Mending the Net: Alaska Native Elders Mentoring Elders

Denakkanaaga is proud to partner with the University of Alaska to hold annual “Elders Mentoring Elders” culture camps.  The camps teach participants traditional activities based on Athabascan values that include honoring ancestors, respect for knowledge, and wisdom from life experiences. Intergenerational transmission of cultural practices and way of life adds to our overall well-being and is an essential part of keeping the culture alive and thriving for generations to come. The goal of the camps is to create a space for those 50 years and older to learn traditional ways from other Elders. It is our hope that the participants will return home and teach others what they’ve learned to help carry on the Native ways.

This project is funded by the Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity, Office of Minority Health (Grant #1CPIMP211317-01-00). Produced by UAF FRAME Film Productions.

 

Denakkanaaga logo

 

  Special Thanks
Denakkanaaga Board of Directors, Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor's Center, Tanana Chiefs Conference, UAF Center for Alaska Native Health Research, UAF Alaska Center for Climate Adaptation and Planning, Gaalee'ya Spirit Camp, Howard and Etta Maillard, Sarah Trainer, Tom Titus, Kellie Lynch, Eva Burke and Charlie Wright

Speakers

Mentor ...

 Rev. Dr. Anna Frank

Canoe Building ...

 Chief Andrew Jimmie

Snowshoe Building ...

 George Albert

Drum Making ...

 Kenneth Frank

Fishnet Weaving ...

 Dr. Elizabeth Fleagle

Beading and Tufting ...

 Selina Alexander

Values & Storytelling ...

 Miranda Wright & Frank Yaska

Moose Hide Tanning ...

 Tom Huntington

Plant Gathering & Salve ...

 Kathleen Hildebrand

Beaver Hide Tanning ...

 Marie Yaska

Language Games ...

 Dewey Hoffman

Fish Ice Cream ...

 Nina Heyano

Production Crew

Executive Producers ...

 Dr. LaVerne Deminetieff, Dr. Jessica Black & Sharon   McConnell

Co-Producers ...

 Taniesha Moses & Seamus Knight

Producer/Director ...

 Maya Salganek

Camera & Editing ...

 Maya Salganek & Seamus Knight

Music ...

 Paava Iñupiaq Dancers

 Kingikmiut, sung by Christopher Topkok

 

 "Hallelujah" by Sonny Luke

 "Howards' Mother's Song," sung by Norman Carlo