Authentic Alaska: Voices of Its Native Writers

In this lively and sometimes poignant collection of essays and autobiographies, nearly fifty Alaska Native writers tell of their unique way of life and bear witness to the sweeping cultural changes occurring in their lifetimes.

They explore a range of experiences and issues, including skinning a polar bear
traditional domestic and subsistence practices
marriage customs
alcoholism
the challenges and opportunities of modern education
balancing traditional and contemporary demands
discrimination
adapting to urban life
the treatment of Native peoples in school textbooks
and the social realities of speaking standard and "village" English.

With its fresh perspectives and unfailingly authentic voices, this collection is essential for an understanding of Alaska Native peoples today.