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The Talking Alaska video series

The original Talking Alaska was a series of ten 30-minute video segments produced by the Alaska Native Language Center between 1978 and 1982. The full title of the series is: Talking Alaska: The Priceless Heritage of Alaska's Native Languages. The videos are available at the Alaska Native Language Archive and the UAF Rasmuson Library. The contents of the individual segments is as follows:
  • Part 1 & 2.
    Dr. Michael Krauss of the Alaska Native Language Center continues his presentation about the history and status of Alaska's languages.

  • Part 3: Koyukon Athabascan.
    Eliza Jones from Huslia, Mary Polasky from Nulato, Madeline Solomon of Galena, and Curt Madison of Manley Hot Springs discuss the Koyukon Athabascan language.

  • Part 4: Haida.
    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.

  • Part 5: Interethnic Communication.
    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.

  • Part 6: Dena'ina.
    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.

  • Part 7: North Slope Inupiaq.
    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.

  • 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.

  • Part 9: Gwich'in.
    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.

  • Part 10: The Alaska Native Language Center Library.
    Dr. Michael Krauss and Jane McGary of the Alaska Native Language Center discuss the history of the center's library and archives.