Hundreds of Alaska Natives from around the state are gathered in Anchorage for the 2015 Elders and Youth Conference.
This year’s theme is “Not in Our Smokehouse,” a call to action to shed negativity and focus on a brighter future for Alaska’s youth.
Youth keynote speaker, 18-year-old Lacayah Engebretson, reminisced about growing up in fish camps, stocking the smokehouses with salmon for the winter.
“It takes me back to rushing rivers and dirty hands and hard work,” she said.
Engebretson said it can be difficult for youth today to understand the importance of traditional ways and the best manner in which to continue them.
“On one hand, we’re pulled to constantly upgrade and update and advance and move forward as quickly as possible in order to succeed,” she noted. “On the other hand, our traditions need to be carried on, and we’re told we’re the torch bearers and the light and the dreams of our ancestors — and it’s confusing.”
For her, a smokehouse is a place filled with love. She hopes others can also find peace there.
“I found acceptance in the dirt floor,”said Engebretson. “I found security in the walls, hope in the ceiling, strength in the poles, gratitude in the fish oil. I found a home in that little building, and no matter what, I will always run to that.”
Friday, February 17 2017 12:06 PM EST2017-02-17 17:06:28 GMT
Thursday, June 21 2018 4:03 PM EDT2018-06-21 20:03:55 GMT
You’re my friends now. We’re having soft tacos later. Yeah but I don’t know how to make myself go there. Maybe it might never happen again. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Put a little fence around it! Ralph Waldo Pickle Chips! I don’t know him.Pony Lords, jump for you
PersonalityCatbug may be about 10 years old, and has a very sweet and childlike personality. Catbug's personality also makes him seem simpler and more carefree, like in the episode "Gas-Powered Stick," where he was seen talking to a spider, and in the ep
PersonalityCatbug may be about 10 years old, and has a very sweet and childlike personality. Catbug's personality also makes him seem simpler and more carefree, like in the episode "Gas-Powered Stick," where he was seen talking to a spider, and in the ep
Thursday, February 23 2017 9:17 PM EST2017-02-24 02:17:22 GMT
Thursday, March 16 2017 1:27 PM EDT2017-03-16 17:27:38 GMT
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) - A woman was trapped early Friday morning in her home after her bedroom ceiling collapsed on her while she was in bed. Fort Wayne fire crews and paramedics rushed to the sceneMore>>
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Monday, August 27 2018 5:26 PM EDT2018-08-27 21:26:00 GMT
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