Alutiiq Museum Podcasts

Hailey Thompson-Ivanoff of Kodiak shares the story of a deceitful bear hunter who spends the winter with a bear. This legend was originally shared by Pete Naumoff to Irene Reed in 1962.

A misbehaved raven who lives with his grandmother goes to great lengths to trick the chief into giving him a wife. Chyian Heine retells this story that was originally shared by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder.

Sarah Simeonoff recounts a story of a spiritual leader and a shaman who created humans, animals, waterfalls, and fire together. This story was originally told by an unidentified person to Alphonse Pinart in 1871.

Wek (Max Pyles) shares a legend about an evil uncle who kills his nephews. This legend was originally shared by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in 1900.

This month, listen to Qangyuk (Natalia Schneider) retell a legend originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Alphonse Pinart in 1871 where a man travels to find the source of the winds.

Follow a whaling apprentice as he learns the rules and rituals about whale hunting. This story was originally told by Ralph Demidoff to Irene Reed in 1962, and is retold by Keaton "Bear" Dolph of Kodiak.

Sarah Harrington shares two creation legends that were originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Uri Lisiansky in 1805.

Dehrich Chya of Kodiak shares a story about a boy named Saqumiigi who heard someone singing his name. This story was originally told by Fedosia Laktonen of Karluk to Irene Reed in 1962.

Hunter Simeonoff shares this story of a white-faced bear who terrorizes Alutiiq communities. This was originally shared by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in the early 1900s.

Listen to Alisandra Lake recount this story about bears with tails, and how they lost them. The story was originally shared by Lucille Davis to Jeff Leer.

Listen to Sophie Euro share a story about the Raven's Eyes! Raven goes walking near a swamp and takes his eyes out to let them rest. After losing them, he has to find replacement eyes! This legend was originally shared by Fedosia Laktonen to Irene Reed in 1962. 

Two men are curious about what some of their neighbors are up to. They face consequences for their nosiness! This legend is read by Lori Walker, as originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in 1903.

A woman who wishes not to marry anybody eventually gives in and marries someone. After finding out the man is evil, she is taken by an old woman to meet her son – who is a star person. Susan Malutin reads this legend, which was originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in 1903. 

A woman's fiancé mysteriously disappears after a hunting trip. After everyone else in the village refuses to help her, she sneaks out of the village to find him herself. Sadie Taqu Coyle reads her story. This legend was originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in 1903. 

While he fishes, a boy is transported to a distant land by a fish. This story is read by Hunter Simeonoff from Akhiok, AK. It was originally shared to Alphonse Pinart by an unidentified Alutiiq person in 1871-72.

A young nukallpiaq—man tries to show that he is a good hunter. While on his journey, he comes across a sinew rope. Dehrich Chya reads this story, originally shared to Frank Golder in 1909 by an unidentified Alutiiq person. 

Lynda Lorenson reads this story about a prankster is abandoned by his village, which forces him to make an unlikely friend and seek revenge. This story was originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in 1903.

Originally shared to Alphonse Pinart in 1871-1872, this legend tells the story of a man traveling to the West and starting a family there. Michele George Ash of Akiacuaq (Akiachak) shares the story. 

Phillip Katelnikoff originally shared this story in Ouzinkie about a qalngaaq (crow) and lagiq (goose) who got married. The qalngaaq learns why crows and geese never get married. This story is read by Sophie Frets of Kodiak. 

To learn more about Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, visit https://alutiiqmuseum.org/explore/publications to download a free eBook of Unigkuat—Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, a collection of 62 traditional tales from Kodiak Island. Paper copies can be purchased from the Alutiiq Museum Store (alutiiqmuseumstore.org). 

In this story, a boy decides to travel upriver, where he faces numerous challenges. This story is read by Kaydee Hughes of Kodiak. The story was originally told by an unidentified Alutiiq person to Frank Golder in 1909.

To learn more about Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, visit https://alutiiqmuseum.org/explore/publications to download a free eBook of Unigkuat—Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, a collection of 62 traditional tales from Kodiak Island. Paper copies can be purchased from the Alutiiq Museum Store (alutiiqmuseumstore.org).

In this tale, a man stumbles upon a fox woman and asks her to marry him. She does, and he goes to live with her family. This story is read by Amber Borton. This story was originally shared by Fedosia Laktonen of Karluk in 1962.

To learn more about Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, visit https://alutiiqmuseum.org/explore/publications to download a free eBook of Unigkuat—Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, a collection of 62 traditional tales from Kodiak Island. Paper copies can be purchased from the Alutiiq Museum Store (alutiiqmuseumstore.org).

A boy and his grandma live alone. He ventures off against her advice, and soon finds himself in trouble. This story is read by Sperry Ash from Nanwalek, and was originally shared by an unidentified Alutiiq/Sugpiaq person to Frank Golder in 1903. 

To learn more about Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, visit https://alutiiqmuseum.org/explore/publications to download a free eBook of Unigkuat—Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, a collection of 62 traditional tales from Kodiak Island. Paper copies can be purchased from the Alutiiq Museum Store (alutiiqmuseumstore.org).

A married couple live alone with their young daughter. One day, he goes out hunting and does not come back. She soon learns that he is not dead and goes on a journey to find her husband. This story is read by Candace Cutmen Branson and was originally told by Fedosia Laktonen of Karluk in 1962.

To learn more about Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, visit https://alutiiqmuseum.org/explore/publications to download a free eBook of Unigkuat—Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, a collection of 62 traditional tales from Kodiak Island. Paper copies can be purchased from the Alutiiq Museum Store (alutiiqmuseumstore.org).

In a world of darkness, Raven travels to a faraway ciqlluaq—sod house in search of the dawn. He uses his tricks to bring daylight to the world. This story was originally told in 1962 by Fedosia Laktonen of Karluk. Her great-granddaughter, April Laktonen Counceller, reads her version of this ancient tale.

To learn more about Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, visit https://alutiiqmuseum.org/explore/publications to download a free eBook of Unigkuat—Kodiak Alutiiq Legends, a collection of 62 traditional tales from Kodiak Island. Paper copies can be purchased from the Alutiiq Museum Store (alutiiqmuseumstore.org).

After a long journey, the boys return safely to their village.

The boys fight to paddle out of a tunnel and Kuuku worries he will have to return home on his own.

The boys say goodbye to their friends and begin their journey home.

As the boys prepare for their trip home, their plans are interrupted by a sudden jolt.

Mik’i regains his strength as the boys spend the day swimming with their new best friend and his family.

The boys make a pair of unlikely friends.

Tanqiq and Kuuku name their new friend and have a swimming lesson.

The boys finally find the origin of the mysterious sound.

The boys meet a lonely creature who needs their help and in turn, they learn importance of Uswitusqaq’s dream.

The boys are caught in a storm and seek shelter in a cave, where they meet some unexpected guests.

The boys investigate the strange noise and reminisce about their home.

Tanqiq tells the story of the arhnat–sea otters, and the boys hear a strange sound across the bay.

Tanqiq and Kuuku wonder why they were chosen to take this important sea journey.

Tanqiq and Kuuku set off by kayak to unravel the mystery of Uswitusqaq’s dream.