Monday, September 27, 2021 – ANCSA at 50: Its history and legacy
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. It was an innovative approach to land stewardship and capitalism mixed with Native values. It has set the stage for Alaska Native governance and identity in the state ever since. We’ll get a glimpse of the strengths and drawbacks of ANCSA at 50, both intended and unintended, and how this unprecedented legislation continues to unfold and shape the lives of its shareholders and descendants.
Tuesday, September 28, 2021 – ANCSA at 50: Evolving Alaska Native identity
Land is at the core of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. The valuable resources that come with the land were a primary catalyst for the groundbreaking legislation passed 50 years ago. ANCSA also permanently merged Alaska Native identity with corporate entities, requiring a new vision for cultural progress and responsibility.
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 – Book of the Month: Wahani Puzzles
Puzzles stimulate the brain and provide entertainment. And they can reveal a person’s creativity and ability to solve problems. Today they are also being used to celebrate Native art and culture thanks to Wahani Puzzles. September’s Book of the Month is an Indigenous creative effort that showcases work by Native artists Cara Romero, Dyani White Hawk and Kevin Pourier in a jigsaw puzzle collection. It’s the brainchild of Singer Horse Capture (A’aninin). We visit with her about this unique tool for showing the diversity and beauty of our Native nations.
Thursday, September 30, 2021 – Preston Singletary and multidisciplinary collaboration
Preston Singletary (Tlingit) has a new album coming out with his band Khu.éex. He also has a traveling exhibition of his glass artwork, heading next to the National Museum of the American Indian. And his design for a public work of art was chosen to be installed outside Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Singletary is one of several multidisciplinary artists who draw inspiration and support from their culture and each other to keep their creativity thriving.
Friday, October 1, 2021 — Indigenous culinary innovation
Corn was originally cultivated by Indigenous people in what is now Mexico. That led to another important Indigenous innovation whose origin dates back about 3,000 years: nixtamalization. It’s the process of soaking corn in an alkaline solution with hardwood ash or limestone to break down its natural barrier, releasing niacin, an integral part of human nutrition. It’s also turned corn into a culinary staple leading to commonly used foods like corn tortillas and hominy. We’ll talk about the origins and science that made its way into the historical and contemporary culinary traditions.
