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Book List: Alaska Native Voices

Notable Books by Alaska Native Authors

Memoirs & Personal Narratives

  • Blonde Indian: An Alaska Native Memoir by Ernestine Hayes (Tlingit)
    An evocative memoir intertwining personal experiences with Tlingit stories, exploring themes of identity and resilience.
  • My Side of the River: An Alaska Native Story by Elias Kelly (Yup’ik)
    A poignant account reflecting on the impacts of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act on traditional hunting and fishing rights.thecirifoundation.org
  • Alaska Native Resilience: Voices from World War II edited by Holly Miowak Guise (Iñupiaq)
    A compilation of oral histories highlighting Alaska Native experiences during World War II, emphasizing resilience amid adversity.

Cultural Insights & Traditional Knowledge

  • What the Elders Have Taught Us: Alaska Native Ways by Roy Corral and various Alaska Native contributors
    Essays from elders across Alaska’s diverse Native cultures, sharing invaluable traditional wisdom and values.
  • Native Cultures in Alaska: Looking Forward, Looking Back by Alaska Geographic Association
    An illustrated exploration of Alaska’s indigenous cultures, blending historical context with contemporary perspectives.

Advocacy & Social Commentary

  • Alaska Native Women: Ending the Violence, Reclaiming a Sacred Status by the Alaska Native Women’s Resource Center
    An in-depth examination of the systemic challenges faced by Alaska Native women, advocating for justice and cultural restoration.

Traditional Stories & Legends

  • Alaskan Indian Legends by Nola Nance Oliver
    A collection of traditional tales from various Alaska Native tribes, preserving the rich oral storytelling heritage.