history Archives - KNOM Radio Mission

Elder Voices: Agnes Amarok

By admin | February 28, 2020 |

In an episode from the “Elder Voices” archives, Agnes shares stories of subsistence, growing up at camp, and spending time with her grandmother outside Golovin.

Born outside Gambell, Nancy Walunga shared her story with KNOM’s Elder Voices in 2012, at the age of 85. Hear her speak in both Siberian Yup’ik and English. Nancy shares, “It’s important to let them know who you are, where you are from, your language.”

Elder Voices: Walter Toolie

By admin | August 15, 2017

Walter Toolie moved to Savoonga as a boy; he learned the language and absorbed the culture of St. Lawrence Island and remained a part of its community throughout his life.

Elder Voices: Georgianne Anasogak

By admin | August 7, 2017

Georgianne Anasogak remembers being constantly on the move during her youth — from Shaktoolik to Elim, and ultimately to her home in Koyuk, where KNOM interviewed her in 2011. “Elder Voices” brings you the stories of western Alaska’s elders.

Elder Voices: Rita Olanna

By admin | July 19, 2017 |

The community of Teller is in the foreground, with Brevig Mission faintly visible across the water. Photo: KNOM File.

The oldest of 11 children, Rita Olanna grew up in Brevig Mission. Hear stories of reindeer herding, shared from her grandparents, and more details of life growing up in the region.

Elder Voices: Maggie Olson

By admin | March 22, 2017 |

Maggie shares stories of gathering berries and greens with her grandmother and memories of subsistence: seining for fish, gathering tom cod, and whaling for beluga.

Elder Voices: Willa Ashenfelter

By admin | February 21, 2017

On this week’s episode of “Elder Voices” from the KNOM Archive, hear White-Mountain-born Willa Ashenfelter describe village life she remembers as a child, particularly her fond Christmas memories. Tune in Wednesday at 11am and again at 6pm, only on KNOM.

Elder Voices: Ida Beisemeier

By admin | February 16, 2017

A frozen Kotzebue Sound, with the Kiana Hills in the distance. Photo: Jenn Ruckel, KNOM.

Ida tells her story of how she left Kotzebue for California, and how she returned years later to teach a new generation the language and culture she had almost forgotten.