UAA and Alaska Pacific University are pleased to announce their joint Books of the Year for 2008-2009 around the theme "Alaska Natives: A Call for Understanding."

Growing up Native in Alaska Yuuyaraq: The Way of the Human Being Do Alaska Natives Get Free Medical Care?* (and other frequently asked questions about Alaska Native Issues)

Growing up Native in Alaska by A.J. McClanahan includes interviews with 27 young Alaska Native leaders about their lives, their futures, the impact of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, and how they are “finding innovative and creative ways to live in two worlds.”   ISBN-13: 978-1578331147

Yuuyaraq: The Way of the Human Beingby Harold Napoleon outlines the initial effects and continuing impact of the epidemics that afflicted Alaska Natives from the 1770s through the 1940s.  Napoleon’s premise is that this death on a massive scale wiped out the culture-bearers and left psychological and spiritual scars that continue today.  Routes to healing are also discussed.   ISBN-13: 978-1877962219

 Do Alaska Natives Get Free Medical Care?* (and other frequently asked questions about Alaska Native issues), a book of readings prepared by UAA/APU faculty and Anchorage community members, is a companion volume to the Books of the Year.  It provides responses to common questions about Alaska Native issues including:  identity, language and culture; subsistence; ANCSA; the effects of colonialism; education and health care; and the future.  The volume also includes suggestions for additional readings.  It will be available online as well as in hardcopy.   Ordering and access information to come!

*No, they don’t.  Find out more in the companion reader!

Together, these three books provide a strong set for teaching, and an introduction to the range of voices and issues related to Alaska Native cultures and communities today.  All three are non-fiction works that address critical issues, correct historical and other inaccuracies, and authentically represent the Alaskan Native cultures and peoples. The companion reader offers links to selected creative writing by Alaska Natives. The books are short, appropriate for many difference disciplines, and accessible to students from many backgrounds.

The 2008-09 Books of the Year were recommended by a joint faculty committee from both universities.  The theme for this year’s Books arose out of many of the activities related to the Ford Foundation Difficult Dialogues Engaging Controversy project on both campuses.  Related Book of the Year activities – including lectures, panels, theater performances, and more - will occur during the 2008-09 year. 

For more information:  john.dede@uaa.alaska.edu