm. at Pioneer Park Civic Center. For more information contact (907) 474-0928 or rjkan@alaska.edu.

www.hoodoobrew.com/ hoodoohalf

Sherman Hogue, Explore Fairbanks

Sitka Whalefest

Anchorage Museum Special Exhibits Anchorage Ends September 29 & October 13

“Death in the Ice,” which runs through September 29, explores the mystery behind Sir John Franklin’s tragic expedition to chart the Northwest Passage with two ships and 129 men. Included are expedition materials from London along with Inuit culture and knowledge that led to the wrecks’

Roadhouse Dinner & Auction Valdez October 5

The Valdez Museum and Historical Archive’s 18th Annual Roadhouse Dinner and Auction includes a dinner, entertainment, silent and live auctions, and a grand prize drawing. With the theme “Coast Guard Row’d House,” this

Alaska Federation of Natives Annual Convention Fairbanks October 17-19

The largest meeting in Fairbanks brings Alaskans from across the state together to discuss issues and shape policy at the largest representative

Sitka October 31-November 3

Sitka Whalefest celebrates marine life through a unique three-day science symposium blending local knowledge and scientific inquiry of Alaska’s rich marine environment. The weekend events that surround the symposium include marine wildlife cruises in Sitka Sound, a marine-themed artisan market, family concert, film fest, local foods, art show and a fun walk/run. www.sitkawhalefest.org

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September 2019

Editor's Picks By Lee Leschper As we assemble each issue of Alaskan Spirit, we make our own list of the things we will be doing to make the most of this special time of year. Here are some things we’ll be doing—what about you? Embrace the change Yes, winter is coming. The days are getting shorter, the UPNO[Z JVVSLY [OL ÄYZ[ ZUV^ PU [OL ^PUK )\[ [OLZL ÅLL[PUN KH`Z HYL HSZV M\SS VM glorious sights, sounds and smells—the explosion of golden leaves, the sound of waterfowl heading south, the sight of massive bull moose and majestic bull caribou in their antlered splendor, and the scents of fair food and smokehouses and family feasts. Get out and seize every moment of these glorious days! Hunt for Food Speaking of moose and caribou, September is also the peak of hunting season in Alaska, when we are HÄLSK ^P[O \UÄSSLK [HNZ W\YZ\PUN [OL NHTL HUPTHSZ [OH[ ^PSS ÄSS V\Y MYLLaLYZ HUK feed our families for the coming winter, but also refresh our souls and reconnect us with the wild and subsistence life that is our heritage. Good luck and be safe out there. And get ready for the hunting tales we’ll be sharing, perhaps with a little leftover moose! Gather and Celebrate September and October are meeting time in Alaska. From the last days of the Alaska State Fair, to October’s AFN and Elders and Youth Conferences in Fairbanks, to the Alaska Miners Association annual convention in November, this is the time when we gather, remember and plan, while celebrating both the blessings and the challenges we share. Make time to reunite with old friends and make new ones at these authentic Alaska gatherings.

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Charter Air Service

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¸;OPZ `LHY ^L OH]L KVUL H SV[ VM JOHY[LYZ ^P[O +HZO Z [OL SHYNLY Ã… HNZOPW VM [OL 9H]U(PY Ã… LL[ PU[V WSHJLZ [OH[ [OL` UVYTHSS` KVU»[ NV PU[V ¹ 2HYYP NYL^ \W HYV\UK H]PH[PVU ¸4` +HK PZ H ZPUNSL LUNPUL WPSV[ HUK OL OHZ V^ULK OPZ V^U HPYJYHM[ ZPUJL 0 ^HZ H RPK 0»]L ZLLU H SV[ VM (SHZRH [OH[

¸0 KVU»[ WLYZVUHSS` Ã… ` 0 LUQV` Ã… `PUN 0 Q\Z[ UL]LY SLHYULK ¹ (SS HZWLJ[Z VM LK\JH[PVU UV[ Q\Z[ ZWVY[Z YLS` VU 9H]U(PY JOHY[LYZ 2HYYP ZHPK ¸-VY L_HTWSL [OL .HSLUH 0U[LYPVY 3LHYUPUN (JHKLT` IYPUNZ RPKZ PU MYVT HSS V]LY [OL Z[H[L >L JVVYKPUH[L [OLPY ZJOLK\SLK HPY [YH]LS [OH[ IYPUNZ [OLT PU[V V\Y THPU HPYWVY[ O\IZ [OLU \ZL JOHY[LYZ [V KLSP]LY [OLT [V .HSLUH ;OH[»Z WYVIH IS` RPKZ ¹ :V [OL UL_[ [PTL `V\»YL [HRPUN [OL [LHT VY L_[LUKLK MHTPS` VU H [YPW JVUZPKLY H 9H]U(PY JOHY[LY

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Alaska Federation of Natives 2019

“Good Government, Alaskan Driven” 6J[VILY ࠮ -HPYIHURZ The Voice for the Alaska Native Community The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) 53rd Annual Convention will be themed ¸.VVK .V]LYUTLU[ (SHZRHU +YP]LU ¹ The convention will be held October 17-19 at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. ¸;OL [OLTL ZL[Z V\Y JVU]LU[PVU»Z [VUL HUK N\PKLZ [OL HNLUKH ¹ ZHPK (-5 7YLZPKLU[ 1\SPL 2P[RH ¸(-5 PZ YLHJOPUN V\[ [V (SHZRHUZ [V OLSW I\PSK HU (SHZRH ^L HSS ^HU[ [V SP]L PU ;OH[»Z NVPUN [V IL H IPN WHY[ VM ^OH[ ^L KPZJ\ZZ [OPZ `LHY ¹ 8\`HUH ^PSS IL 6J[VILY HUK H[ [OL *HYSZVU *LU[LY -HPYIHURZ

;OL ¸(SHZRHU +YP]LU¹ JVTWVULU[ VM [OL [OLTL \UKLYZJVYLZ (-5»Z WVZP[PVU [OH[ sensible, long-term and balanced solutions require meaningful Alaskan input through citizen engagement in the democratic process. The largest representative annual gathering of Native peoples in the United States, AFN’s annual convention serves as the principle forum and voice for the Alaska Native community in addressing critical issues of public policy and NV]LYUTLU[ ;OV\ZHUKZ VM Vɉ JPHS KLSLNH[LZ HUK WHY[PJPWHU[Z MYVT TLTILY organizations around the state attend. Resolutions passed by the voting delegates set the priorities to guide AFN’s HK]VJHJ` LɈ VY[Z :VTL KLSLNH[LZ WHY[PJPWHU[Z VIZLY]LYZ ]LUKVYZ HUK visitors attend each year, with an estimated economic impact of more than $6 million for the host city. The convention features evening cultural performances, a Native art showcase, an exhibitor and health fair, a legal clinic and workshops. The convention is broadcast live statewide via television and radio, as well as webcast to 70 countries worldwide. AFN is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 191 federally recognized tribes, 171 village corporations, 12 regional JVYWVYH[PVUZ HUK YLNPVUHS UVUWYVÄ [ HUK [YPIHS JVUZVY[P\TZ [OH[ JVU[YHJ[ [V run Federal and state programs. AFN’s mission is to enhance and promote the cultural, economic and political voice of the entire Alaska Native community. www.nativefederation.org/convention Photos by Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks

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Iditarod winner Pete Kaiser to keynote AFN )L[OLS»Z 7L[L 2HPZLY ^PSS deliver the keynote address to the 2019 AFN Convention in Fairbanks. 7L[L PZ [OL Ä YZ[ @\W»PR T\ZOLY HUK Ä M[O (SHZRH 5H[P]L [V ^PU the 1,000-mile sled dog race. He and his amazing team of canine athletes made history winning the 2019 Iditarod, racing and winning with the quiet determination and hard work that’s made him a world-class competitor. In a close race heading out of the White Mountain checkWVPU[ 7L[L ZRPSSM\SS` N\PKLK OPZ [LHT [OL Ä UHS TPSLZ [V [OL Ä UPZO SPUL PU 5VTL /L Ä UPZOLK with a time of nine days, 12 hours and 39 minutes. This PZ [OL [O [PTL 7L[L OHZ competed in the Iditarod. In addition to the Iditarod, 7L[L YLN\SHYS` JVTWL[LZ PU [OL Kuskokwim 300 dogsled race. He holds the record for most consecutive victories in the Kuskokwim 300, winning four times between 2015 and 2018.

He placed second earlier this year in the 2019 race. 7L[L PZ `LHYZ VSK HUK NYL^ up in Bethel. His childhood ^HZ ZWLU[ Ä ZOPUN IVH[PUN hunting and running a small team of family dogs on camping trips and in local races. In his senior year at Bethel High School he won the Akiak Dash, a 65-mile race put on by the Kuskokwim 300 Race Committee. A love of the outdoors drew 7L[L [V H SPML VM Y\UUPUN KVNZ in the winter and working on a tugboat in the summer. He was born, raised and graduated high school in Bethel, Alaska. His Bethel roots extend back three generations to include a great-grandfather who came into the country as a goldminer and hired out with his dog team for extended trips from the Interior to Bristol Bay and a Yup’ik great-grandmother orphaned by an epidemic and raised in a mission orphanage.

>OPSL H[[LUKPUN JVSSLNL 7L[L decided what he really wanted to know was everything about dogs. That passion turned into dog mushing full time. The decision to become a dog musher gave his life focus and purpose. At age 20, energetic and hardworking, he became serious about learning everything he could about dogs, training and racing. He found he was well suited for it, and liked spending most of his time with the dogs. 7L[L OHK ILLU PU[YVK\JLK [V mushing years earlier by his dad, who had a dog team. With his sister Tillie and friends, there’d been hours of enjoyment running dogs to winter camps and racing in Sunday Fun Runs put on by the Kuskokwim 300 Race

Committee. The Kuskokwim 300 race itself was a highpoint of the winter, especially with his dad having run it and his mom having managed it and served on the board. He’s run in every Kuskokwim 300 since 2009 and every Iditarod since 2010. In 2015 7L[L ^HZ [OL Ä YZ[ SVJHS T\ZOLY to win the 300 in 29 years. It was a sweet victory to share with his hometown of Bethel and the Y-K Delta. The win in January 2015 further earned 7L[L [OL Ä YZ[ 2\ZRVR^PT 300 Triple Crown. His 2005 Akiak Dash win was followed by a 2008 Bogus Creek win, topped by the 2015 Kuskokwim 300. @V\ JHU SLHYU TVYL HIV\[ 7L[L at KaiserRacing.com.

Photos by John Wallace

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What is AFN? The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) is the largest statewide Native organization in Alaska. Its membership includes 191 federally recognized tribes, 171 village corporations, 12 regional corporations, and 12 YLNPVUHS UVUWYVÄ [ HUK [YPIHS JVUZVY[P\TZ that contract and compact to run federal and state programs. The organization is governed by a 38-member board, which is elected by its membership at the annual convention in October. AFN was formed in 1966 to develop a \UPÄ LK WVZP[PVU VU 5H[P]L SHUK JSHPTZ in Alaska, and to press Congress for a ZL[[SLTLU[ 7YPVY [V [OL MVYTH[PVU VM (-5 various Native groups lobbied for rights to their aboriginal lands. Immediately following the sale of Alaska to the United States, the Tlingit Indians of Southeast Alaska protested, arguing they were the owners of lands they occupied. In 1912, the Tanana chiefs asserted title to their lands in Interior Alaska after white settlers began to infringe on their territory. ;OL ;SPUNP[ HUK /HPKHZ ILNHU LɈ VY[Z [V regain their land during a meeting in 1929 and sued the federal government in 1935, after Congress passed a law allowing them to sue the United States for lands lost, HUK ^VU [OL JHZL PU Ä UHSS` YLJLP]PUN monetary compensation in 1968. >OH[ HJJLSLYH[LK [OL SHUK JSHPTZ LɈ VY[ however, was the formation of the state of Alaska in 1959. The young state government began selecting and selling lands, and leasing mineral rights to oil companies, to raise revenue. Native groups, which had sovereign rights,

became alarmed, feared loss of control of traditional lands. In October 1966, more than 400 Alaska Natives representing 17 Native organizations gathered for a three-day conference to address Alaska Native aboriginal land rights. A statewide organization was formed, with articles of incorporation of the Alaska Federation of Natives signed in early 1967. -VY P[Z Ä YZ[ Ä ]L `LHYZ (-5 ^VYRLK primarily to achieve passage of a just and fair land settlement, which happened in 1971, and played a key role in the congressional action. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) returned about 45 million acres of Alaska’s total 365 million acres to Native ownership and provided for a $965 million cash settlement for the 320 million acres of Alaska not returned to Native control.

Photo by Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks

were respected. This has been a continuing struggle. Today, AFN continues to press for subsistence rights not only on federal lands, but also state-owned lands. AFN has evolved to meet the changing needs of Alaska Natives and to

In the early and mid-1970s, AFN provided technical assistance to help the regional Native associations implement ANCSA and set up the private regional and village corporations mandated by the Act.

respond to challenges as they emerge,

Later AFN played a key role in the passage of a second major federal land action, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980 (ANILCA), which established national parks and forests, wildlife refuges and wild and scenic rivers. ANILCA also set aside large areas in these conservation land units as wilderness, a formal designation sharply limiting human activity.

attention to social, tribal and economic

AFN’s mission in ANILCA was to ensure [OH[ [YHKP[PVUHS O\U[PUN HUK Ä ZOPUN YPNO[Z in the new federal conservation areas

dialogue between tribal and the private

such as amendments made to ANCSA in 1987 that helped keep Native lands under Native ownership. In the late 1980s, AFN also turned its PZZ\LZ JVU[PU\PUN HK]VJHJ` LɈ VY[Z ^P[O federal agencies and Congress. At the state level, AFN plays an active role in the legislative process, promoting laws, policies and programs in areas such as health, education, resource development, labor and government. Within the Native community, and often at its annual convention, AFN provides a forum for regional and village corporations, and ^P[O Z[H[L HUK MLKLYHS Vɉ JPHSZ

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Start your holiday shopping

Alaska Native Customary Art Fair There’s unlimited opportunity to admire and shop for authentic Alaska Native artwork and crafts at the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention in Fairbanks. The art show and sale will be October 17-18, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and October 19, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Alaska Native heritage is rich with exquisite hand-crafted items that will delight you and everyone on your gift list, and the AFN Convention is an excellent opportunity to buy unique presents from master artists.

6US` HY[PZ[Z ^P[O JLY[PĂ„ LK 5H[P]L authenticity are allowed at the show. 0U [OL *HU]HZ 7H]PSPVU HKQHJLU[ [V the Carlson Center there will be approximately 170 Alaska Native and American Indian artists from across Alaska and the lower 48. The artistic opportunities are endless. Adorn yourself with porcupine quill earrings, colorful kuspuks and caribou[\M[LK IHYYL[[LZ HUK IYVVJOLZ 7LY\ZL treasures like renowned Athabascan beadwork, birch bark baskets and skin

masks or indulge in an elegant piece of ivory, grass basket or mask carved from bone. Hear stories about how the art is crafted directly from the artisans and purchase one-of-a-kind holiday gifts for friends and family directly from the artists. After you have enjoyed your shopping, stay for Quyana to see Alaska Native dancers, drummers and singers performing October 17-18, 7-11 p.m.

Photo by Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks

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Quyana Traditional dances remain the lifeblood of Alaska Native culture and JVTT\UP[PLZ ;OL` Z\Z[HPU HUK JVUULJ[ ^P[O H YPJO J\S[\YHS OPZ[VY` 7HZZLK from generation to generation, these dances ensure that the many distinct Native cultures across Alaska remain connected to their origins. For more than 35 years, Alaska Natives have come together in dance to celebrate Quyana Alaska during the annual AFN Convention. First introduced at the 1982 Convention, Quyana Alaska was designed to restore traditional dances and ensure that they were passed onto future NLULYH[PVUZ ;V KH[L V]LY KPɈ LYLU[ KHUJL NYV\WZ OH]L WLYMVYTLK H[ the Quyana Alaska gatherings. The cultural revival has exploded across rural Alaska and Quyana Alaska is now a treasured highlight of each and every Convention. Quyana 1 is Oct. 17, 7-11 p.m., Quyana 2 is Oct. 18, 7-11 p.m., both nights in the Carlson Center in Fairbanks. Tickets are $10 at the door. Both the AFN Convention and both nights of Quyana are broadcast live on television on GCI Channel 907, the Alaska Rural Communication Service, and on 360 North (public television) and streamed online at www.NativeFederation.org. The broadcasts reach thousands of remote communities throughout Alaska and through the Internet, around the world.

Photos by Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks

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Fairbanks set to host AFN visitors Whether you come from near of far, Fairbanks is once again ready to welcome you to the annual Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) convention with distinctive Golden Heart hospitality. To help with planning your visit, Explore Fairbanks has launched a Facebook page and a website in advance of the 2019 Alaska Federation of Natives Convention, and the Elders and Youth Conference October 13-19, 2019. Lodging vacancies and transportation options, as well as photographs and topical posts, attractions and other convention-related resources are now available via Facebook.com/AFNConventionFairbanks and on www.afnfairbanks.com. The Facebook page and the website will be updated frequently, keeping you informed of changes leading up to and even during the week of the convention. The AFN Convention Fairbanks sites will seek to connect AFN visitors with the community and all the wonderful things to see and do in Fairbanks this fall when you visit. In addition, the AFN Cross-Cultural Communication Committee will provide training sessions for frontline businesses throughout Fairbanks to help ensure your comfort, safety and satisfaction during your convention experience. Training topics include an understanding of what culture is, who are Alaska’s diverse 5H[P]L WLVWSLZ KPɈ LYLUJLZ PU JVTT\UPJH[PVU Z[`SLZ how to avoid misunderstandings while communicating HUK OV^ [V HJJVTTVKH[L J\S[\YHS KPɈ LYLUJLZ You’ll want to like and share the AFN Fairbanks -HJLIVVR WHNL MVY WYVTV[PVUHS WYPaL VɈ LYPUNZ PUJS\K ing accommodations, Alaska Native art, tickets to attractions and more. The AFN Fairbanks community committee is also working with the Alaska Federation of Natives organization to share destination information about Fairbanks with members and to assure they know they are welcome. Find more information about things to see and do on your visit to the Golden Heart of Alaska, go to www.explorefairbanks.com.

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Fairbanks officials welcome AFN “Doyon, Limited is pleased to welcome the Alaska Federation of Natives board, delegates and visitors to Fairbanks for the 2019 convention. We hope you experience the hospitality and warmth of [OL .VSKLU /LHY[ *P[` (UHH» IHZZLL» ¹ —Aaron Schutt, CEO, Doyon Limited “We would like to welcome all AFN delegates, participants, vendors, and guests to Fairbanks. We in the Interior are excited to host the 53rd Annual AFN Convention and we look forward to seeing everyone PU 6J[VILY ¹ —Victor Joseph, Chief/Chairman, Tanana Chiefs Conference “On behalf of the Fairbanks Native Association Board of Director’s, we welcome the Alaska Federation of Natives to Athabascan country. >L ^PZO `V\ H Z\JJLZZM\S HUK ZHML JVU]LU[PVU 4HOZP» *OVV ¹ —Steve Ginnis, Executive Director, Fairbanks Native Association “We in Fairbanks look forward to once again hosting the AFN *VU]LU[PVU ;OL ¸.VSKLU /LHY[ *P[`¹ ^LSJVTLZ HSS [V [OPZ PTWVY[HU[ gathering in October 2019. While serious matters will be addressed at [OL JVU]LU[PVU [OLYL ^PSS IL WSLU[` VM M\U Ä SSLK HJ[P]P[PLZ [VV PUJS\K ing Quyana dance performances and arts and crafts sales. Come SLHYU Ä YZ[OHUK HIV\[ [OL Z[H[L^PKL (SHZRHU 5H[P]L JVTT\UP[` ¹ —Sharon McConnell, Executive Director, Denakkanaaga, Inc. “On behalf of the entire Fairbanks North Star Borough, we look forward to our community hosting the 53rd Annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention this fall! Fairbanks is looking forward to greeting all the Elders, delegates and their families with hospitality, warmth and enthusiasm. We have a super team of dedicated volunteers who are working with AFN to create a memorable convention. See you in 6J[VILY ¹ —Bryce J. Ward, Fairbanks North Star Borough Mayor “On behalf of the City of Fairbanks, it is my pleasure to welcome delegates, visitors, family, and friends to Fairbanks for the 2019 AFN Convention. Fairbanks is delighted to have the opportunity to host this important event, and we trust that you will have a very successful ^LLR PU V\Y ILH\[PM\S JP[` ¹ —Jim Matherly, City of Fairbanks Mayor “Explore Fairbanks—along with more than 100 volunteers—looks forward to planning for and warmly welcoming AFN delegates, families and friends with our Golden Heart hospitality. We are so honored and L_JP[LK [V ZLL `V\ ZVVU ¹ >P[O ^HYT YLNHYKZ —Deb Hickok, President and CEO, Explore Fairbanks

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Autumn Auroras September and October are excellent months to view the aurora borealis in Fairbanks. September’s mild temperatures make it particularly alluring and during this time period you can see the uncommon marvel of the aurora YLÅ LJ[PUN VU ^H[LY Z\YMHJLZ *OLUH 3HRL 9LJYLH[PVU (YLH PU 5VY[O 7VSL PZ H popular spot for viewing and photographing mirror-image aurora displays which are visible ILMVYL [OL SHRL MYLLaLZ HUK ZUV^ Å PLZ Fairbanks is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights during the Aurora Season from August 21 to (WYPS -HPYIHURZ» SVJH[PVU KPYLJ[S` \UKLY [OL ¸(\YVYHS 6]HS¹·H ring-shaped region hovering over the Far North—combined with a good balance of clear nights, occurrence frequency and activity allows for excellent aurora viewing opportunities in the late summer, autumn, winter and spring. While staying overnight in Fairbanks ask your accommodation’s front desk WLYZVUULS PM [OL` VɈ LY H ^HRL \W JHSS ^OLU [OL UVY[OLYU SPNO[Z HYL V\[ Check the Aurora Tracker at www.ExploreFairbanks.com to predict when and where the aurora will likely be visible. No guarantees, but the longer you’re in Fairbanks, the better your chances are of seeing a great show. After you see the aurora, get your personalized Aurora *LY[PÄ JH[L H]HPSHISL MYVT [OL ,_WSVYL -HPYIHURZ Z[HɈ H[ the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center.

Photos by Sherman Hogue / Explore Fairbanks

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Alaska Native gift shop creates economic opportunity for village artists By Cindy Schumaker ;HUHUH *OPLMZ *VUMLYLUJL ;** [OL YLNPVUHS UVU WYVĂ„ [ ZLY]PUN Interior Alaska Native people, has launched an exciting new project designed to support entrepreneurial Alaska Native artists, especially those from rural villages. More than 160,000 visitors walk through the doors of the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center every year, many of them looking for authentic, Alaska Native-made art. TCC opened an Alaska Native Gift Shop inside the Morris Thompson Center as a way to link those visitors with Alaska Native artists. Shelves are stocked with high-quality, hand-made beadwork, baskets, jewelry, and other beautiful items made by more than 70 Athabascan, Inupiat, and Yup’ik artisans. 7YVĂ„ [Z HYL \ZLK [V W\YJOHZL HKKP[PVUHS WYVK\J[Z MVY ZHSL¡ creating an exciting, reliable, and sustainable economic exchange between rural communities and visitors to Fairbanks.

Photo credit

If you go:

The Alaska Native Gift Shop is located inside the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center at 101 Dunkel in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska. Open Monday – Saturday, 10am-5pm.

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Homer Marine Trades

Boats have a home in Homer Story and photos by McKibben Jackinsky

With its toes dipping into the waters of Kachemak Bay, Cook Inlet only a stone’s [OYV^ H^H` HUK [OL 5VY[O 7HJPÄ J Q\Z[ around the corner, it makes perfect sense that Homer is in the business of boats. Everywhere you turn proof of that connection is evident. ;OLYL»Z [OL [LTWVYHY` OHS[ PU [YHɉ J HZ three Marine Travelifts lumber across Kachemak Drive, transporting commercial Ä ZOPUN ]LZZLSZ MYVT 5VY[OLYU ,U[LYWYPZLZ Boat Yard’s storage to its dock. At NOMAR, Rich Mitchell, head of proK\J[PVU O\YYPLZ ^P[O Ä UPZOPUN [V\JOLZ VU custom-made black-out coverings for the deck of a boat so an eager Valdez family will have sleeping space while exploring Alaska’s coastline. At Homer Marine, owner Eric Sloth moves the 54-foot Cordova seiner, F/V Skadi, out of the shop after completing a wheel-

house, hydraulics, rigging and electrical work, and adding fresh paint. “The owner hadn’t been here for 30 years, but heard Homer was the place to get ^VYR KVUL ¹ ZHPK :SV[O ¸/L KPKU»[ YLHSPaL OV^ LHZ` P[ PZ IL[^LLU [OL KPɈ LYLU[ engine shops, boat builders and hydraulic guys. There’s a network that isn’t comTVU LSZL^OLYL ¹ As Homer Marine Trades Association [LZ[PÄ LZ ¸/VTLY PZ PU [OL I\ZPULZZ VM IVH[Z ¹ ( UVUWYVÄ [ I\ZPULZZ VYNHUPaH[PVU ZPUJL 2011, HMTA’s 100-plus members promote Homer as Alaska’s leading port for all boating needs, complete with a harbor, access to Cook Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska, a mild coastal climate, grids for ^VYRPUN ILSV^ H IVH[»Z ^H[LYSPUL H Ä ZO dock with cranes and ice facilities, haulV\[ HUK ]LZZLS Z[VYHNL M\LS Ä ZO I\`LYZ and processors.

“We work on boats from all over the Z[H[L ¹ ZHPK 4HYR ALPZL[ /4;( WYLZPKLU[ and owner of South Central Radar. Homer’s boat-mecca reputation is due to a “large pool of well-trained, talented WLVWSL ¹ ZHPK :[L]L APTTLYTHU V^ULY of Desperate Marine, specializing in marine hydraulics, steering, plumbing, hoses, paint and pipe threading. “You can come to Homer and have someone build a boat for you or do it all yourself HUK Z\I V\[ HSS [OL ^VYR ¹ Sloth runs Homer Marine out of space rented from Northern Enterprises Boat Yard. He credits owners Ken and Snooks Moore for “making it possible for people SPRL TL [V KV ^VYR PU [OL MHJPSP[PLZ OLYL ¹ With years of experience commercial Ä ZOPUN PU [OL 4VVYLZ ILNHU 5VY[OLYU ,U[LYWYPZLZ HUK SPM[LK [OL Ä YZ[ boat from the water.

( ZTHSS ]LZZLS ^PUKZ P[Z ^H` V\[ VM [OL /VTLY )VH[ /HYIVY 0U [OL IHJRNYV\UK [OL USCGC Hickory VUL VM [^V <UP[LK :[H[LZ *VHZ[ .\HYK ]LZZLSZ OVTL WVY[LK PU /VTLY PZ [PLK \W [V [OL 7PVULLY +VJR

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“It was private enterprise, not government, putting in facilities to help the JVTT\UP[` š ZHPK 2LU 4VVYL ^P[O WYPKL Northern Enterprises covers 35 acres and has 20 buildings with 36 bays or shops available for rent to boat owners, builders and repair companies. With one 70- and two 75-metric ton lifts, the Moores and their crew move an annual average of 400 boats and have a dock that accommodates vessels up to 20 feet wide. A $604,053 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration will help Northern Enterprises expand its capabilities with the purchase of a 150-metric ton Travelift. “It’s a small chunk of what the debt will be and it still won’t happen unless the bank and AIDEA (Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority) both see that we can pay it back, but it’s a big push in the right KPYLJ[PVU š ZHPK 2LU 4VVYL VM [OL TPSSPVU piece of equipment. Along with planned dock upgrades, the new Travelift will allow Northern Enterprises to double its lift and launch capacity by 2020.

9LWVY[ š NP]PUN [OL NV HOLHK MVY HU PU depth, three-year, $3 million study of the geophysical, environmental and economic impacts of a harbor expansion project. The Corps’ recognition of Homer as a transportation hub will weigh in Homer’s favor when the project progresses to an evaluation for federal funding. “For the non-road connected communities to the southwest of us, Homer PZ [OL ILNPUUPUN VM [OL YVHK 6\Y Ă…LL[ PZ V\[ [OLYL ^VYRPUN Z[H[L^PKL š ZHPK Harbormaster Bryan Hawkins. Looking to the future, HMTA supports workforce development by introducing Homer High School students to careers in marine trades through University of Alaska and U.S. Coast Guard training. With HMTA’s support, the University of Alaska’s Kachemak Bay Campus obtained a grant [V OPYL [OL 4HYPUL ;LJOUVSVN` Z[HɈ WLYZVU who worked with the United States Coast .\HYK [V WYV]PKL [OL JLY[PĂ„LK (ISL )VKPLK Seaman and 100-ton classes. /4;( HSZV VɈLYZ H ZJOVSHYZOPW to a local high school or GED graduate. Local donations of an additional $2,000 will be used to give some course reim-

bursement to students taking classes and workshops at the college. “Our ultimate goal is to increase trained skilled workers for Homer’s growing marine industry. In order to do that, we feel compelled to assist with continued LK\JH[PVU HUK [YHPUPUN š ZHPK *PUKH Martin, HMTA board secretary, as well as Senior Business Relationship Manager HUK (ZZPZ[HU[ =PJL 7YLZPKLU[ H[ >LSSZ Fargo Bank’s Homer branch. Opened in 1980, Homer Boat Yard was IV\NO[ I` 1VZO )\YUZ PU ;OH[ Ă„YZ[ winter, Burns stored 175 boats. He now stores 240, thanks, in part, to HMTA’s promotion of the area. “Homer has the infrastructure to support JVTTLYJPHS HUK ZWVY[ Ă…LL[Z `LHY YV\UK š Burns said. “The more people that come here, the more we’ll be able to support [OLT š For more about Homer Marine Trades Association, contact information for more than 100 business members, and how to become a member, visit www.homermarinetrades.com

“Homer’s a great town with a great future in the marine industry. Everybody wants to come here. That’s why we have so T\JO [HSLU[ š 4VVYL ZHPK The Marine Administration also granted $976,298 to JAG Alaska, Inc. Seward Shipyard for improvements. ;OL *P[` VM /VTLYÂťZ 7VY[ HUK /HYIVY works hand-in-hand with HMTA. Together, they participate in Seattle’s 7HJPĂ„J 4HYPUL ,_WV HUK [OL (UJOVYHNL )VH[ :OV^ ;OL OHYIVY VɈLYZ KVJRZ H load and launch ramp, large vessel haulout and repair facility, 920 stalls leased year-round, and more than 6,000 linear feet of transient mooring. In May 2019, the U.S. Army Corps VM ,UNPULLYZ W\ISPZOLK H ¸7SHUUPUN (ZZPZ[HUJL MVY :[H[LZ 7(: :LJ[PVU Navigation Improvements Technical

( TL[YPJ [VU ;YH]LS 3PM[ TV]LZ H JVTTLYJPHS Ă„ZOPUN IVH[ MYVT 5VY[OLYU ,U[LYWYPZLZ )VH[ @HYK HJYVZZ 2HJOLTHR +YP]L [V [OL KVJR MVY SH\UJOPUN

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Seafood tariffs create uncertainty for Alaska commercial fishermen By Laine Welch/Fish Factor It’s been one year, so how’s that trade war with China working out for the nation’s seafood industry?

U.S. exporters face a more competitive ZP[\H[PVU ¹ OL ZHPK HKKPUN [OH[ (TLYPJHU IYHUKZ ^PSS Z\Ɉ LY

As with farmers, there’s not much winning and ongoing tweeted skirmishes have NSVIHS Ä ZO THYRL[Z ZRP[[PZO

“To the extent buying American in China becomes unpatriotic, the Chinese will begin to shun U.S. seafood products and actively seek out other sources, such as 5VY^H` ,J\HKVY HUK 9\ZZPH ¹ :HJR[VU said. “In my view, the greatest long-term danger from the trade war is that it could lead to a generation of Chinese who look KV^U VU (TLYPJHU WYVK\J[Z ¹

“Chinese imports of U.S. seafood fell from $1.3 billion in the 12 months prior [V [HYPɈ Z 1\S` 1\UL [V $969 million in the twelve months after (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019), underlining the heavy impact of weaker demand for < : ZLHMVVK Z\IQLJ[ [V [HYPɈ Z ^OPSL WVVY catch of U.S. wild-caught seafood was HSZV [V ISHTL ¹ [OL 5L^Z ^YV[L China had been Alaska’s biggest seafood buyer purchasing 54 percent of seafood exports in 2017 valued at close to $1 billion. The tit for tat taxes hit nearly all Alaska seafood; exempted were millions of pounds of frozen Alaska pink and chum salmon and cod that are sent to China MVY WYVJLZZPUN PU[V Ä SSL[Z VY WVY[PVUZ HUK exported back to the U.S. and other countries. Those numbers took a big slide. Over the past year, China imported $136 TPSSPVU VM 7HJPÄ J ZHSTVU KV^U WLY JLU[ HUK YLÃ… LJ[PUN H WLYJLU[ KYVW PU volume. Imports of frozen cod decreased to 53 million pounds valued at $91 million, both down 37 percent. The 25 percent tax also pushed the U.S. from China’s second largest seafood

Photo courtesy Alaska Seafood

The quick take is the 25 percent retaliatoY` [HYPɈ PTWVZLK I` *OPUH VU < : PTWVY[Z last July caused a 36 percent drop in U.S. seafood sales, valued at $340 million, according to an in-depth analysis of Chinese customs data by Undercurrent News.

(SHZRH ZLHMVVK WYVK\JLYZ HYL Z[PSS H^HP[PUN [OL LɈ LJ[Z VM J\YYLU[ HUK WV[LU[PHS [HYPɈ Z YLK\JPUN [YHKL ^P[O *OPUH (SHZRH Z U\TILY VUL ZLHMVVK THYRL[

supplier to fourth place, behind Russia, Ecuador and Canada. The trade uncertainties have had a KV^U^HYK WYLZZ VU THU` Ä ZO WYPJLZ HUK forced Alaska salmon buyers into a more ¸JVUZLY]H[P]L TVKL ¹ LZWLJPHSS` ^P[O WPUR and chum salmon, said a major Alaska processor. ¸;OL [HYPɈ Z HYL UV[ VU I\[ [OL` HYL UV[ VɈ Could they be on tomorrow or never hit? ;OL [OYLH[ PZ HS^H`Z V\[ [OLYL ¹ OL ZHPK Meanwhile, China is turning away from the U.S. market, and selling products to Europe in direct competition with American producers, said John Sackton, market expert and publisher of SeafoodNews.com. ¸7YVK\J[Z [OH[ *OPUH PZ UV[ ZOPWWPUN [V the U.S. due to the trade war are going elsewhere, and where they compete directly with U.S. products, it means

Doug Vincent-Lang, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, said he believes the escalating trade wars are the seafood industry’s biggest challenge. “In talking with processors, they are uncertain as to the economic viability of delivering their products and getting them VU[V [OL ZOLS]LZ VM [OLPY JVUZ\TLYZ ¹ Vincent-Lang said. “When I took this job, I understood how we managed our Ä ZOLYPLZ I\[ 0 KPKU»[ YLHSS` OH]L H NVVK appreciation of that dance between how ^L THUHNL V\Y Ä ZOLYPLZ PU [OL JVU[L_[ VM [OL NSVIHS LJVUVT` HUK ^VYSK THYRL[Z ¹ Meanwhile, Trump tweeted that beginning September 1 the U.S. will impose a 10 WLYJLU[ [HYPɈ VU [OL YLTHPUPUN billion in goods the U.S. imports from China which will include more seafood. The Wall Street Journal reports that: “The total value of bilateral goods traded with *OPUH IPSSPVU PU [OL Ä YZ[ OHSM VM [OL year, fell short of that with both Canada and 4L_PJV MVY [OL Ä YZ[ [PTL ZPUJL 4L_PJV PZ UV^ [OL < : »Z [VW [YHKPUN WHY[ULY ¹ Laine Welch is Alaska’s most-read seafood industry writer.

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Burning Basket

Homer celebrates memories in smoke and fire By McKibben Jackinsky

Fire is an irresistible force, attractive for its warmth, light, and purifying power. Celebrating its 16th year, Homer’s Burning Basket, planned by installation artist Mavis Muller to occur in September, is all that and more. “An unusual, conceptually elegant, LTV[PVUHSS` ]PZJLYHS Ä LY` L_WLYPLUJL ¹ PZ Muller’s description. Fiery, not in the way of topics pitting Alaskan against Alaskan, but just the opposite. This intricately woven, collaboratively built work of art bears “remembrances and burdens of the heart that are symbolically dispersed [OYV\NO H Ä UHS YLSLHZPUN WLYMVYTHUJL VM Ä YL HY[ ¹ ZHPK 4\SSLY 6\[ZPKL [OL JVUÄ ULZ VM OLY Z[\KPV 4\SSLY found inspiration in Kachemak Bay’s population and place to create art with public participation of all ages. The result: Burning Basket. The public—locals and visitors—are welcomed to Mariner Beach at the base

of the Homer Spit to spend a week weaving the basket on a framework constructed by Muller. Weaving materials are harvested from the surrounding area: HSKLY ZWY\JL ^PSK NYHZZ UL[[SL Ä YL^LLK 4\SSLY WYV]PKLZ LUV\NO UH[\YHS Ä ILYZ to last for several days of weaving, with participants bringing more as the week progresses, the gathering heightening awareness of local plants. Stems of peonies, considered Homer’s signature Å V^LY HYL HKKLK HZ [OL IHZRL[ ULHYZ completion, the large white, red and pink ISVZZVTZ WYVK\JPUN H Y\Ɋ L SPRL LKNPUN [V the large basket’s top. ;OL `LHY [OL Ä YZ[ IHZRL[ ^HZ JYLH[LK Char Jump of Homer had no idea what she was witnessing as she sat in her car H[ 4HYPULY 7HYR -PUHSS` J\YPVZP[` NL[[PUN the better of her, Jump asked. “Mavis gave me the whole story and I thought it was something I’d like to be WHY[ VM HUK 0»]L KVUL P[ L]LY` `LHY ¹ ZHPK

Jump of helping with the weaving. “It’s a community event and I’ve met some of the NYLH[LZ[ WLVWSL MYVT HSS V]LY [OL ^VYSK ¹ Titles for each of the baskets are chosen by Muller. Dream, Shine, Expand, Enjoy and Inspire are some of the titles given. The names are woven with twigs and displayed above the completed baskets. The 2019 basket has been dubbed Radiate—Basket of Remembrance and Unburdening. 6U [OL Ä UHS KH` [OL IHZRL[ PZ ¸NP]LU¹ [V the community, with the public adding decorative touches and tokens to the outside of the basket or tucked inside. 7LYOHWZ P[»Z H ^YP[[LU ZLU[PTLU[ ;OL WOV[V of a departed loved one. A memento. Finally, as the sun sinks in the west, a hush overtakes the surrounding crowd and Muller puts torch to basket. Smoke funnels upward. Flames appear. And the community-created basket with its decoration of remembrances is

(Y[PZ[ 4H]PZ 4\SSLY YPNO[ HUK [^V ]VS\U[LLYZ SPNO[ /VTLY»Z )\YUPUN )HZRL[ Photo by McKibben Jackinsky

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consumed, its impermanence a reminder of the cycle of life, death and renewal. “The art installations are temporary works that leave lasting impressions in our collective memories and through V\Y WLYZVUHS HUK ZVJPHS PTHNPUH[PVUZ ¹ said Muller “The most frequently asked question is ‘Why do you burn it?’ I resist answering because I like to allow each participant the opportunity to understand on their own terms. I sometimes jokingly ZH` º>L I\YU P[ ZV ^L JHU KV P[ HNHPU »¹ In 2018, the Burning Basket’s 15th year, H *P[` VM /VTLY 4H`VYHS 7YVJSHTH[PVU signed by then Acting Mayor Donna Aderhold recognized Muller and the ZPNUPÄJHUJL VM [OL )\YUPUN )HZRL[ WYVQLJ[ as interactive art as a civic function. Homer is one of 40 communities in and out of state to host a Burning Basket

event. Others in Alaska include Fairbanks, McCarthy, Cordova, Seldovia, and Ketchikan.

Homer Burning Basket 2019 Theme

Radiate – Basket of Remembrance and Unburdening

Location Mariner Park (at the base of the Homer Spit) Dates

September 8-14: Build week, noon-8 p.m. September 15: Artist talk, followed by lighting of the basket at sundown, 7 p.m.

Note

This is a no-dog, no-alcohol event

For more Call 907-299-1478, or visit info www.facebook.com/ BurningBasketProject

( `V\UN HY[PZ[ HKKZ H WLYZVUHS [V\JO [V [OL )\YUPUN )HZRL[ WYVQLJ[ Photo by Mavis Muller

Guardian Flight is proud to serve over 670 providers around Alaska. Providing vigilant care to patients from the north slope to the shores of the southeast.

24 HOUR DISPATCH: (888)-997-3822 Anchorage / Fairbanks / Deadhorse / Kotzebue / Juneau / Sitka / Ketchikan September / October 2019

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A guide’s view

Empty brass and beads Story and photos by Tia Shoemaker

Caribou, resplendent in their white winter coats, begin forming herds. Safety lies in numbers in the cold months to come. Moose abandon high alpine for low, willow-choked valleys. Their rut over, they disband, ambling alone in search of winter feed.

:WYPUN ILHY O\U[Z SVUN V]LY Ä ZOPUN clients gone, and moose butchering complete. Another guiding season comes to a close. Bidding summer goodbye, we make winter preparations. We air KY` WSHZ[PJ >LH[OLY7VY[ [LU[ JV]LYZ HUK stash the heavy steel frames. We unload Rubbermaid totes full of dirty camp dishes hastily collected when a bush plane arrived at the end of a hunt. There HYL Å ` YVKZ PU ULLK VM YLWHPY ^HKLYZ [V WH[JO VY JVU]LY[ PU[V Å LZOPUN WHU[Z I` OHJRPUN VɈ [OL ULVWYLUL MLL[ >L»]L butchered moose quarters, ground neck meat, packaged it, shipped it to town. The garden has been turned, mouse traps set and out-buildings boarded up.

Occasionally a ghostly white salmon, rotting from the inside out, swims listlessly up a stream. Spawned out and KLJVTWVZPUN ;OV\ZHUKZ VM Ä ZO JHY casses litter the banks, oozing nitrogen back into the ecosystem, creating the rich soil which feeds the food web of the Alaskan peninsula.

My gaze sweeps across the untidiness of my own abode. There lie accoutrements used daily during the last six months. 4H[[LK [YV\[ Å PLZ ZJH[[LK HIV\[ [PU` IP[Z VM TVUVÄ SHTLU[ OPKL PU [OL Y\N H Y\IILY scope cover and knives with dried blood rest beneath my lucky wool hunting hat. :WPSSPUN MYVT H ZOLSM VU[V [OL Å VVY HYL

North winds scatter auburn alder leaves over the barren tundra. They twirl and dance by my window, eddying out on [OL ZPSS >PU[LY ^PSS ZVVU Z^LLW Ä UNLYZ VM snow across the land. Accumulating amid dead grass and rock crevasses before gale force winds drive and sculpt them into massive drifts against the hillsides. An ideal place to burrow into for winter hibernation if you’re a bear.

LTW[` IYHZZ YPÅ L JHZLZ HUK [PU` VYHUNL beads imitating trout eggs. Empty brass and beads, hints of a season pasts. The sight of them carries me back. Here are memories of warm May days hunting bears. A cacophony of bird songs, the hills alive with sounds of spring. Glassing mountaintops for bruins. Watching young bears slide down snow slopes then climb back up to do it again. Gasping as an old boar chases down and kills a sow with cubs. It brings recollections of stalking bears in thick brush with tense, alert clients, their nerves on end as we draw near from both the thrill and fear; the fear we won’t be successful only matched by the fear of hunting dangerous game in thick brush. I remember fondly the joy shared with clients who respected the land, the weather, the game, the hunt, and our role in it. By July, ancient cycle of season brought the annual return of salmon and anglers LHNLY [V JH[JO [OLT ,HJO KH` Å `PUN [V H UL^ NYH]LS IHY SHUKPUN VU H KPɈ LYLU[

3PRL [OL Z\UZL[ VM H NYLH[ KH` PU (SHZRH [OLYL HYL THU` TLTVYPLZ HUK TLTLU[VZ [`PUN \W [OL LUK VM LHJO NYLH[ Ä ZOPUN HUK O\U[PUN ZLHZVU

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ILHJO JHZ[PUN V]LY UL^ ^H[LY ¸-PZO VU ¹ Rods bent as salmon thrash at the end of taut lines. Trout slam bead eggs and NYH`SPUN ZS\YW 4VYPZO 4V\ZL Å PLZ MYVT surface water. The Land of Midnight Sun means long hours of work, taking advan[HNL VM Z\TTLY»Z HI\UKHUJL·MYLZO Ä ZO dinners, blueberry pies, a garden full of dark leafy greens, and turnips the size of a basketball. Then comes September and with it moose hunts. Crimson and gold willow leaves, browning alder thickets and the JV[[VU Å \Ɉ MYVT Ä YL^LLK .Y\U[PUN HUK raking a bucket lid we summon rutting bulls. Sweating hunters creeping toward sparring bulls much too occupied to notice ZUHWWPUN [^PNZ 7HUPJRLK THUL\]LYPUN to clear a better shot. The aroma of moose—a smell of autumn’s decomposing WSHU[Z I\SS \YPUL HUK IVN ^H[LY VɈ ZL[ by the sweet smell of success. Snapping photos, retelling the stalk, we skin, cape, and butcher. The massive animal takes hours to process and every ounce of collective muscle. Game bags full and strapped to a packer’s back, we hike miles to the nearest spot a bush plane can land. To the untrained eye those artifacts of brass and beads appear as nothing more than clutter. But they are my touchstones from a guiding season come to pass. They are reminders of clients’ disbelief when they touch the grizzled shoulder of a trophy bruin, the look in their eyes as they watch a 70-inch bull moose emerge from the thicket. Reminders of the contagious smile from an angler when a Dolly Varden in full spawning colors launches out of the water at the end of her line. The shout of joy from an eight-year-old running down the beach, struggling to SHUK OPZ Ä YZ[ ZPS]LY ZHSTVU Memories formed from these simple totems of brass and beads will fuel me through the long, cold winter as I plan and prepare for next season’s Alaskan wilderness adventures. Tia Shoemaker is a second-generation Alaska hunting guide and bush pilot.

;OLYL HYL ML^ [OPUNZ TVYL O\TISPUN [OHU H TVTLU[ MHJL [V MHJL ^P[O VUL VM (SHZRH»Z NYLH[ ILHYZ

;PH :OVLTHRLY KVPUN OLY ILZ[ ^VYR· N\PKPUN H `V\UN Å ` Ä ZOLYTHU [V OPZ Ä YZ[ [YVWO` YHPUIV^ [YV\[ ;OH[»Z H TLTVY` [OH[ ^HZOLZ H^H` HSS [OL OHYK ^VYR HUK [PTL ZWLU[ [V JYLH[L [OH[ TVTLU[

4V[OLY 5H[\YL HSZV THYRZ [OL WHZZPUN VM [PTL ^P[O \UMVYNL[[HISL THYRLYZ SPRL [OLZL SHZ[ MYHNTLU[Z VM H ZWH^ULK V\[ ZHSTVU OH]PUN KVUL P[Z K\[` [V JYLH[L H UL^ NLULYH[PVU HUK UV^ LUYPJO [OL (SHZRH ZVPS ^P[O P[Z YLTHPUZ

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Every town or village is known for something extraordinary, whether it be the culture, people or in most cases the wildlife and abundance shared in the region.

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An embarrassment of riches Story and photos by Paul D. Atkins ¸>OH[ KV `V\ ^HU[ [V KV [VKH`&¹ 0 HZRLK Lew, texting as usual. ¸0[ KVLZU»[ TH[[LY [V TL ¹ OL ZHPK ¸3L[»Z NV MVY H YPKL ¹ Now riding can mean many things here in the Arctic. If we’re talking the months of September and October, then it means by boat, the rest of the year means by snow machine, that is, if we have snow. Seasons in the Arctic dictate a great deal on a person’s mode of transport, let alone the comfort level you’ll be experiencing. Cold, hot, wet, dry or windblown, all are part of the experience. Despite these feelings, fun or otherwise, there is plenty to do and see if you live up here or anywhere in the state for that matter. Alaska is an embarrassment of riches. From the far Southeast to the reaches here in the North, there is something special about each place and the things you can do. Every town or village is known for something extraordinary, whether it be the culture, people or in most cases the wildlife and abundance shared in the region. 0U [OL (YJ[PJ P[»Z UV KPɈ LYLU[ HUK MVY TL personally and thankfully, it’s the reason I choose to live here. I love the Arctic. Living in Kotzebue has been an incredible ride for more than 20 years, providing me with some of the greatest adventures and experiences than anyone could ever hope for. Everything goes in cycles and September PZ UV KPɈ LYLU[ )LYY` WPJRPUN MVY L_HTWSL is a big winner and the abundance is second to none if you have the courage to brave the mosquitoes and come home with a sore back. I always gripe about going, but my wife loves it and the blueberries and cranberries we accumulate will provide a sweet bounty throughout the year.

Labor Day arrives and the ritual of hunting caribou and moose consumes our thoughts and time. We’re all eager to get out and see what this great land OHZ [V VɈ LY VY [V ZLL PM HU`[OPUN OHZ changed. Are the old hunting spots going to produce this year, or do we need to go further in search of what we’re after? It’s all a part of the life we live and it’s fun for the whole family. It never gets old. Though sometimes, really most times, we come home empty-handed. We’re still rich for the adventure and fortunate to have been there. No matter where you live in the state, the sights and sounds of Alaska are never boring. From the endless waterfowl that make the sloughs and lakes their home [V [OL UL]LY LUKPUN ZWSHZO VM Ä ZO PU [OL YP]LY ;OL JVUZ[HU[ Å V^ VM ZLHZVUZ HUK wildlife produce unforgettable memoYPLZ·HUK TLHSZ >OL[OLY P[»Z Ä ZOPUN VU the Kenai for silver salmon or hunting goats and bears on Kodiak, our state has ZV T\JO [V VɈ LY For me, fall is best spent in a boat or at camp doing the things I love with family and friends. Whether that’s setting a tent HUK [OLU KVPUN H SP[[SL SH[L UPNO[ Ä ZOPUN for those big chum salmon or maybe sitting on the bank waiting for an unsuspecting grizzly to come by or maybe even a moose. It’s all part of what we do. Alaska is full of adventure. :LW[LTILY PZ [OL ¸NH[OLYPUN¹ TVU[O MVY we who live in rural Alaska. A full freezer plays a big part in our lives. If we are successful and have cashed in on what [OL JV\U[Y` OHZ [V VɈ LY ^L HYL T\JO richer for it. 3PRL ZV THU` MHSSZ PU [OL WHZ[ `V\»SS Ä UK my good friend and hunting partner Lew and me somewhere up the Kobuk River,

looking for caribou. If we’re lucky and the caribou cooperate, we’ll bring a couple home for the larder. If we’re really lucky a TVVZL ^PSS [VW VɈ [OL `LHY Alaska, no matter where you call home, is an incredible place that takes care of its people if those same people take care of it. It provides in so many ways, feeding the culture with its incredible abundance. Paul Atkins is an outdoor writer and author from Kotzebue, Alaska. He has written hundreds of articles on big game hunting, HUK Ä ZOPUN [OYV\NOV\[ (SHZRH WS\Z surviving in the Arctic.

On facing page: Top - Old camps are intriguing. They tell a story and also ask a lot of questions. All the wonders that took place there. Center - After a week in the bush, coming home heavy is truly special. A big moose will fill the freezer and provide throughout the year. Lower left - Not all riches walk on two legs. Come late August and September the tundra is loaded with a variety of berries, including blueberries, salmon berries and cranberries. Lower right - The state animal should be the caribou. Their population is cyclical and it’s getting harder and harder to find them each fall. Not that they’re not there, just timing and being in the right place at the right time is getting harder to predict.

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Hungarian Moose and Mushroom Soup Recipe and photos by Susie Jenkins-Brito, Set the Net

Some seasons call for comfort and as we head into the chill of fall and early winter a craving for such ensures. We reach for bowls steaming with richness, love and warmth. *VVRPUN PZ OV^ 0 Ä UK 0 JHU JVTT\UPJH[L ILZ[·MYVT [PTLZ of grief to times of joy. Food is the tie, for me, that binds. Even when one’s stomach is not hungry a soul can be fed ^P[O H RPUK NLZ[\YL H T\N VM Z[LHTPUN JVɈ LL H WSH[L VM something warm.

canned moose meat and moose bone broth imparting

This Hungarian Moose and Mushroom Soup, a recipe I adapted from the Moosewood Cookbook’s original Hungarian Mushroom Soup, calls for both pressure

add slight heat and depth to the dish and I have to say

H YPJO TLH[ Ã… H]VY [V HU HSYLHK` OLHY[` ZH]VY` ZV\W -VY pressure cooking both moose meat and bone broth, I follow the home canning directions from the University of (SHZRH -HPYIHUR»Z *VVWLYH[P]L ,_[LUZPVU 0 Ä UK JHUUPUN moose is an excellent way to store up the harvest and Z[PSS SLH]L ZWHJL PU [OL MYLLaLY MVY ILYYPLZ HUK Ä ZO ;OL additions of garlic, smoked paprika, and a bit of cayenne this soup is one to warm up not only your body but on to bring comfort to a season of settling in for winter.

Hungarian Moose and Mushroom Soup (1 hour to prepare, serves 5-6) You’ll need:

To make:

à ® ;HISLZWVVUZ I\[[LY à ® SHYNL `LSSV^ VUPVU JOVWWLK à ® SHYNL JSV]LZ NHYSPJ TPUJLK à ® ¶ SIZ T\ZOYVVTZ ZSPJLK 0 SV]L TPUP 7VY[HILSSH»Z à ® [LHZWVVUZ ZHS[ à ® ;HISLZWVVU KYPLK KPSS VY Tablespoons fresh minced dill) à ® ;HISLZWVVU ZTVRLK WHWYPRH à ® [LHZWVVU JH`LUUL WLWWLY à ® [LHZWVVUZ MYLZO SLTVU Q\PJL à ® ;HISLZWVVUZ Ã… V\Y à ® J\WZ TVVZL IVUL IYV[O à ® X\HY[ QHY VM JHUULK TVVZL TLH[ JOVWWLK ZTHSS à ® J\W TPSR 0 \ZLK ¶ ^OH[L]LY you have on hand will do)

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In a large heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven with lid (I like my one-gallon stock pot when making this soup) melt the butter over TLKP\T OLH[ (KK PU [OL VUPVUZ HUK ZH\[t \U[PS [YHUZS\JLU[ ¶ HIV\[ minutes. Stir in the mushrooms, garlic, salt, dill, paprika, and cayenne. Cover and allow to cook for 15 minutes stirring often. The liquid will eek out of the mushrooms while cooking and the spices will blend nicely. Stir in the lemon juice. ,]LUS` ZWYPURSL [OL Ã… V\Y VU [VW HUK [OLU IYPZRS` TP_ P[ PU [V H]VPK HU` clumps. Reduce heat to medium low cook, stirring often for another 5 minutes to allow the juices to thicken slightly. Add in the moose meat and bone broth, cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the milk, and taste. Depending on how you season your canned meat (or leftover roast) and your tastes, you may need to add a bit VM HKKP[PVUHS ZHS[ [V IYPUN V\[ `V\Y Ã… H]VYZ >OPZR PU `V\Y ZV\Y JYLHT carefully heating to avoid curdling of the cream. Do not boil the soup after the additions of milk and sour cream!

à ® J\W ZV\Y JYLHT

Serve hot, topped with a small dollop of sour cream and fresh dill or Ã… H[ SLHM WHYZSL` PM `V\ OH]L P[ VU OHUK

*HUULK TVVZL TH` IL Z\IZ[P[\[LK with leftover roast meat or steak if cut very small. Additionally, bone broth can be substituted with beef broth or stock.

Garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment to this dish. I like to make mine on crusty French bread sliced thin, slathered with butter TP_LK ^P[O ]LY` Ä ULS` TPUJLK VY WV^KLYLK NHYSPJ ZOYLKKLK 7HYTLZHU cheese, then lightly sprinkled with smoked paprika. Finish the bread by toasting it under the broiler, melting and browning the cheese and toasting the crust.

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Meet the Alaska Natives who gave Molly of Denali an authentic voice By Leona Long and Lanien Livingston

What began with the idea of creating a TV show based VU [OL QV` JOPSKYLU Ä UK PU ¸WSH`PUN Z[VYL¹ L]VS]LK PU[V H NYV\UKIYLHRPUN HUPTH[LK ZLYPLZ MYVT 7): 20+: 7YVK\JLK I` >.)/ )VZ[VU Molly of Denali PZ [OL Ä YZ[ nationally-distributed children’s series to feature a Native American lead character, Molly Mabray, a 10-year-old Gwich’in/Koyukon/Dena’ina Athabascan girl. Episodes showcase the beauty of Alaska Native cultures and an authentic representation of life in rural Alaska, while seamlessly incorporating a literacy-based curriculum. From the beginning, Alaska Native voices have been included in all aspects of the production, both on camera HUK ILOPUK [OL ZJLULZ 7): 20+: HUK >.)/ )VZ[VU developed Molly of Denali with a working group of Alaska Native advisors and consultants, including Elders, who advise on many aspects of the show, including culture and languages.

Alaska Native script writers and producers are also part of bringing the series to life. Since its premiere in July, Molly of Denali has changed the way that Indigenous people are portrayed in the media. Meet some of the people who helped bring Alaska Native values and rural life to the small screen from Alaska to homes all across the U.S. Molly of Denali is available VU HSS 7): ;= Z[H[PVUZ PU the United States.

Every Indigenous character is voiced by an Indigenous actor, including the lead character of Molly, who is voiced by 14-year-old Sovereign Bill (Tlingit and Muckleshoot).

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Sovereign Bill’s breakout role

The voice of Molly Sovereign Bill has been at the microphone since she could stand on her own two feet. Bill grew up accompanying her parents, Willard Bill, Jr. (Muckleshoot) and Robin 7YH[[ ;SPUNP[ WHY[PJPWH[PUN PU L]LU[Z HUK performing traditional Muckleshoot and Tlingit dances and songs at tribal and community events—and as part of the Auburn (Washington) School District’s Native American song and dance group. “My Muckleshoot and Tlingit cultural PKLU[P[` RLLW TL NYV\UKLK š )PSS ZHPK “It’s a big part of my life and has shaped me into who I am as a person. I have a deep love and appreciation for my cultures, and just always want to SLHYU TVYL š Last summer, Bill went on a casting call with other young Native American and Alaska Native actors from Red Eagle Soaring Native Youth Theatre. Bill received a call-back almost immediately. Now at 14, she is standing at another mic voicing the title character, Molly 4HIYH` PU 7): 20+:Âť Molly of Denali. More than just Bill’s big break, Molly of Denali is a groundbreaking role. It’s [OL Ă„ YZ[ UH[PVUHSS` KPZ[YPI\[LK JOPSKYLUÂťZ series in the U.S. featuring a Native American lead character. Since the inception of Molly of Denali, 7): 20+: HUK WYVK\JLY >.)/ have been committed to ensuring that all Indigenous roles are voiced by Indigenous actors. Bill says that this positive representation and sharing of Native American and Alaska Native cultures is one of the most meaningful aspects of her role. ¸0 MLLS S\JR` [V IL WSH`PUN 4VSS` š ZH`Z Bill. “I feel like I am contributing to

positive representations of how Alaska Natives and Native Americans are por[YH`LK PU Ă„ ST HUK ;= 0[ÂťZ PTWVY[HU[ MVY Indigenous people to play these roles because of our deep understanding of HUK JVUULJ[PVU ^P[O [OLZL JOHYHJ[LYZ š 7YPVY [V Molly of Denali, Bill’s formal acting experience was performing an 8th grade production of the musical, Annie. As she dives into the role of 4VSS` )PSS Ă„ UKZ PUZWPYH[PVU PU [OL ZJYPW[ “I just love the script and how Molly is a positive role model for children evLY`^OLYL š )PSS ZHPK ^OV ^HZ YLJLU[S` given a Tlingit name, Yeil Shi Gis’ook, which means Raven Singing With the Northern Lights. “In the scripts, 0 KLĂ„ UP[LS` ZLL H SV[ VM [OL [LHJOPUNZ that I've learned from my Elders, or my mom and my dad. Like when Molly says ‘thank you’ to the animals or to the plants when she harvests them. I was taught the same values. It's really amazing to see the familiarity and the connection between myself and Molly 4HIYH` š One episode that was especially meaningful to Bill was one in which Molly discovered that her Grandpa Nat had gone to boarding school, where he was punished for singing his Alaska Native songs. Molly gets involved with Native singing and dancing and tries to get her Grandpa Nat to join her. In the episode, she helps him regain his voice and reclaim their traditional songs.

:V]LYLPNU )PSS WYV]PKLZ [OL ]VPJL VM 4VSS` 4HIYH` PU [OL UL^ 7): JOPSKYLUÂťZ ZLYPLZ Molly of Denali.

“That episode helped give me a deeper understanding of this tragic past that we Alaska Native and Native Americans OH]L š )PSS ZHPK ¸1\Z[ YLHKPUN [OH[ makes me want to keep going and RLLW KVPUN [OPZ ^VYR š

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Lorne Cardinal takes center stage

The voice of Grandpa Nat As the stage lights came up, all the audience could see was a pair of legs sticking out from behind a stove. The legs wiggled and the audience laughed. From that moment, Lorne Cardinal was hooked. ¸0 NV[ IP[ I` [OL I\N ¹ *HYKPUHS ZHPK HIV\[ OPZ Ä YZ[ HJ[PUN YVSL HZ [OL Z[V]L repairman in a college production of William Robertson Davies’ one-act play, The Voice of the People. “I was standing on stage feeling totally comfortable. That's when I knew that acting was what I wanted to do with [OL YLZ[ VM T` SPML ¹ Although Cardinal is a natural both in front of and behind the camera, his acting career is something he stumbled into. After a series of odd jobs ranging from planting trees to photography to working for a newspaper, Cardinal decided to attend college at age 23. During his Ä YZ[ ZLTLZ[LY OL ZPNULK \W MVY HU Introduction to Acting class, believPUN P[ ^V\SK IL ¸LHZ` JYLKP[Z ¹

Since then, Cardinal’s career has been nothing short of groundbreaking. Now, Cardinal has almost 100 profesZPVUHS Ä ST HUK ;= credits, and has acted in and directed several theatre productions. ¸0 [Y` HUK Ä UK JOHYHJ ters that are interesting and complex and JOHSSLUNPUN ¹ ZHPK Cardinal, who is Cree. “That's why I SV]L [OLH[YL ¹ The classically trained stage actor ^HZ [OL Ä YZ[ 0UKPNLUV\Z Z[\KLU[ [V graduate with a bachelor’s degree VM Ä UL HY[Z PU HJ[PUN MYVT [OL University of Alberta. Cardinal takes on another trailblazPUN YVSL HZ .YHUKWH 5H[ PU 7): KIDS’ animated children’s series, Molly of Denali. Set in Alaska, P[»Z [OL Ä YZ[ UH[PVUHSS` KPZ[YPI\[LK children’s series in the United States to feature a Native American lead character. Molly of Denali features Alaska Native Molly Mabray, who takes viewers ages 4 to 8 along with her on adventures and fosters literacy skills along the way. Cardinal voices Grandpa Nat, who is a volcanologist who is spry, energetic (a little mischievous), and always up for an adventure.

Photo: © 2018 WGBH Educational Foundation, Leona Long

3VYUL *HYKPUHS»Z ]VPJL IYPUNZ 4VSS`»Z .YHUKWH 5H[ [V SPML

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“I love the connection between Grandpa Nat and Molly, and the way he imparts knowledge and shares Z[VYPLZ ¹ *HYKPUHS ZHPK ¸.YHUKWH

Nat is very supportive of Molly. It is important to support young people because there’s no limit to what they can do when encouraged to ask X\LZ[PVUZ HUK SLHYU TVYL ¹ The role of Grandpa Nat is personally meaningful to Cardinal. In one epiZVKL 4VSS` HUK ;VVL` Ä UK V\[ [OH[ Grandpa Nat doesn’t sing his Alaska Native songs anymore because he was forbidden to do so as a child attending boarding school. Molly and ;VVL` NV VU H [YLHZ\YL O\U[ [V Ä UK Grandpa Nat’s childhood drum that he had given to a friend. Touched by the children’s detective work, Grandpa Nat reclaims his Alaska Native songs and ends the episode by dancing with Molly. “That episode is a very dear one, because both of my parents were YLZPKLU[PHS ZJOVVS Z\Y]P]VYZ ¹ Cardinal said. “I was very much thinking of my own parents, aunties and uncles who also went through that—that system and how they were HɈ LJ[LK I` P[ 0[ HɈ LJ[LK TL HUK T` MHTPS` NYV^PUN \W HZ ^LSS ¹

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The role Adeline Juneby Potts was born to play

The voice of Auntie Midge ;OL Ä YZ[ [PTL [OH[ (KLSPUL 1\ULI` 7V[[Z auditioned for a part in her high school play, she didn’t get the part. It wouldn’t be until February 2018, more than 50 years SH[LY [OH[ 7V[[Z ^V\SK [Y` V\[ MVY HUV[OLY part. This time, she landed the role she was born to play.

7V[[Z NYL^ \W PU [OL ]PSSHNL VM ,HNSL Alaska and went to school in a one-room cabin. Now, she and her husband of nearly 44 years, Mike, live on Lake Vermilion in Minnesota. They were Christian missionaries in Mongolia for seven years. “My MHP[O PU .VK RLLWZ TL NVPUN ¹ 7V[[Z ZHPK

;OPZ Z\TTLY 7V[[Z KLI\[LK HZ (\U[PL 4PKNL PU 7): 20+:» NYV\UKIYLHRPUN series, Molly of Denali.

7V[[Z ^HZ YHPZLK PU H [YHKP[PVUHS Z\I ZPZ[LUJL SPMLZ[`SL /LY MHTPS` SP]LK VɈ [OL SHUK O\U[PUN Ä ZOPUN [YHWWPUN HUK gathering berries. She taught her children these traditional subsistence survival ZRPSSZ 7V[[Z HUK OLY O\ZIHUK YL[\YU [V Alaska often to visit her daughter and four grandchildren, and live a bit of their traditional subsistence way of life.

¸0 Z[PSS JHU»[ ILSPL]L 0 NV[ [OL WHY[ ¹ 7V[[Z said. “I am overjoyed. I’m very happy that MVY [OL Ä YZ[ [PTL [OLYL PZ H ;= ZLYPLZ [OH[ YLZWLJ[M\SS` WVY[YH`Z 0UKPNLUV\Z WLVWSL ¹ -VY 7V[[Z Molly of Denali is art imitating OLY SPML >OLU ZOL Ä YZ[ YLHK [OL H\KP[PVU ZJYPW[ 7V[[Z PTTLKPH[LS` JVUULJ[LK ^P[O (\U[PL 4PKNL H ¸MLPZ[` I\Z` IVK`¹ ^OV ^HZ JOPLM VM [OL Ä J[PVUHS ]PSSHNL 8`HO “Like Auntie Midge, I know what it’s like [V SP]L PU H ]PSSHNL ¹ ZHPK 7V[[Z ^OV PZ /HU Gwich’in. “During part of my audition I had to sound upset. So, I thought back to a [PTL ^OLU 0 ZH^ H SVVZL KVN ULHY T` Ä ZO cache. In my language I said, ‘Go away! .V OVTL » ;OL ^VYKZ JHTL V\[ UH[\YHSS` ¹

“I think Molly of Denali will introduce children to the traditional Alaska Native ^H`Z ¹ 7V[[Z ZHPK ¸0U VUL VM [OL LWPZVKLZ the children forget to tie up the boat and P[ Å VH[Z H^H` :V (\U[PL 4PKNL [LHJOLZ Molly and Tooey how to build a raft using [YLLZ ¹

Photo: © 2018 WGBH Educational Foundation, Leona Long

(KLSPUL 1\ULI` 7V[[Z WYVP]KLZ [OL ]VPJL MVY Ä LZ[` I\Z` IVK` (\U[PL 4PKNL

>OLU 7V[[Z SH[LY HZRLK WYVK\JLYZ ^O` she was selected, she was told that she sounded energetic and feisty—just like they had pictured Auntie Midge. ;OL (SHZRH 5H[P]L ,SKLY PZ [OL Ä M[O VM children who were born and raised in the Coal Creek (Woodchopper) area, a part of the historic gold mining district in the @\RVU *OHYSL` 9P]LYZ 5H[PVUHS 7YLZLY]L VM (SHZRH 7V[[Z ZWLU[ [OL Ä YZ[ ZL]LU `LHYZ of her life in a mining camp, where her father, Willie, worked as a cat-operator in H TPUPUN JHTW V^ULK I` ,YULZ[ 5 7H[[` a mining engineer who later became the 7YLZPKLU[ VM [OL <UP]LYZP[` VM (SHZRH

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The 4VSS` VM +LUHSP working group

The talent behind the scenes Princess Daazhraii Johnson, Creative producer .YV^PUN \W 7YPUJLZZ +HHaOYHPP 1VOUZVU loved watching movies, but longed to see someone who looked like her on screen. Johnson was born in Israel and raised mostly in Interior Alaska. Her background is diverse—her mother’s family is Neets’aii Gwich’in and her late father was Romanian and Lithuanian. As a result of growing up transient in Alaska, never attending one school for more than two years, she faced a lot of adversity. This, and the discrimination she faced as a child, fueled her desire to see a more just and equitable world. It wasn’t until she was a teenager when Johnson saw actress Sheila Tousey’s portrayal of Maggie Eagle Bear’s

JOHYHJ[LY PU [OL Ä ST Thunderheart that she witnessed a strong Native woman on the big screen. Seeing a positive and strong portrayal of a Native woman stuck with her, and she realized how Native people really needed to see more images like the one Sheila helped bring to life. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from George Washington University, and a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Alaska Anchorage. She is a Sundance Fellow for the -PSTTHRLYZ 7YVK\JLYZ HUK :JYLLU^YP[LYZ Lab, and an Emerging Voices Rosenthal -LSSV^ ^P[O [OL 7,5 *LU[LY :OL OHZ ILLU a member of the SAG-AFTRA Native American Committee since 2007 and serves on the Boards of Dancing with the

Spirit, NDN Collective, Native Movement, and was appointed by former president Obama to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Institute of American Indian Arts. Her screen acting credits include Jericho (CBS), Big Miracle and Uncross the Stars. Her personal roles include daughter, sister, wife, aunt and most importantly, mother. Now, Johnson is the creative producer on Molly of Denali. “It is important to me in my role as creative producer to advocate for Indigenous representation in all aspects of the JYLH[P]L WYVJLZZ ¹ 1VOUZVU ZHPK ¸0 HZWPYL to see more Indigenous people gaining narrative and visual sovereignty over the images and stories that appear on screen. I hope that we start to see more and more original content created by Indigenous people, because no one can tell our stories like we can. These stories contain our values and that’s something the world needs. I’d like to inspire the next generation to continually ask questions and examine their own cultural stories, the ones that have shaped who they are and honor where they’ve come from. “Seeking the wisdom of the Elders, practicing subsistence activities such as Ä ZOPUN HUK ILYY` NH[OLYPUN HZ ^LSS HZ honoring and respecting the land that has provided for humans for millennia, are just a few of the themes that will be woven in [OYV\NO [OL ZLYPLZ ¹ 1VOUZVU ZHPK

;OL JYLH[P]L ^VYRPUN NYV\W ILOPUK 4VSS` VM +LUHSP! +L^L` /VɈ THU 9VJOLSSL (KHTZ 3\RL ;P[\Z (KLSPUL 9HIVɈ 7YPUJLZZ 1VOUZVU Photo: © 2018 WGBH Educational Foundation, Leona Long

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Rochelle Adams, Alaska Native advisor Rochelle Adams grew up fully immersed in her Alaska Native culture in the villages of Fort Yukon and Beaver. She currently lives seasonally between the village of Beaver and the city of Anchorage with her three children Amaya, Koso and Khan. It is a balance of living the best of both worlds. As a member of the Molly of Denali working group, Adams provides feedback on art, culture, storytelling and language in a genuine and authentic way, as these are all incorporated into Molly of Denali and is such a great opportunity to educate many about Alaska Natives and Indigenous people. But the real honor for (KHTZ PZ [V YLÅ LJ[ [OL [Y\L ILH\[` HUK uniqueness of Alaska Natives to be able to see themselves on the big screen and to see the pride and love on their faces. (KHTZ ZLLZ 4VSS` HZ H YLÅ LJ[PVU VM herself: an Alaska Native young person with a diverse group of friends, someone who is modern, with a strong desire to learn and use technology while also holding strong to her Indigenous roots. Growing up, Adams was encouraged to ask questions and learn as much as she could about her surroundings. She has fond memories of being with her parents, (UNLSH 7L[LY 4H`V HUK *SPɈ (KHTZ V\[ on the land. Adams spent countless hours traveling on the Yukon River with her family in the Z\TTLY NVPUN [V Ä ZO JHTW HUK ZHSTVU Ä ZOPUN ^P[O [OL MHTPS` Ä ZO ^OLLS :OL also has great memories of being out on the trapline with her father in the winter. :OL SLHYULK [V O\U[ Ä ZO HUK NH[OLY which are all traditional Alaska Native activities that maintain a strong connection to the lands and waters. Some of her earliest memories are of watching her great-grandmother do beadwork, skin sewing and listening to her tell stories with such love for everyone.

She was creating things for the whole family that was made with her love, well wishes and prayers for her family. It is with these same values that Molly of Denali is being created to share with the world. Just like Molly, Adams is proud of her diverse Gwich’in, Koyukon, Japanese, Swedish and Dutch heritage. The characters in the show are proud to honor their heritage, culture and ancestors by interacting and learning from, and ^P[O THU` KPɈ LYLU[ WLVWSL MYVT THU` KPɈ LYLU[ IHJRNYV\UKZ Adams sees Molly as a youth ambassador to share the views and experiences of Alaska Native people and Native Americans as modern people who are WHY[ VM [VKH`»Z ^VYSK (KHTZ PZ JVUÄ KLU[ that Molly of Denali will educate and inspire all viewers to learn more about the beautiful stories of Indigenous people.

Dewey Hoffman, Alaska Native advisor +L^L` /VɈ THU»Z NYHUKTV[OLY NH]L OPT two gifts, his Denaakk’e name and a passion for sharing Alaska Native languages ^P[O V[OLYZ 5V^ /VɈ THU PZ IYPUNPUN those gifts to a national audience by way VM [OL 7): 20+: ZLYPLZ Molly of Denali. 5HTLK 2R»VéL`V HM[LY OPZ NYLH[ NYHUK MH[OLY /VɈ THU»Z UHTL TLHUZ ¸SVUN KPZ[HUJL ^HSRLY ¹ 0[»Z H UHTL [OH[ /VɈ THU ^OV PZ 2V`\RVU ([OHIHZRHU strives to live up to. Throughout Alaska, he is known for going the distance and has collaborated across learning communities and advocacy groups to help Alaska Native languages thrive. /VɈ THU HSZV ZWLHRZ :WHUPZO -YLUJO HUK 7VY[\N\LZL HUK OHZ ^VYRLK [V SLHYU several local Alaska Native languages PU JVTT\UP[` ZL[[PUNZ MYVT Ä YZ[ HUK second language speakers. He says that learning Denaakk’e, the Koyukon Athabascan language, was the most challenging and the most meaningful.

“Learning my ancestral language has helped me connect to my roots and grow HZ H WLYZVU ¹ ZHPK /VɈ THU ^OV Z[\KPLK 5H[P]L (TLYPJHU Z[\KPLZ HUK 7VY[\N\LZL at Dartmouth College. “When I started Ä UKPUN SP[[SL ^H`Z [V PUJVYWVYH[L T` V^U culture and traditions into my everyday life, speaking and understanding the SHUN\HNL JSPJRLK ^P[O TL ¹ It’s been more than a decade since /VɈ THU ILNHU Z[\K`PUN [OL +LUHHRR»L language. Throughout his journey, he has openly shared his knowledge with others. His patience and passion for teaching has inspired people of all ages. /VɈ THU KLZPNULK +LUHHRR»L SHUN\HNL coloring pages and worksheets for young SHUN\HNL SLHYULYZ /VɈ THU OHZ SLK language circles for adults and taught dual language Denaakk’e-Koyukon Athabascan and English to 3-to-5-yearold students through the Fairbanks Native Association Head Start. /VɈ THU OHZ HWWLHYLK ZL]LYHS [PTLZ HZ one of the guest hosts on In My Family, a series of 30-second video spots that HPY VU (SHZRH 7\ISPJ 4LKPH PU IL[^LLU children’s programming. In the segTLU[Z /VɈ THU [LHJOLZ 9H]LU H OHUK puppet) how to say words and phrases PU +LUHHRR»L SPRL ¸KLULLNL TVVZL ¹ ¸SLNN\UL KY` Ä ZO ¹ HUK ¸5LKHH[Z»L UL»VVaL» >OH[»Z `V\Y UHTL&¹ PU ]HYPV\Z Alaska Native languages. ¸3LHYUPUN H SHUN\HNL PZ Q\Z[ SPRL *79 training or driver’s education in that anyone can learn it, and anyone can [LHJO P[ ¹ ZHPK /VɈ THU ¸(SHZRH 5H[P]L languages are a connection to culture and a guidebook to survival for our WLVWSL ¹ /VɈ THU OHZ ILLU ^P[O [OL Molly of Denali series since the beginning of production as one of a team of Alaska Native cultural and language advisors from across the state. Each episode features Alaska Native words and phrases with enough context for viewers outside Alaska to understand.

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RavnAir and bypass mail are lifeline to rural Alaska By Tim Bradner

It’s called Bypass Mail. It isn’t really mail, but a lifeline for rural Alaska communities. :\WWVY[LK Ä UHUJPHSS` I` [OL < : 7VZ[HS Service, bypass mail subsidizes the cost of shipping everyday commodities like NYVJLYPLZ [V MHY Å \UN Y\YHS (SHZRH JVTT\ nities. It helps keep the cost of non-subsistence food and other consumer goods ^P[OPU HɈ VYKHISL YHUNLZ It also helps keep rural retail stores economically viable, and it supports passenger service to rural communities.

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advantageous ground parcel post rates— HUK HSZV VɈ LYZ H M\SS YHUNL VM [YHKP[PVUHS air freight service. ;OL <UP[LK :[H[LZ 7VZ[HS :LY]PJL YLX\PYLZ air carriers to receive bypass mail shipments in Anchorage and Fairbanks where it is transferred to carriers for delivery to rural hub communities—these include Nome, Kotzebue and Bethel for RavnAir Group. In these critical rural hub airports it is then transferred to smaller aircraft for delivery to villages.

Without it there would be fewer bush Å PNO[Z HUK ML^LY WHZZLUNLY ZLH[Z H]HPS able, the postal service said in a study of the program.

RavnAir carried about 18 million pounds VM I`WHZZ THPS PU HUK MYVT Ä ]L [V seven million pounds of additional air freight, according to Gabe Woodmansee, who manages freight for Ravn including bypass mail.

RavnAir Group like other regional Alaska air carriers delivers a lot of bypass mail—which is really freight shipped at

“We manage bypass mail through our freight centers in Anchorage and Fairbanks along with other freight.

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RavnAir has 16 or 17 people employed PU [OL JLU[LYZ ¹ >VVKTHUZLL ZHPK 7VZ[HS ZLY]PJL Y\SLZ YLX\PYL I`WHZZ [V IL shipped on shrink-wrapped pallets with a minimum shipment of 1,000 pounds and a maximum of 2,500 pounds. That kind of bulk-shipping lends itself best to shipment of larger quantities of consumer goods as well as perishables like vegetables rather than small shipments, he said. As with all air freight, hazardous materials like aerosols including bear spray VY Å HTTHISLZ SPRL M\LS VY JVYYVZP]L materials like car batteries are not allowed in bypass mail. Construction materials are not allowed either and must go as regular air freight, Woodmansee said. RavnAir serves its rural hubs with larger aircraft like its DeHavilland DHC-8-100s HUK 7LU(PY :(() Z ^OPJO JHU carry payloads up to 7,500 pounds. At the hubs, bypass mail as well as freight

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is loaded on smaller Cessna Caravans or Beechcraft B1900s for onward shipments to smaller communities. Weather delays are common in rural Alaska but RavnAir is usually able to deliver bypass mail goods from (UJOVYHNL HUK -HPYIHURZ [V [OL Ä UHS destination within two days, according to the study by the postal service. Even that JHU HɈ LJ[ WLYPZOHISLZ SPRL ]LNL[HISLZ so it’s important to remember that goods that are shipped are at the shippers’ risk, not the air carrier or postal service, Woodmansee said. While bypass mail helps rural communities it also helps create business for the state’s large cities by making less expensive and easier to serve rural customers, Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. “Bypass mail connects rural Alaska to our hubs, but it also works the other way around. Millions of dollars worth of groceries, medications, and construction supplies are ordered from Anchorage and Fairbanks and delivered to Alaskan hub JVTT\UP[PLZ HUK ]PSSHNLZ L]LY` `LHY ¹ [OL ZLUH[VY OHZ [LZ[PÄ LK PU *VUNYLZZ

OLUJL [OL [LYT ¸I`WHZZ ¹ ^OPJO WYV]LK TVYL Lɉ JPLU[ The postal service has long acknowledged this need: “As the rural population increased (in the 1970s) so did the number of air passengers, amount of freight and frequency of travel to rural areas. Bush package service became notoriously slow and unreliable as subcontractors struggled to keep up with demand. The Anchorage 4HPU 7VZ[ 6ɉ JL .LULYHS 4HPS -HJPSP[` was inundated with packages, including food and other commodities, intended for Y\YHS JVTT\UP[PLZ :LY]PJL Z\Ɉ LYLK HUK perishable goods spoiled as the airlines gave passengers and their baggage priorP[` VU [OL Z\IJVU[YHJ[LK I\ZO JHYYPLYZ ¹ ( <:7: Z[\K` ZHPK Today passengers and their baggage still have priority but the system functioned more smoothly after it reorganize. Sen. Murkowski has quoted the 7VZ[THZ[LY .LULYHS HZ ZH`PUN º;OL current bypass mail process is the most

JVZ[ LɈ LJ[P]L HUK Lɉ JPLU[ ^H` MVY [OL 7VZ[HS :LY]PJL [V OHUKSL [OL SHYNL 7HYJLS 7VZ[ ]VS\TL MVY (SHZRH ;OL I`WHZZ THPS process—as it is currently constructLK·PZ [OL TVZ[ JVZ[ Lɉ JPLU[ TL[OVK MVY KLSP]LYPUN THPS [V Y\YHS (SHZRH ¹ While the system has occasionally come under criticism from members of Congress in the Lower 48 who question its impact and value, the Alaska Congressional Delegation has JVUZPZ[LU[S` MLUKLK VɈ HU` H[[LTW[Z [V limit the critical service. ¸0U (SHZRH ^L YV\[PULS` Ä N\YL V\[ ^H`Z [V V]LYJVTL V\Y JOHSSLUNLZ ¹ :LU Murkowski said. “The bypass mail WYVJLZZ PZ VUL Z\JO L_HTWSL ¹

To learn more about all the RavnAir air cargo and bypass mail options, see FlyRavn.com/ cargo-services online or call 907-243-2761.

While there is concern for the costs of the program, which has been targeted by some critics in Congress, Murkowski said bypass Mail also saves money for the post system. “[Alaska’s] bypass mail system saves the 7VZ[HS :LY]PJL HU LZ[PTH[LK TPSSPVU per year (in 2011) in operating costs alone by allowing a huge volume of qualifying 7HYJLS 7VZ[ THPS [V SP[LYHSS` I`WHZZ WVZ[HS MHJPSP[PLZ ¹ HUK IL ZOPWWLK KPYLJ[S` I` HPY carriers, the senator said. The bypass system was originally set up in 1972 because rural communities ^LYL NYV^PUN HUK [OL WVZ[ Vɉ JL ^HZ being overwhelmed with packages being shipped by regular parcel post. Former Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens worked with the WVZ[ Vɉ JL [V JYLH[L HU HS[LYUH[P]L Z`Z[LT that worked directly through air carriers,

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ASAA

It’s busy season of high school sports We are in one of the busiest times of the year for Alaska high school athletes. All high school athletics are organized under the Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA), Football, tennis and cross country running are all now well into their seasons, leading up to state championships in October and November. Here are important dates and locations—plan to see our kids in action at events near you.

2019 FIRST NATIONAL BOWL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Division I: ࠮ 8\HY[LYZ 6J[VILY VY H[ /PNOLY :LLK»Z :[HKP\T ࠮ :LTPZ 6J[VILY VY H[ /PNOLY :LLK»Z :[HKP\T ࠮ -PUHSZ 6J[VILY H[ (UJOVYHNL -VV[IHSS :[HKP\T PU Anchorage Hosted by ASAA and Anchorage School District Division II:

Football

࠮ :LTPZ 6J[VILY VY H[ /PNOLY :LLK»Z :[HKP\T

The Friday Night Lights are in full force in this month with high

࠮ -PUHSZ 6J[VILY H[ (UJOVYHNL -VV[IHSS :[HKP\T in Anchorage

ZJOVVS MVV[IHSS [LHTZ ZX\HYPUN VɈ MYVT )HYYV^ [V /VTLY ;OL larger 3A and 4A schools are primarily on the road system, while

Hosted by ASAA and Anchorage School District

many the smaller rural schools competing in 1A and 2A often

Division III:

travel hundreds of miles by air to compete.

࠮ :LTPZ 6J[VILY VY H[ /PNOLY :LLK»Z :[HKP\T

Regardless of school size, the excitement of gridiron action

࠮ -PUHSZ 6J[VILY H[ (UJOVYHNL -VV[IHSS :[HKP\T in Anchorage

resonates through Alaska this month, culminating with the 2019 ASAA First National Bowl Football State Championships:

Hosted by ASAA and Anchorage School District All photos courtesy ASAA

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Tennis Tennis in Alaska? Indeed, our state boasts excellent high school tennis players and action. The 2019 ASAA First National Bank Alaska State Championships will be October 11-12 at the Alaska Club East in Anchorage, hosted by ASAA, The Alaska Club and Anchorage School District.

Cross Country Running Thanks to the international success of now professional runner Allie Ostrander, Alaska distance running is receiving long overdue attention. While many high school runners compete year around, the ASAA season runs through the early fall and ends with state championships October 5. The 2019 ASAA First National Bank Alaska Cross Country Running State Championships will be at Barlett Running Trails in Anchorage October 5, hosted by ASAA and Barlett High School. Detailed information on all ASAA sports and other activities are online at ASAA.org and ASAA365.com. /LYL `V\ JHU Ă„UK ZJOLK\SLZ IYHJRL[Z H KV^USVHKHISL program for each sport, and photographs from past seasons and championships.

Ticket Information Tickets for all ASAA championships are available at the event. Day Tickets Adults - $10 | Students - $5 Elders (65 & older) - FREE 6th grade & under - FREE

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Wild encounters

Center brings visitors up close, behind the scenes with wildlife Story and photos by Lee Leschper

A thousand pounds of Alaskan brown bear is one of the most awe-inspiring wild creatures on earth. And this one was hungry. A dozen steps, Ian was watching the bear with curiosity and respect, but no fear. And the bear was even more intent on Ian, and the salmon he was holding. ¸(YL `V\ O\UNY`&¹ OL HZRLK WP[JOPUN H chunk of sockeye in front of the big bear.

The bear gobbled the sockeye hungrily, then edged closer.

close with iconic animals like bull moose and brown bears, and even feed them.

But instead of courting danger, Ian :JOHWLY ^HZ SLHYUPUN Ä YZ[ OHUK H[ [OL Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center what amazing and smart animals our great bears are.

Ian is my grandson and a frequent visitor to Alaska. And while on previous trips OL»Z JH\NO[ ZHSTVU Å VH[LK [OL 2LUHP HUK worked on his shooting skills, this was his Ä YZ[ JSVZL LUJV\U[LY VM [OL ILHY RPUK

Wildlife Encounters is a series of new proNYHTZ [OH[ [OL *LU[LY PZ VɈ LYPUN [V HSSV^ visitors to go behind the scenes, get up

After the initial surprise at being within a few feet of one of AWCC’s huge brown bears, he fed her big chunks of sockeye salmon (a favorite), halibut (not so much) and assorted veggies. It’s startling both how focused, and quick to communicate, the big bears are, we KPZJV]LYLK 7H[YVU H MLTHSL IYV^UPL focuses on visitors with unblinking gaze, X\PJRS` NYHIIPUN [OL MVVK VɈ LYPUNZ ZOL likes (salmon and carrots) and ignoring those she doesn’t. If the next morsel was too long in coming, she’d begin to lower and shake her head, clearly expressing one message: Feed Me Now! In the similar Moose Encounters, visitors can feed the center’s bull moose leafy branches. My granddaughters recently did exactly that, delighting at the giant animal’s hearty appetites. AWCC continues to expand and add both new animals and expanded facilities, to house those animals in natural settings and provide a better experience for visitors. Here is a summary of the improvements at the Center this year:

Porcupine exhibits (SHZRH >PSKSPML *VUZLY]H[PVU *LU[LY»Z UL^ )LHY ,UJV\U[LYZ WYVNYHT HSSV^Z H ML^ ]PZP[VYZ [V NV ILOPUK [OL ZJLULZ ^P[O (>** HUPTHS JHYL Z[HɈ [V TLL[ MLLK HUK SLHYU HIV\[ [OL *LU[LY»Z ILHYZ \W JSVZL HUK WLYZVUHS

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“In 2018, we built our orphaned porcupine Twix a brand-new enclosure. New

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.\LZ[Z VM HSS HNLZ JHU MLLK [OL TVVZL K\YPUN 4VVZL ,UJV\U[LYZ K\YPUN [OL Z\TTLY TVU[OZ

ones for our other two porcupines, Kit Kat and Snickers, are in the works. We IYVRL NYV\UK VU 2P[ 2H[»Z PU SH[L 1\S` ¹ said AWCC director of operations and development Trish Baker.

Wolverine exhibit “We begin construction on our wolverine exhibit this fall, which will be located beside the brand-new fox and coyote exhibits in the southwest part of the sanctuary. We are especially excited to share this fascinating animal so visitors can learn about wolverine diet (almost anything!), life cycle, temperament, range, and predators.

Interpretive signage New interpretive signs are going up all over the sanctuary to help educate visitors about our resident animals. We even have new signs for beluga whales. While AWCC does not provide

a home to marine life, Cook Inlet beluga whales are our neighbors and AWCC PZ HU Vɉ JPHS ZWV[[PUN Z[H[PVU MVY [OL HUU\HS ¸)LS\NHZ *V\U[ ¹ L]LU[ W\[ VU I` NOAA in September (in 2019, the date is September 21). Beluga whales are often seen from our property.

0UÄ YTHY` 6\Y HUPTHS PUÄ YTHY` ^HZ JVTWSL[LK in the Spring of 2018 and we are raising

Special Events 0U ^L OLSK V\Y Ä YZ[ HU[SLY WHPU[PUN event. It sold out and was a huge success! We held another in February 2019 and now plan to have antler painting events every year. We collect antlers from our HU[SLYLK HUPTHSZ HM[LY [OL` KYVW VɈ PU MHSS HUK ^PU[LY 7HY[PJPWHU[Z [OLU ZLSLJ[ HU antler of their desired species (moose, elk, caribou, reindeer, or Sitka black tail deer) and AWCC provides the paint, space, and inspiration!

funds for a new animal food prep kitchen.

Animal Enrichment Workshop Series

Bison Hall

We hold animal enrichment workshops VU [OL Ä YZ[ :\UKH` VM [OL TVU[O IL[^LLU 6J[VILY HUK (WYPS ¸(UPTHS ,UYPJOTLU[¹ means items that keep our animals interested and engaged. Volunteers create toys for our animals. Many of our animals’

Bison Hall, our education building, was completed in Fall of 2017. We use the ZWHJL MVY Ä LSK [YPWZ HUPTHS WYLZLU[H tions, animal enrichment workshops, antler painting events, and to rent out for private events.

Wild encounters continued on page 62

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[OL Ä YZ[ YHJL HSVUN [OL 0KP[HYVK trail in 1987. But it has really exploded in the last few years as the city and cross-country ski organizations maintain winter trails for bikers. Girdwood will host the 7th annual mountain bike festival in early September and the races continue with January’s annual winter endurance Frosty Bottom Fat Bike held entirely on the multi-use trails through Anchorage and the HSS HNLZ Ä ]L TPSL SVVW )PN -H[ Ride in conjunction with Fur Rondy at the end of February. Wilderness races like the Little Su 50K and its older brother the Susitna 100 mile are on packed snow machine and dog sled trails in the Susitna River valley north of Anchorage in mid-February.

Alaska’s meeting place

Favorite things we love about Anchorage Golf Course, Alaska Native Heritage Center and the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery.

*\KK` -HTPS` 4PK[V^U 7HYR with an exercise track, small amphitheater and seasonal ice skating and a walkway that steps down to the end of a lake, and a colorful, accessible park with swings, monkey bars, rope features and slides.

Kid friendly In addition to special kids’ meals at restaurants, discounted or free admission for children at area attractions and events, many cater specifically to children and families. The Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center’s 11,000-square-foot Discovery Center introduces visitors of all ages to Alaska and the Arctic through technology, interactive installations, artwork, marine-life tanks and more. Also check out the (S R A ( P [P 4

Parks and more parks ;OL (UJOVYHNL 7HYRZ HUK Recreation Department manages 223 parks—10,946 acres of municipal parkland including neighborhood, community, special use and natural resource parks. That includes more than 250 miles of trails (135 miles paved), H[OSL[PJ Ä LSKZ Ä ]L WVVSZ 11 ti t d 82

All year biking (Fat tire biking) With 135 miles of paved trails, Anchorage is a summer biker’s playground. But winter biking, either on studded tires or fat tire bikes, makes it a d

Hiking our trails

it Wi t

Frank Flavin

Anchorage has a vast network of in-town and nearby trails, from casual to challenging. <U[PS ZUV^ Å PLZ [OL`»YL MVY hikers and runners—converting to cross country skiing HM[LY [OL ^OP[L Z[\Ɉ HYYP]LZ While Flattop’s breathtaking views of the entire bowl is acknowledged as the most visited trail in Alaska and is a must for every visitor there are other great options including the accessible Tony Knowles Coastal Trail winding along

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the Cook Inlet south from downtown. Expand your radius and you’ll experience dozens of other great hiking [YHPSZ MYVT /H[JOLY 7HZZ [V [OL north, to McHugh and Bird Creek Trails to the south. One caution—be aware of bears until cold sends them into hibernation. Be vigilant and carry bear deterrents like bear spray. Hike on!

Alyeska is one of the premier ski resorts in the country, with great terrain, up to 800 inches of snow a year and light trails for night skiing. Even closer, Hilltop ski area and Arctic Valley are great for novice and family skiers.

and distilleries in Alaska. These include 49th State Brewing, King Street, Midnight Sun, Glacier Brewhouse, Anchorage Brewing and Odd 4HU 9\ZO PU ,HNSL 9P]LY 7S\Z the Double Shovel Cidery and (UJOVYHNL +PZ[PSSLY` 7HJL yourself so you can sample several at one or all of them! Brewing is one of the fastest growing agricultural industries in Alaska and each brewery is Alaskan-owned and operated.

Good eats

Swimming pools and slides Many area hotels have on-site swimming pools and Anchorage has a water park, but there are also a handful of pools and water slides Y\U I` [OL (UJOVYHNL 7HYRZ and Recreation Department. Add in the YMCA and private athletic clubs, and you have the highest number of pools per capita in Alaska!

It seems Anchorage has more great restaurants per capita than any town in America. And you’d expect great seafood, which we have in abundance. But we have great choices to expand your horizons and pallet—sushi, donuts, pho. Did we mention steak, burgers, even barbeque! After that wonderful meal, spoil yourself with a great dessert--or just go straight to the treats. Whether your sweet tooth leans to pastries, chocolate or yogurt, we’ve got you covered.

Skiing If you ski, Anchorage is a great place to be. There’s a vast network of cross-country ski trails that spring to life with [OL Ä YZ[ ZUV^Z ^OL[OLY [OH[»Z Halloween or Thanksgiving.

Grab a brew What goes great with good food? Great beer! Anchorage is home to the largest number of microbreweries

Live performances While seldom considered a music city, Anchorage has a wide selection of live music venues and artists performing almost any night of the week. Whether your taste runs to country, rock, jazz, indie or classical, you JHU WYVIHIS` Ä UK H WSHJL [V hear it live. The Anchorage Concert Association presents a full season of concert and Broadway performances each `LHY H[ [OL 7LYMVYTPUN (Y[Z Center downtown. The Alaska Airlines Center on the UAA campus now draws some of the top performers in America. ca. And many galleries, restaurants, cafes and other shops s stage special receptions VU [OL L]LUPUN VM [OL Ä YZ[ Friday of the month—typically from 5 to 8 p.m.—hosting t performers e or providing light refreshments. esshme Often, these

receptions also provide an opportunity to meet the artists.

Shop ‘til you drop It’s been said that Alaska comes to Anchorage to shop—and there are plenty of opportunities! Begin with the Dimond, 5th Avenue, Northway, Midtown and Tikahtnu Malls, between them VɈ LYPUN O\UKYLKZ VM Z[VYLZ food and entertainment. If you’re in the market for big toys Anchorage’s RV, ATV, boat and snow machine dealers will get you equipped or \WNYHKLK *HILSH»Z )HZZ 7YV and Sportsman’s Warehouse Z\WLY Z[VYLZ VɈ LY ]HZ[ selections of everything you need for the Great Alaskan V\[KVVYZ MYVT Ä YLHYTZ HUK Ä ZOPUN YVKZ [V JHTWPUN NLHY and outdoor clothing, with expert advice on how to use all of it.

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Flattop

Anchorage’s sometimes crowded, always challenging favorite trail Story and photos by Clark Fair

0M `V\ HYL PU (UJOVYHNL HUK Ä UK `V\YZLSM OHURLYPUN MVY H X\PJR alpine adventure that you can squeeze into a morning or afternoon, a sure bet is Flattop Mountain, the most frequently climbed peak in all Alaska. Flattop is popular for many good reasons. The trailhead is close to and easily accessible from town. The parking lot at the trailhead is large and also provides access to numerous other [LYYPÄ J [YHPSZ -YVT [OL TV\U[HPU»Z ^PKL HUK [Y\S` Å H[ [VW [OL view of the city is marvelous. On a clear day, it is possible to see beyond Cook Inlet all the way to Denali. But that recommendation comes with a few caveats. With great popularity sometimes comes big crowds. Although climbing to the top and back is only a 3.4-mile trek, the last pitch on the way up involves scrambling over rocks and boulders. Flattop can be dangerous.

Since 1970, at least six people have died on the mountain—three in avalanches during winter climbs and three in falls during summer ascents. Despite numerous improvements to the trail over the years, carelessness or bad luck have created tragedy and accounted for numerous non-fatal injuries. Helicopter evacuations of injured hikers are carried out almost annually. Despite the inherent hazards of the terrain, part of the problem is the sheer mass of humanity. According to the Anchorage Daily 5L^Z [OL Z\WLYPU[LUKLU[ VM *O\NHJO :[H[L 7HYR LZ[PTH[LK [OH[ at least 135,000 hikers visited Flattop between 2006 and 2016. The volume of visitors can be particularly high when the weather is good or during special occasions, such as the Fourth of July or the summer solstice, when visitors crowd the mountaintop to watch the sun set on the longest day of the year. On such days, the Glen Alps parking lot may be full, and even [OL V]LYÅ V^ SV[ TH` IL WHJRLK ^P[O ]LOPJSLZ 7HYHNSPKLYZ TH` IL [HRPUN VɈ MYVT [OL Z\TTP[ HUK ZVHYPUN V]LYOLHK HUK [OL lines on the trail itself may be long and slow. And a handful of these visitors, every year, seem to take the mountain for granted, as if the shortness of the trail and its proximity to the big city means that caution is not called for.

,]LU ^OLU [OL KLZJLU[ MYVT -SH[[VW KVLZ UV[ PUJS\KL ZUV^ JH\[PVU PZ YLJVTTLUKLK

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(UJOVYHNL -PYL 0ZSHUK 4V\U[ :\ZP[UH HUK ;\YUHNHPU HUK 2UPR HYTZ SPL ILSV^ [OL -SH[[VW Z\TTP[

The Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and Lifemed Alaska—who, among other agencies and individuals, have performed numerous rescues from the mountain over the years—advise care when enjoying Flattop. The trail begins at an elevation of about 2,200 feet, starting with a wooden stairway at one edge of the parking lot. It then winds through a grove of mountain hemlock before beginning a slow climb around the periphery of Blueberry Knoll and a lower peak, then ascending a series of rocky switchbacks, boulders and steep slopes to the 3,510-foot summit. The trail over the boulders is marked with paint. Starting along the western edge of Blueberry Knoll, the trail ILNPUZ [V VɈLY ]PL^Z VM (UJOVYHNL HUK IL`VUK HUK [OVZL ]PL^Z only improve and expand as you climb higher. For those desiring further adventures, the options are many. *SPTIZ [V 7LHR HUK 7LHR HYL WVZZPISL MYVT [OL -SH[[VW summit. And from the Glen Alps parking lot, there are numerous KLZ[PUH[PVUZ H]HPSHISL Z\JO HZ 7V^LYSPUL 7HZZ [OL 9HTW [OL Wedge, the O’Malley peaks, the Williwaw Lakes, Campbell Creek and many more. Whatever your destination, wear sturdy shoes, carry water and extra layers of clothing and exercise caution. To those who are JH\[PV\Z HUK WH[PLU[ [OL TV\U[HPU VɈLYZ P[Z YPJO YL^HYKZ

Directions To Flattop Mountain From the Seward Highway, take the O’Malley Road exit and turn toward the mountains. Follow O’Malley to Hillside Drive and turn right. From Hillside, turn left VU <WWLY /\ɈTHU 9VHK (IV\[ OHSM H TPSL \W <WWLY /\ɈTHU [OL YVHK MVYRZ·SLM[ [V :\S[HUH +YP]L YPNO[ to Toilsome Road. Both roads lead to trailheads in *O\NHJO :[H[L 7HYR I\[ `V\ T\Z[ [\YU YPNO[ [V YLHJO [OL Flattop Mountain trailhead in the Glen Alps parking lot. Toilsome Road is a good road but is also winding and occasionally steep. In the winter it can be icy. Glen Alps is at the end of the road, and either a $5 fee or a state parking pass is required. Outhouses are available there and are open all year. If you’d rather not drive to the parking area, there is a shuttle available. Flattop Mountain Shuttle delivers visitors from the corner of 4th and C downtown to Glen Alps for $23 per round-trip. The shuttle parks in the lot and waits three hours before departing again for Anchorage. Another option is to ride one-way with a bicycle and ride your own transportation back to town. For a schedule and other details, visit the Flattop Mountain Shuttle website at www.hike-anchorage-alaska.com

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¡¡ JUST FOR KIDS ¡¡

Family fun

Five great fall hikes in Anchorage By Erin Kirkland, Just For Kids

The weather may be changing and the kids may be back in school, but Anchorage’s trails shine during the autumn months. From stunning foliage to \UJYV^KLK [YHPSZ MHTPSPLZ JHU Ä UK WSLU[` of space to stretch legs, view wildlife, and enjoy the fact that city life combines easily with wilderness in Alaska’s largest city. 1. Campbell Creek Estuary (Selkirk Drive): An easy series of loops among an old family homestead property, where songbirds and sandhill cranes make their seasonal homes and no dogs are allowed. The perfect place to wander with small children or for a quick midday break, the estuary park is an under-visited property with beautiful views of the Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Cook Inlet, and the Alaska Range. www.anchorageparkfoundation. org/completed-projects/ campbell-creek-estuary 2. Alaska Botanical Garden (Campbell (PYZ[YPW +YP]L ! ;OL Å V^LY ILKZ TH` IL covered for the upcoming winter months,

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but there is still plenty to see and do at this beautiful spot in east Anchorage. ;HRL [OL >PSKÅ V^LY >HSR JOLJR V\[ [OL Heritage Garden, or go longer along the two-mile Lowenfels-Hoersting Family Nature Trail toward Campbell Creek. Admission ranges from $12/adults, $8/ kids 8-17, and free for kids 7 and under. www.alaskabg.org/gardens--trails.html 3. Kincaid Beach 2PUJHPK 7HYR Raspberry Road West): On a sunny day, Kincaid Beach delivers tons of outdoor fun with one of Anchorage’s only sandy beaches. Located at popular Kincaid 7HYR [OL ILHJO PZ H OV[ ZWV[ MVY MHTPSPLZ with kids for the soft dunes and visible air-craft making a landing at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. It’s a hit with parents for the beautiful views. www. akonthego.com/blog/family-fall-hikesanchorages-kincaid-park-and-beach 4. Blueberry Loop (Glen Alps, Chugach :[H[L 7HYR ! ([ Q\Z[ V]LY H TPSL PU SLUN[O (minus the short hike from the parking lot

to the loop itself), Blueberry is part of the popular Flattop Trail in the Glen Alps area of Anchorage. So popular that sometimes [OL WHYRPUN SV[ V]LYÅ V^Z [OPZ PZ H destination for view-seekers and those who want to stay in town but still get a bit of back-country. Daily parking $5 (pay at RPVZR VY MYLL ^P[O HU HUU\HS :[H[L 7HYR 7HZZ www.dnr.alaska.gov/parks/ maps/anchoragehillsidetrailguide.pdf 5. Rendezvous Peak (Arctic Valley Road): At four miles round trip, this is another showstopper for views of Anchorage, Cook Inlet, and the surrounding mountains. It’s also a great hike for kids wanting to test their mettle for some uphill scrambling wtihin the alpine meadows and rocky reaches of Arctic Valley Ski Area. A favorite bonus? This is some prime blueberry and crowberry territory and families often spend hours pawing the hillsides for some tasty treats from nature. $5 parking fee (NOT covered by HU (SHZRH :[H[L 7HYRZ WHZZ www.arcticvalley.org/summer-2

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·· JUST FOR KIDS ··

Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Anchorage location remodeling to add more kid-friendly exhibits By Erin Kirkland, Just For Kids editor It’s known as the place for park passes, trails maps, and helpful tips about Alaska’s parks and public ZWHJLZ ;OL (SHZRH 7\ISPJ 3HUKZ 0UMVYTH[PVU *LU[LY H SVUN[PTL Ä _[\YL on Anchorage’s 4th Avenue, is also ^OLYL THU` SVJHS RPKZ NL[ [OLPY Ä YZ[ taste of Alaska’s natural history, and discover the outdoor fun available, from the Arctic to Southeast. And the space is about to get even cooler. A big renovation is about to take place, one that actually started last year, says Clarence Watkins, manager of the center.

“The earthquake in November ZSV^LK \Z KV^U H IP[ ¹ OL ZHPK ¸:V we’re having to close down for a few months this fall in order to complete HSS [OL L_OPIP[Z ¹ It’ll be worth it. Interactive maps that show the massive mountain ranges, twisting rivers, and endless glaciers of Alaska will take center stage. Visitors of any age will be able to track the migration patterns of animals and birds, learn about the trees and plants growing on tundra VY MVYLZ[ Å VVY VY WSHU [OLPY V^U [YPW to a new place.

The building will close on September 14 and reopen, Watkins hopes, by November 1. But there’s plenty of time to stop by before that, though. ;OL (SHZRH 7\ISPJ 3HUKZ 0UMVYTH[PVU Center is open for fall hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. Tell grownups they’ll need H KYP]LY»Z SPJLUZL VY V[OLY PKLU[PÄ cation to get in the door, since the center is a Federal facility. For more information, or to learn about the other centers around Alaska, visit [OL 7\ISPJ 3HUKZ 0UMVYTH[PVU *LU[LY website at www.alaskacenters.gov.

Autumn Scramble A bunch of leaves fell from a birch tree, and jumbled up some well-known fall words. Can you unscramble them? CHRAL LPPAE FEAL KINPMUP FTROS LDENGO

Larch, apple, leaf, pumpkin, frost, golden

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Flying with RavnAir

Passenger Guide 54 Travel in Rural Alaska 55 Customer Service 56 FlyAway Rewards / Ravn Rush / Group Travel 57 Route Map 58 Our Fleet

www.FlyRavn.com

March / April 2019

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RavnAir Alaska Tips

Travel in Rural Alaska RavnAir is proud to serve more than 115 communities statewide. Our mainline service gets you to and from our 14 cities including our RavnAir Connect hub cities: Anchorage, Dillingham, Kodiak, and beyond. From those hub terminals, we provide passenger services through RavnAir Connect to rural Alaska communities. )LSV^ `V\»SS Ä UK ZVTL \ZLM\S [YH]LS [PWZ ^L OVWL ^PSS LUZ\YL H smooth trip in rural Alaska.

When departing from a regional hub ࠮ Check-in one hour prior to scheduled departure. Once you are checked-in, stay in the terminal and listen to all anUV\UJLTLU[Z HZ Å PNO[Z TH` SLH]L LHYS` ࠮ )L Z\YL [V KYLZZ HWWYVWYPH[LS` MVY ^LH[OLY JVUKP[PVUZ HZ ]PS lage destinations do not have facilities to shelter passengers or their belongings. ࠮ 4HU` ]PSSHNLZ KV UV[ WLYTP[ HSJVOVS 7SLHZL JHSS HOLHK [V the regional hub to inquire about local rules and restrictions regarding alcohol transport and consumption.

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࠮ 0U TVZ[ JHZLZ JHYY` VU IHNNHNL PZ UV[ HSSV^LK )L WYLWHYLK to consolidate your belongings if necessary. ࠮ <WVU HYYP]HS IL Z\YL [V PKLU[PM` [OL ]PSSHNL HNLU[ :PTWS` HZR your pilot or a local resident. This is very important as the village agent will be checking you in and providing updates VU [OL Z[H[\Z VM `V\Y YL[\YU Å PNO[ ࠮ (SS IHNNHNL PZ Z\IQLJ[ [V SVHK YLZ[YPJ[PVUZ )HNNHNL [OH[ JHUUV[ IL HJJVTTVKH[LK VU `V\Y Å PNO[ ^PSS IL [YHUZWVY[LK VU [OL UL_[ H]HPSHISL Å PNO[ ࠮ *LSS\SHY WOVUL ZLY]PJL PZ =,9@ SPTP[LK PU Y\YHS HYLHZ

When departing from a village ࠮ *OLJR PU ^P[O [OL =PSSHNL (NLU[ H[ SLHZ[ [^V OV\YZ WYPVY [V `V\Y ZJOLK\SLK Å PNO[ [PTL (S[OV\NO ^L Z[YP]L [V THPU[HPU VWLYH[PVUZ HZ [OL` HYL ZJOLK\SLK THU` MHJ[VYZ JHU HɈ LJ[ HJ[\HS Å PNO[ [PTLZ )L Z\YL [V Z[H` PU [V\JO ^P[O [OL =PSSHNL Agent for the most up-to-date information.

September / October 2019

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We’re here to help

Customer Service The lowest fare

Special needs passengers

We will disclose on our website, at the ticket counter, or when a J\Z[VTLY JHSSZ V\Y YLZLY]H[PVU JLU[LY PM [OL SV^LZ[ MHYL VɈ LYLK by the carrier may be available elsewhere.

RavnAir wants your trip to be enjoyable. We commit to accommodating passengers with disabilities in accordance with 14 C.F.R. part 382. We will also accommodate other special needs passengers as set forth in our policies and procedures,

Fares guaranteed for 24 hours

including during lengthy tarmac delays. If you have any special

RavnAir requires that all reservations be purchased at time of booking. If within 24 hours of purchase you decide that you ^PSS UV SVUNLY ULLK `V\Y [PJRL[ ^L VɈ LY M\SS YLM\UKZ MVY HU` ticket purchased directly through RavnAir within 24 hours of purchase without any penalties, provided that the reservation PZ THKL VUL ^LLR VY TVYL WYPVY [V [OL ZJOLK\SLK Å PNO[ KLWHY ture. If you need to make changes to your ticket, as long as the new itinerary meets advance purchase requirements and the class of service purchased is available, we will change your ticket at no cost to you. The change must be requested within 24 hours of purchase and one week or more prior to [OL ZJOLK\SLK Å PNO[ KLWHY[\YL

requirements, let us know by calling 800-866-8394.

Ticket refunds and receipts

to overnight in one of the communities we serve, we will assist

RavnAir sells refundable and non-refundable tickets. Where ticket refunds are due under RavnAir’s conditions of carriage, RavnAir will provide prompt refunds as required by 14 C.F.R. § 374.3 and 12 C.F.R. part 226 for credit card purchases and within 20 days after receiving a complete refund request for cash and check purchases, including refunding fees charged to a passenger for optional services that the passenger was unable to use due to an V]LYZHSL ZP[\H[PVU VY Å PNO[ JHUJLSSH[PVU ;PJRL[ YLM\UK HWWSPJH[PVUZ HYL H]HPSHISL H[ HSS 9H]U(PY [PJRL[ Vɉ JLZ VY ZLUK HSS IVVRPUN KL[HPSZ VM [OL [PJRL[ [V YLM\UKZ'Å `YH]U JVT RavnAir Group Refund Department 4700 Old International Airport Road Anchorage, Alaska 99502 Telephone number: 907-266-8394 or 800-866-8394 ,THPS HKKYLZZ! YLM\UKZ'Å `YH]U JVT MVY V\Y VUSPUL MVYT

Flight delays and cancellations We will notify our passengers of known delays, cancellations, and diversions as well as changes in their travel itineraries in a timely matter. To learn of services to mitigate passenger incon]LUPLUJL YLZ\S[PUN MYVT Å PNO[ KLSH`Z HUK JHUJLSSH[PVUZ JHSS HUK ZWLHR ^P[O H TLTILY VM 9H]U(PY»Z YLZLY]H[PVUZ Z[HɈ

Weather delay policy >OLU `V\Y Å PNO[ KLSH` VY JHUJLSSH[PVU PU]VS]LZ ^LH[OLY ^L ^PSS KV HSS WVZZPISL [V YLYV\[L `V\ 0M H Å PNO[ JHUJLSSH[PVU TLHUZ `V\ OH]L you to the extent possible. RavnAir is not liable for expenses incurred such as meals, hotels and local transpor- tation. If your [PJRL[ PZ UVU YLM\UKHISL ^L HYL OHWW` [V VɈ LY H M\SS YLM\UK ^P[O V\[ WLUHS[PLZ PM ^L HYL UV[ HISL [V NL[ `V\ [V `V\Y Ä UHS KLZ[PUH[PVU

Tell us how we’re doing 6U L]LY` Å PNO[ HUK H[ V\Y [PJRL[ JV\U[LYZ J\Z[VTLY JVTTLU[ cards are available to communicate your complaints or compliments. We are committed to providing timely responses to customer written complaints. Contact us at: RavnAir Group Attn: Customer Service 4700 Old International Airport Road Anchorage, AK 99502 6Y LTHPS *VUZ\TLY (Ɉ HPYZ H[ JVUZ\TLY'Å `YH]U JVT

September / October 2019

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Earn award travel faster

FlyAway Rewards FlyAway Rewards is the easiest and fastest way to earn award travel in Alaska. It’s easy and free to join. You’ll earn 10 FlyAway 9L^HYKZ WVPU[Z MVY L]LY` 9H]U(PY (SHZRH Å PNO[ ZLNTLU[ Å V^U >P[O H^HYK [YH]LS Z[HY[PUN H[ Q\Z[ WVPU[Z -S`(^H` 9L^HYKZ PZ [OL most generous airline program in the State!

Cargo Ravn Rush With next available Å PNO[ ZOPWTLU[Z VM \W [V SIZ 9H]U 9<:/ VɈ LYZ H MHZ[ HUK JVU]LUPLU[ way to ship time sensitive packages to any of our mainline locations. =PZP[ Å `YH]U JVT JHYNV [V SLHYU TVYL

Fly 5, Earn 1 @V\»SS LHYU WVPU[Z MVY L]LY` Å PNO[ ZLNTLU[ HUK H^HYK [YH]LS Z[HY[Z MYVT WVPU[Z MVY H VUL ^H` [YPW 6Y VW[ [V LHYU (SHZRH (PYSPULZ 4PSLHNL 7SHU 4PSLZ

Group Travel

Elite Privileges 9LHJO LSP[L Z[H[\Z ^OLU `V\ Å ` ZLNTLU[Z ^P[O 9H]U(PY (SHZRH Elite members earn points faster, enjoy priority boarding, complimentary premium beverages, and more.

Group fares and allotments are available for ten (10) VY TVYL WHZZLUNLYZ VU ZLSLJ[ Å PNO[Z [OYV\NOV\[ Alaska on aircraft such as our Dash-8 or Beechcraft 1900.

=PZP[ Å `YH]U JVT YL^HYKZ [V QVPU MYLL [VKH` * Plus taxes and fees from $5.60 each way. Award availability and pricing may vary.

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=PZP[ Å `YH]U JVT NYV\WZ

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RavnAir Group

Route Map

Alaska is a big place. RavnAir Group serves more than 115 communities statewide. We operate KPYLJ[ Ã… PNO[Z IL[^LLU (UJOVYHNL HUK JP[PLZ SPRL -HPYIHURZ /VTLY HUK )L[OLS I\[ TVZ[ VM our destinations are smaller villages that rely on RavnAir for essential deliveries and medical services, as well as routine travel and commuting.

September / October 2019

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Our Fleet

The number of passengers may vary based on length of flight, amount of luggage, and flight operations. Aircraft specifications listed are actual. Maximum payloads and size of shipment may be reduced due to weather, distance, size, and weight of the shipment.

DeHavilland DHC-8-100 Max passengers: 29 - 37 Max payload: 8,100 pounds Max cargo length: 11 feet

Max cargo width: 80 inches Max cargo height: 76 inches

Saab 2000 Max passengers: 45 Max payload: 12,120 pounds Max cargo length: 11 feet

Max cargo width: 67 inches Max cargo height: 69 inches

Beechcraft B1900C Max passengers: 19 Max payload: 4,500 pounds Max cargo length: 14 feet

Max cargo width: 54 inches Max cargo height: 57 inches

B1900 Cargo Max passengers: N/A Max payload: 5,000 pounds Max cargo length: 25 feet

Max cargo width: 54 inches Max cargo height: 57 inches

Piper PA31 Chieftain Max passengers: 9 Max payload: 1,800 pounds Max cargo length: 8.5 feet

Max cargo width: 40.5 inches Max cargo height: 41.5 inches

Cessna C207 Skywagon Max passengers: 7 Max payload: 1,200 pounds Max cargo length: 8 feet

Max cargo width: 39 inches Max cargo height: 39 inches

Cessna C208 Caravan Max passengers: 9 Max payload: 3,200 pounds Max cargo length: 14 feet

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Max cargo width: 60 inches Max cargo height: 54 inches

September / October 2019

Note: dimensions are interior

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RavnAir Alaska

Puzzle page (Answers on page 63)

Across 1 With a forward motion 6 Guitarist --- Clapton 10 And others in Rome 14 “Boléro” composer Maurice --15 Lead vocalist of U2 16 Sleepless in Seattle director --- Ephron 17 Overweight 18 Embryonic flowers 19 --- Lane, Clark’s love 20 Shell lobber 22 Exercise venue 23 --- the ground floor 24 Adeptness 25 A lot 27 Think constantly 29 Badger 31 Beloved 32 Anti-ageist org. 34 Pulpit delivery

© 2016 Crosswordsite.com Ltd.

36 Cushion 39 Comparatively costly 41 Getting on

Down

43 Chop

1 Bouquet

36 Bringing forth

44 Base

2 Toil

37 Everyone

46 Part

3 Brought down

38 Stain

47 Web address

4 Secluded retreat

48 Cleared

5 Glows

40 One paid to jump out of perfectly serviceable aircraft

50 E.g. Courvoisier

6 Abate

42 Before, poetically

53 Pricey

7 Harsher

45 Soon afterwards

54 World’s largest economy

8 --- 500, car race

47 Invisible

9 Of worldwide scope

49 Areas of land

57 Stock-market debuts 58 Monotonous routine

10 Sign up

50 About

60 Daytona racing supervisory grp.

11 Common odds ending

51 Anything that stupefies

62 Established ceremony

12 Operatic solos

52 Have to

63 Workplace regulation agency

13 Endures

55 Generous annual visitor

65 Imperial sites?

21 “A Beautiful Mind” actor

56 Fire-raising

66 Sweet

26 Record keeper

59 Pre-loved

67 It starts every Sunday

28 Deform

61 Mets’ old stadium

68 Fifty after

30 Emulator

64 Alias

69 ---, a plan, a canal, Panama

32 Fire residue

70 Fictional Ozzie dame

33 Consumed

71 Author/astronomer Carl ---

35 Donnybrook

September / October 2019

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Alaskan Spirit Magazine Telling the stories of rural Alaska and the communities we serve. THE MAG

AZI NE

OF RAV

N AIR GRO

UP AND

RUR AL

ALASKA

MARCH

H I S T O R Y • A D V E N T U R E • C U LT U R E • P E O P L E

2019

MA-I ’S CA es HEL BET gh the Ag nce Throu Da

DELTA YUKON Yup’ik Land of

the

S MADNES MARCH ketball fever Alaska

bas

THE MAGA

ZINE OF RAVN

AIR GROU

P AND RURA

L ALASKA

JANUARY

2019

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER · Celebrating Fairbanks · Winter under Northern Lights · Holidays in Alaska

There’s no place like

NOME WINTER IS RACE SEA SON Idita

rod Iron Dog Yukon Que st

GOT ICE?

Valdez Ice

Fest

COMING IN 2020 · Celebrating Rural Alaska · Our Heritage · Art and Culture · Nome to Dutch Harbor

THE MAGA

• ART • FOOD

ZIN E OF RAV

NAIR GRO

UP AN D RUR

AL ALASKA

JULY 201 9

BEST DAY S!

Exploring Alaska Summ er

KENAI PENI

Alaska’s Pla NSULA yground

CAINES HE AD

Seward’s Hid den Histor ic Treasure

CREATIVE AL

ASKANS Artists, De signers, Cre ators

Look for our magazine on your next RavnAir Alaska or PenAir flight, in airports throughout Alaska and online at FlyRavn.com.

Advertise to our statewide audience of readers and buyers. Call or email Lee Leschper | 907-957-6025 Lee.Leschper@FireweedStrategies.com 60

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Wild encounters continued from page 45 enrichment items can be seen inside enclosures—like the hammock for black bear Kobuk made from a tractor tire with Ä YL OVZL ^V]LU HJYVZZ P[ The Center is one of the most visited wildlife facilities in Alaska. “We have about 260,000 visitors per `LHY ¹ ZHPK )HRLY (UK [OVZL ]PZP[VYZ represent a broad spectrum of people. ¸7LVWSL JVTL [OYV\NO HZ WHY[ VM H [YPW as guests of resident Alaskans or on their V^U HUK HYL Q\Z[ Ä UKPUN [OLPY V^U HK]LU [\YLZ 7S\Z [OL (SHZRH YLZPKLU[Z ^OV Q\Z[ come here because of their interest and SV]L VM HUPTHSZ ¹ ;OL *LU[LY PZ HU PUKLWLUKLU[ UVU WYVÄ [ organization, with a $3.5 million annual budget and which purchased its land this year from founder Mike Miller, who started AWCC in 1995. “We have a strategic plan that includes [OLZL UL^ WYVNYHTZ ¹ )HRLY ZHPK ;OL $2 million Bison Hall construction took priority in 2017. In 2018, the porcupine, fox and coyote exhibits were completed, and work continues through 2019. “With the constrained construction seaZVU [OLYL»Z VUS` ZV T\JO `V\ JHU KV ¹

“The Bison Hall concept is as an education building. Before when we did school Ä LSK [YPWZ [OLYL ^HZ ]LY` SPTP[LK ZWHJL MVY SP[[SL JOPSKYLU 5V^ ^L JHU KV Ä LSK trips outside, see the animals regardless of weather, then come indoors for more education and live animal presentations PUZPKL [OL OHSS ¹ The hall has hosted everything from Christmas parties to weddings. ;OL /HSS PZ H]HPSHISL MVY Ä LSK [YPWZ WYP]H[L events, even weddings, and has both a great room and the ability to be divided into classrooms. The local avalanche school, for example, has used Bison Hall for its winter avalanche training classes. The center’s mission statement is simple and to the point: “The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska wildlife through conservation, education, YLZLHYJO HUK X\HSP[` HUPTHS JHYL ¹ The Center’s herd of wood bison has been the nucleus of a new herd reestablished in interior Alaska by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. While some AWCC animals do breed in captivity, like the bison and muskox, most

;OL UL^ MV_ HUK JV`V[L OHIP[H[Z PU HKKP[PVU [V [OL WHJR VM ^VS]LZ NP]LZ ]PZP[VYZ H YHYL SVVR H[ (SHZRH»Z ZLJYL[H[P]L ^PSK JHUPULZ

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others do not, including the bears, moose HUK ^VS]LZ ;OH[ Ä[Z [OL JLU[LY»Z TPZZPVU Baker said. That wild bison herd started with 130 HUPTHSZ Z[VJRLK NYL^ [V PU P[Z ÄYZ[ two years, dropped in 2018 due to some winter losses because of heavy late sprint snows, and now is rebounding again. The Bear Encounter program is intended to give a select group of visitors the chance to both see the bears up close HUK [V SLHYU MYVT [OL Z[HɈ TLTILYZ ^OV work closest with them. ¸6\Y Z[HɈ OHZ Z\JO HTHaPUN QVIZ HUK P[ PZ ZV JVVS MVY ]PZP[VYZ [V ILULÄ[ MYVT [OLPY knowledge and their proximity to animals. It’s our desire to share that, so other people experience that, get close, learn MYVT V\Y Z[HɈ TLTILYZ ¹ For example, in working the bears, the Z[HɈLYZ HYL [LHJOPUN [OL ILHYZ [V MVSSV^ simple commands that will make it easier to work with them when veterinary care is needed. It also helps them learn more about the bears behavior.

and with no seasoning—moose, caribou, salmon, halibut. It’s a nice protein source so we don’t have to buy as much. We also NYV^ ZVTL VM V^U ]LNL[HISLZ ¹ 7LVWSL ^PZOPUN [V KVUH[L TLH[ VY ZLHMVVK ZOV\SK JHSS [OL JLU[LY ÄYZ[ [V JVUÄYT KVUH[PVUZ ILMVYL IYPUNPUN P[ [V [OL center.

More info The Alaska Wildlife Center is open year around, 8:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Look for more information and updates at AlaskaWildlife.org.

;OL UL^LZ[ TLTILY VM [OL JLU[LY»Z ^VVK IPZVU OLYK OHZ IYLHRMHZ[

Puzzle Page Solution (to puzzle on page 59)

Response to the encounter programs has been strong. ¸7LVWSL SV]L P[ ¹ )HRLY ZHPK ¸;OL` JHU NL[ close, get questions answered. It’s a way for people really interested to ask lots of questions, and an opportunity for one-onVUL [PTL ^P[O RLLWLYZ 7LVWSL JHU ZWLUK more time looking at claws, fur, and the ^H` ILHYZ TV]L ¹ AWCC’s animals are among the most photographed in Alaska, somewhat by design. “That’s one thing that is so nice about the bear boardwalk. You can see the bears ^P[OV\[ MLUJLZ 0[»Z Q\Z[ MHU[HZ[PJ ¹ One question often asked is about donating food for the animals. “We can feed animals without any donations but lots of people like to clean out their freezer and donate food. We can accept food that is not freezer burned

September / October 2019

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Marty Case

A life dedicated to solving problems 0M `V\ Ă… ` HU`^OLYL PU (SHZRH VU HU` VM [OL 9H]U(PY Ă… PNO[Z H KH` 4HY[` *HZL WYVIHIS` [V\JOLK `V\Y Ă… PNO[ As the head of RavnAir’s Operations Command Center, he oversees the teams of dispatchers and schedulers who bring all the pieces together from planes to pilots to THRL L]LY` Ă… PNO[ H Z\JJLZZ It’s a combination of chess and herding cats that he seems born to do. “As dispatchers we are problem solvers. We HYL [Y`PUN [V Ă„ N\YL V\[ ^P[O ^OH[ ^L OH]L H limited number of resources to use, planes, WPSV[Z Ă… PNO[ H[[LUKHU[Z TLJOHUPJZ ^L [Y` to get all those resources to go all in one direction so that we can get our passengers MYVT WVPU[ ( [V ) ZHMLS` HUK VU [PTL š Marty is modest about his military service, which really launched his career in aviation. “I had the opportunity to serve our country as a B-52 navigator and then a B-1 weapVUZ Vɉ JLY PU [OL Ë• Z HUK Âť Z PUJS\KPUN [OL Ă„ YZ[ +LZLY[ :[VYT ;OH[ PU]VS]LK H SV[ of planning and I really enjoyed that aspect of the business. I’m a big planner. I like to be presented with a ‘how we going to get ZVTL[OPUN KVUL&Âť HUK 0 SPRL [V Ă„ N\YL V\[ OV^ ^L NL[ P[ KVUL 7\[[PUN [OL WHY[Z HUK pieces together and making it all work is ^OH[ 0 SVVR MVY š Marty grew up in New Hampshire and studied political science at American University in Washington DC, which lead [V H Ă„ YZ[ QVI ^VYRPUN VU *HWP[VS /PSS MVY [OL Senate subcommittee on drugs and alcohol as a legislative correspondent for one of New Hampshire’s senators. “After the service I ran hotels for a while. It

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is an interesting business but after a bit I ^HU[LK [V NL[ IHJR PU[V H]PH[PVU š That opportunity came in San Antonio, Texas for a small airline called Merlin Express. When Merlin decided to try L_WHUKPUN ^P[O Ă… PNO[Z PUZPKL (SHZRH OL came to Anchorage as dispatcher. ¸,]LU[\HSS` [OL` ^V\UK \W ZLUKPUN Ă„ ]L airplanes (Metros) up here. “My family and I packed up the van, drove from San Antonio to Anchorage and got here after about a week of driving, planning to try it out for a couple years and we never left. He and his wife have two daughters, one son and one grandchild. That lead to his next job, with Frontier Flying Service in Anchorage, as assistant THUHNLY VU H Z[HɈ VM [OYLL After a stint with another small airline company, he returned to Frontier, which ^HZ PU H Ă„ LYJL JVTWL[P[PVU ^P[O HUV[OLY smaller company, Hageland Air. Mike Hageland eventually merged his company with Frontier, then with Jim Tweto acquired Era Aviation, the eventual ancestor of RavnAir Group.

“Nobody can connect Alaskans like we do.â€? He’s also seen a lot of exciting changes for RavnAir Group. “We’ve grown from four Dash-8s to now operating and of course as you all know [OH[ ^L Q\Z[ YLJLU[S` W\YJOHZLK 7LU(PY ZV it’s a super dynamic company. “But you know for me the real interesting thing about our company is we can do things that no other airline in Alaska can. Alaska Airlines can get you from Seattle to Anchorage and they can get you from Anchorage to Kotzebue, but they can’t get you to all the places we can. “With RavnAir Alaska and RavnAir Connect we can get you to not only say to Bethel but also to 27 villages around Bethel, which is a big part of our company. ¸5VIVK` JHU JVUULJ[ (SHZRHUZ SPRL ^L KV š

Marty has worked for one or another Ravn Air component since 1999.

That responsibility, connecting rural Alaska with the rest of the state and world is not just a job, it’s a mission, he said.

“I thought then and still do that this was going to be a place with a plan for the M\[\YL š

“I think people realize that, that every time we go, there is a team of us working to make it happen safely.

For many years he has passed along his love of aviation by teaching in the aviation program at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

“That’s pretty exciting part. It is really is about, when you get right down to it, WSHUUPUN LHJO Ă… PNO[ HUK L]LY` KL[HPS ZV L]LY`IVK` PZ ZHML HUK OHWW` š

September / October 2019

8/20/19 2:32 PM

Almost anywhere you fly with RavnAir, Subway® is there!

Ravn Alaska and RavnAir Alaska ©2019 RavnAir Group. All rights reserved. Sandwiches prepared in front of you. Subway To Go!™ Meals require minimum order of 8. All chips-related trademarks are owned by Frito Lay North America, Inc. ©2019. Subway® is a Registered Trademark of Subway IP LLC. ©2019 Subway IP LLC.

AkSpirit_Sept19_Cover_.indd 3

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