about HISTORY at RISK radio series
Welcome to "History at Risk: Linking Alaskans to their past". History at Risk is a 4-part radio series that features first person descriptions of historic events by the people who played a role in shaping our history in Alaska. The programs are based on archival interviews in the oral history collection at the
Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the
University of Alaska Fairbanks. The series was created by William Schneider, curator of Oral History, and produced by Kathy Turco of
Alaska's Spirit Speaks: Sound & Science with studio assistance from Ed Smith in collaboration with the Alaska Oral History Program Project Jukebox. To learn more about Project Jukebox, go to
www.jukebox.uaf.edu
Program #1: Marshall Lind, educator and former chancellor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
As a teacher in the bush, Marshall Lind saw the effects of young kids leaving home to attend high school out of state. He became Commissioner of Education and was a key player in the landmark court settlement that mandated rural high schools be established in every village. This set in motion a new chapter in community involvement in education with schools in rural Alaska now providing a solid foundation for their communities. This program aired on KUAC Public Radio May 15th, 2006. Photo credit: UAF Photo of Marshall Lind by Heather Tipton.
Program #2: Cliff Everts, a pilot and founder of a legendary bush airline service.
Cliff Everts began flying airplanes in Alaska in the 1940s when aviation was beginning to touch the lives of rural Alaskans. Everts worked for Wien Airlines hauling supplies for oil exploration on the North Slope, and experienced a lifestyle in bush Alaska that has since vanished. He went on to build his own successful fuel cargo business serving Interior Alaska using vintage aircraft. His family has followed in his footsteps. To listen to the full interview with Cliff, visit the Gates of the Arctic National Park Project Jukebox. This program aired on KUAC Public Radio May 22nd, 2006.
Program #3: Michael Krauss, founder of the Alaska Native Language Center.
Michael Krauss was key to establishing a research program on Alaska Native languages and setting up the Alaska Native Language Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. His interest in languages began as a schoolboy, but his focus on Native languages did not start until he came to UAF in 1960 as a visiting professor of linguistics. His commitment to native language preservation and education was bolstered by major legislation that provided for native language and cultural education in schools throughout Alaska. This program aired on KUAC Public Radio May 29th, 2006.
Program #4: Walter Johnson, a pioneering public health doctor.
Dr. Walter Johnson brought the concept of village-trained health aides to Alaska. Johnson worked to prove the program could work with the help of many doctors and community members who were willing to learn and take on the difficult responsibility of health care. For the first time, village residents were able to obtain the latest drugs and medical treatments from local people they trusted. The original recording was made by Laurie Meijer Drees and was donated to the UAF Oral History Program. To listen to another interview about his role in the health aide program, visit the Community Health Aide Project Jukebox. This program aired on KUAC Public Radio June 5th, 2006.