Alaska Film Archives

A Letter for Debra Anne
A Letter for Debra Anne
AAF-13990 and AAF-13991 are presented by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs. Both films contain identical scenes with AAF-13990 narrated in English and AAF-13991 narrated in Yupik. The program is about the development of the Primary Eskimo Program (PEP), a bilingual language program introduced in Yupik-speaking Alaska Native communities of southwest Alaska. Opening credits list Area Director Clarence Antioquia, Assistant Area Director Emil Kowalczyk, Federal Program Director William Menojah, Jr., Title 1 Director Willard Walters, Agency Superintendent of Education S. William Benton, and Education Specialist Calvin Lundy. Cinematographer is Frank Johnson. Editor is Guy Bishop. Storyteller is John Haymer. Yupik interpreter is Oscar Alexie. The film is written and directed by Jerry Warner, and it's produced by Jerry Warner and Associates. The program contains scenes in Kwethluk and Akiachak, Alaska, including elementary-aged students learning to speak, read, and write in both Yupik and English. In 2018, Juliana Carlson, originally from Kwethluk, identified the following individuals who appear in the film: Ethel Peter (at 01:42, center girl with red and black shirt); Deborah, Mabel or Mary Constantine (at 02:16); Deborah Ann Michael of Kwethluk (at 5:07); the Kwethluk First Grade class including teacher Lillian Michael McGill, John Andrew, Jr., Paul Jackson, Anastasia Michael, Wassiliie Paul, Juliana Guy, Matthew Dillon, Minnie Nicori, William Nicolai and Olga Nick (at 05:41); Kwethluk First Graders John Andrew, Jr. and Juliana Guy (at 06:16); Lynn Jones (at 07:24); Alice Alexie, Veronica Michael (left), and Daniel Jackson (at 07:58); Samson Mann and Matthew Nicori (at 17:39); Kwethluk BIA first grade teacher Lillian Michael McGill (at 19:22); James Michael, Lillian Michael and Lola Evan (at 22:47); Sophie Owens Lowery (at 23:21); Kwethluk 3rd and 4th Graders (at 23:55); Elena Pasitnal (left), Elena Chimegalrea (center), and Marla Evan (right) (at 24:29); Deborah Michael of Kwethluk (at 26:46); and Wassillie Paul of Kwethluk (at 27:20).
Alaska Review 40- part 1
Alaska Review 40- part 1
In this video, host Pete Carran of KAKM-TV talks with John Havelock, director of legal studies for the Justice Center of the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Havelock gives an overview of the history of cameras in the courtroom and discusses issues relevant to the Williams v. Zobel case. Reporter Carroll Hodge of KAKM-TV interviews State Supreme Court Justice Jay Rabinowitz about cameras in the courtroom. Plaintiff Ronald Zobel is interviewed about the case he and his wife Patricia have brought before the court. Judge Ralph Moody is shown and quoted. An assistant attorney general for the state is interviewed. The Zobels' attorney, Mark Sandberg, is interviewed. Counsel for the State, Avrum Gross, is interviewed. Governor Jay Hammond is interviewed. John Havelock discusses each of the justices of the State Supreme Court: Chief Justice Jay Rabinowitz, Justice Edmund Burke, Justice Roger Connor, Justice Warren Matthews, Justice Robert Boochever, and former Justice Diamond as photos of the judges are shown. Counsels for the State, Assistant Attorney General Susan Burke and former State Attorney General Avrum Gross, present arguments for the State of Alaska during a live broadcast of the court proceeding.
Alaska Review 40- part 2
Alaska Review 40- part 2
In this video, counsel for the State Avrum Gross continues his presentation of arguments for the State of Alaska. The program host, Pete Carran of KAKM-TV, discusses the first portion of the proceeding with John Havelock, director of legal studies for the Justice Center of the University of Alaska in Anchorage. Previously recorded man-on-the-street interviews regarding Alaskans' thoughts on the case are shown. Mark Sandberg, attorney for the Zobels, delivers his arguments before the court. Counsel for the State Avrum Gross delivers the State's rebuttal.
Alaska Review 40- part 3
Alaska Review 40- part 3
In this video, counsel for the State Avrum Gross finishes delivering the State's rebuttal, and the court is adjourned. Host Pete Carran of KAKM-TV discusses the proceeding with John Havelock, director of legal studies for the Justice Center of the University of Alaska in Anchorage, as highlights from the proceeding are shown. Reporter Carroll Hodge of KAKM-TV interviews: Mark Sandberg, attorney for the Zobels; plaintiffs Ronald and Patricia Zobel; and Counsels for the State Susan Burke and Avrum Gross.
Alaska pipeline report
Alaska pipeline report
This film was produced to chronicle construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. This copy was made for broadcast in Portland, Oregon. Ted Lehne introduces segments narrated by reporters Terry Foster and Richard Fineberg. People interviewed include Rod Higgins (supervisor of construction at Pump Station 8), Ken Rither (mayor of North Pole), Jerry Storey (Principal of the Delta School), and Delta businessman Bob Cramer. Footage includes pipeline construction, VSM construction, pump station construction, and buildings in Delta Junction.
Children of Akiachak
Children of Akiachak
This film was produced by the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Indian Affairs, Juneau Area Office, to examine the pilot study of a community child development program in the Alaska village of Akiachak. The bilingual program trained parents to use various methods for teaching their own preschool children. The program emphasized development of language and motor skills in preparation for elementary school.
Children of Eek and their art
Children of Eek and their art
Teacher Paul Forer introduces the school children in Eek to different techniques in drawing pictures.
Education in Eskimo
Education in Eskimo
AAF-14564 and AAF-14565 are films that contain identical scenes with AAF-14564 narrated in English and AAF-14565 narrated in Yupik. The film was produced by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, Juneau Area Office, to demonstrate approaches to bi-lingual education in Alaska. The program contains scenes of daily life and school in Akiachak, Alaska, along the lower Kuskokwim River. Teachers are shown instructing students of various ages and are interviewed about the process of providing education in both Yupik and English. The film also contains scenes of people hauling water in winter, girls using story knives, people listening to a radio, men repairing a snowmachine, boys with a dog team, students saying the Pledge of Allegiance in school, and men and women at a school board meeting. University of Alaska educators and local instructors create new instructional materials. Students sing a song to the tune of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in Yupik. The film credits list the following names: teachers Mary Ann Lomack, Molly Lomack, and Bernadine Featherly; technical assistants Anna Alexie, Sophie Parks, Marie Nick, Elizabeth Worm, Molly Lomack, Susan Smalley, Mary Ann Lomack, Bernardine Featherly, and Mary Perela; consultants Warren Tiffany and Walter T. Featherly of the BIA and Irene Reed of University of Alaska Eskimo Language Workshop; narrator Marx Hartman; sound technician Lauchy McMillan; writer Richard Hawk of University of Washington; cameraman and editor Thomas Williams; and producer and director Donald J. Morrow. Local community members identified the following individuals in 2018: Actor Henry Lomack, translators Pascal Afgan and Ted Brink, and Yup’ik narrator Rev. Teddy Brink.
Fairbanks Yesterday Today Tomorrow
Fairbanks Yesterday Today Tomorrow
This program presents the history of Fairbanks from its geological formation through 1974. Credits are as follows: host, Dave Geesin; pre-history, Florence Weber; miner, Tim Ames; mining discussion, Dr. Earl Beistline and Bruce Thomas; readings, Mark Bergeson, Pamela Buckway and Tom Duncan; narration, Charles Creamer, Tom Duncan, Don Hering, Clara Rust and Marion Wood; director, Frank Herriott; Hering segment director, Myron Tisdel; producer, Patrick Moore; production assistant, Frank Henry; research, Kit Jensen; cinematography, Mark Badger; graphics, Nancy Van Veenen; audio, Tom Saxton; video, Dave Walstad and John Reisinger; production, Carolyn Dowling, Pat Fitzgerald, John Ryan, Jim Schneider and Pat Thrasher; photos provided by Mrs. V.K. Brickley, CamerAlaska, Fabian Carey, William Cashen, Florence Collins, Roger Cotting, Mary Hansen, Nelson’s Studio, University of Alaska, and United States Air Force; furnishings provided by Nerlands; parka provided by Martin Victor Furs; produced through the facilities of KUAC-TV and the Division of Media Services at University of Alaska.
Films North
Films North
Film contains scenes of artist Fred Machetanz beginning work on a painting in his studio, outside in winter stacking firewood, and in his studio finishing a painting of polar bears.
Gardening is great in the north
Gardening is great in the north
This film contains tips about gardening in the North. It includes scenes of man mushing dogs to a cabin, a man and woman talking about hunting and farming, a woman making a phone call using a rotary phone, Virgil Severns of Cooperative Extension Service, gardening site selection tips, vegetable variety tips, a demonstration of starting seeds in foam cups, people shoveling soil and talking about soil sample kits, a man using a roto-tiller in a small garden area, people discussing fertilizer, a man demonstrating how to prepare potatoes for planting, a demonstration of garden planting techniques, hoeing and weeding, a family harvesting vegetables from their garden, and a demonstration of techniques for storing carrots. The credits are as follows: Photographer and editor, Reginald Emmert of UAF Rasmuson Library Media Services, animation and art by Dolores Hutchison, audio by Kevin Hamel, music by Helen Hansen, production assistance by Kathy Kollodge, special thanks to Claire Fejes and Gary Stein and Virgil Severns, and supported by The Alaska Native Human Resource Development Program. A list of gardening publications appears at the end.
Inupiat Dance Songs
Inupiat Dance Songs
Members of the Frankson family of Point Hope perform a variety of Inupiat dance songs, including Paddling Sayuun, My Song, Little Diomede Sayuun, Ukamaqsiaq Sayuun, Atuutipiaq, Cape Prince of Wales Sayuun, the Happy Sayuun, the Love Song, Taliun, King Island Taliun, When I Want to Sing Sayuun, Miligruaq's Sayuun, Cape Prince of Wales Sayuun, Samaruna's Sayuun, Cape Prince of Wales Sayuun - How Shall We Proceed?, the Drinking Sayuun, When I Went to the Dancing Place Sayuun, the Children's Song, Let Me Scratch Them Sayuun, Taliun, and Nalukataq Song. The program was videotaped by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Media Services and assembled by the National Bilingual Materials Development Center. Members of the Frankson family appearing in the video recording are: David Frankson, Dinah Frankson, Ernest Frankson and Hilda Lizzie Frankson. The dances demonstrated correspond to a 1979 book titled "Inupiat Dance Songs" by Tupou L. Pulu.
North of the Arctic Circle: Human Values and the Land
North of the Arctic Circle: Human Values and the Land
AAF-13935 is a program about changes in the communities of Point Hope, Kaktovik, Arctic Village and Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska, due to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Filmed and written by Billie and Sam Wright. Film made possible by the Alaska Humanities Forum and the Tasseraluk Institute of Brooks Range, Alaska., In 1968, Samuel A. and Billie Wright moved to Alaska’s Brooks Range, where they built a cabin they named “Koviashuvik” at the edge of Bob Johnson Lake north of Bettles. That same year, they founded the non-profit Tasseraluk Institute, headquartered in the Brooks Range, for “educational, religious, scientific and literary research and development in social and human values.” The Wrights made films about wilderness life, continued Robert Marshall’s research on northern white spruce migration, published a journal titled “View from the Top of the World,” authored several books, and produced a report and documentary film titled “North of the Arctic Circle: Human Values and the Land.” Both were ordained Unitarian Universalist clergy, and Sam was a minister for congregations throughout the United States, including Anchorage, Alaska, from 1970 to 1974.
North to fiasco 1
North to fiasco 1
This is a spoof film made by employees of the Department of Transportation in Fairbanks for a Christmas party. An alternative version of this film can be found on AAF-10628.
North to fiasco 2
North to fiasco 2
This is a spoof film made by employees of the Department of Transportation in Fairbanks for a Christmas party. An alternative version of this film can be found on AAF-10627.
Once our way
Once our way
This film includes interviews with people from the community of Tununak, Alaska. It includes scenes featuring subsistence activities, drumming, and dancing.
Piegans: Lord of the Plains
Piegans: Lord of the Plains
Earl Old Person, tribal chairman, narrates the history of the Blackfoot Indians and demonstrates how tribal elders are working to keep traditional culture alive. The film contains scenes of bison herds, drawings and sculptures, Montana landscapes, traditional dances, healing ceremonies, and other cultural activities. The film is copyright 1971 by University of Alaska and the National Endowment for the Humanities. It was produced by James R. Ludwig (Young Eagle), University of Alaska. It is narrated by James R. Ludwig and Earl Old Person, Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribe and president of the National Congress of American Indians. Sound is by Jack Stonnell. The film includes original recordings of traditional Blackfeet music. The program was filmed, written, and edited by James R. Ludwig, University of Alaska, with production assistants Bill Clark, Barbara Ester, W. Scott Parr, and Jack Stonnell. The film was administered by the University of Alaska and made possible through grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Grotto Foundation of St. Paul, Minnesota, and the University of Alaska. The producer acknowledged the assistance of: Bob Barber, National Bison Range, Moiese, Montana; Blackfeet Art Foundation, Browning, Montana; Rice and Omie Crawford, Heart Butte, Montana; Frank Darnell, University of Alaska; Bettye Fahrenkamp, Fairbanks North Star Borough; Alfred George, University of Alaska; Ramon Gonyea, Museum of the Plains Indian; Bill Haw, East Glacier Park, Montana; A.A. Heckman, Grotto Foundation, St. Paul, Minnesota; Richard Hedrich, National Endowment for the Humanities, Washington, D.C.; Louis W. Hill, Jr., St. Paul, Minnesota; Charles Keim, University of Alaska; Lester and Ruth Johnson, St. Mary, Montana; Linda J. Ludwig, Rochester, New York; Albert Racine St. Mary, Montana; Lynn Triplett, Browning, Montana; and Jane Williams, University of Alaska. The producer dedicated this film to the Blackfeet elders, including Louis and Maggie Plenty Treaty (Bear Child).
Radar Observations of Sea Ice at Barrow, Alaska
Radar Observations of Sea Ice at Barrow, Alaska
In this film, title screens and diagrams explain how observations of sea ice were performed and how data were interpreted. The University of Alaska Sea Ice Radar System was a 3-CM, X-Band ship’s radar used to sense natural reflecting surfaces on the ice. It was mounted on a tower about 12 meters above sea level and typically operated at a scanning range of three nautical miles, or 5.5 kilometers. Data acquired by the radar system were recorded by a camera which photographed the radar display at 3-minute intervals, and the resulting film could then be shown as a time-lapse motion picture showing sea ice movement. The area under observation was the Chukchi Sea coast just north of Barrow. The time lapse radar images include dates during which observations were made. Conclusions and unusual events are noted in title screens. See also AAF-11495 and AAF-11497, which contain images related to this study.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 1
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 1
Dr. Michael Krauss of the Alaska Native Language Center begins a presentation about the history and status of Alaska's languages. He frequently refers to a map that depicts the regions where different Native languages are spoken. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 10
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 10
Dr. Michael Krauss and Jane McGary of the Alaska Native Language Center discuss the history of the Alaska Native Language Center's library and archives. Dr. Krauss also gives a tour of their manuscript holdings. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 2
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 2
Dr. Michael Krauss of the Alaska Native Language Center continues his presentation about the history and status of Alaska's Native languages. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 3
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 3
Eliza Jones from Huslia, Mary Polasky from Nulato, Madeline Solomon of Galena, and Curt Madison of Manley Hot Springs discuss the Koyukon Athabascan language. See also AAF-10225, which contains unedited video footage of this segment. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 4
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 4
University of Alaska Fairbanks graduate student Charles Natkong Sr. of Hydaburg, Linguist Jeff Leer of the Alaska Native Language Center, 90-year-old Selina Peratrovich of Ketchikan, and Haida language consultant Nat Edenso of Craig discuss the Haida language. See also AAF-10224, which contains unedited video footage of this segment. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 5
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 5
Ron Scollon and Eliza Jones of the Alaska Native Language Center discuss differences between the communication styles of Native Alaskans and non-Natives. Chad Thompson and Mary Polasky also appear in this production. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 6
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 6
Linguist Dr. James Kari of the Alaska Native Language Center presents an overview of the Dena'ina language and shows several historical photos of the people and villages of the Cook Inlet region. Dr. Kari interviews Native speakers Shem Pete and Billy Pete of Willow. Shem Pete performs the Chikalusion Mourning Song and a Love Song. See also AAF-10224, which contains unedited video footage of this segment. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 7
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 7
Edna Ageak MacLean of the Alaska Native Language Center and Martha Aiken of Barrow discuss the Inupiaq language as it is spoken in Alaska's North Slope region. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 8
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 8
Inupiaq Eskimo from the Kobuk River Area to the Seward Peninsula. Linguist Dr. Lawrence Kaplan of the Alaska Native Language Center, Ruthie Sampson, and Irene Katchatag of Unalakleet discuss the Inupiaq language as it is spoken in various areas of Alaska. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 9
Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages - part 9
This program takes place in Arctic Village. Katherine Joseph Peter speaks about her life in Arctic Village and about the Gwich'in or Kutchin Athabascan language. Chief Walter John of Venetie is interviewed about the history of the area and the importance of his Native language. Historic photos are shown. Produced for the Alaska Native Language Center; Irene Reed, 1979, at Media Services, U of A, Anchorage.
The Would-Be Musicians
The Would-Be Musicians
The Fairbanks Children's Theater present a play titled "The Would-Be Musicians" to children in Kotzebue, Teller, Unalakleet, Savoonga, Bethel and many other Alaska villages during its 1973 Winter Tour. The actors talk about their experiences on the tour as scenes from rehearsals and performances are shown. The program also contains views of activities and people in Alaska villages during the wintertime.
Trial of the Jeff A
Trial of the Jeff A
The filmmaker's original labeling scheme has AAF-20466 numbered as Bacon 132-02 and titled “B wind dupe neg, Brian Production, ‘Trial of the Jeff-A’: DN-800 feet." It contains scenes of the hovercraft "Jeff A" in operation in the Harrison Bay area of Alaska's North Slope in winter, repair and testing of the craft, and interviews with officials related to the project. Ballad of the "Jeff A" is written and sung by Karsten Rodvik.