Project Jukebox Survey
Help us redesign the Project Jukebox website by taking a very short survey!
Mike Spindler
Mike Spindler came to Alaska in 1974 to pursue a master's degree in wildlife management at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in Alaska for over forty years as a biologist, pilot and eventually as a refuge manager. During his early years, he worked for the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and the Selawik National Wildlife Refuge. In 1990, he was hired by Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge as a supervisory wildlife biologist/pilot based out of Galena, Alaska, and in 2001 became manager of the Koyukuk/Nowitna National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Mike has been a passionate conservationist, a writer, a strong advocate for subsistence and a supporter of Native people and their culture. Living in rural Alaska, early on Mike saw the benefits of science better understanding traditional knowledge and in the mid-1990s recorded elders' stories, observations, and experiences relating to wildlife, fish, and subsistence in the Koyukuk and middle Yukon areas of interior Alaska and produced the Raven's Story radio series in coordination with KIYU-AM radio station and the Louden Tribal Council in Galena. In 2005, he was appointed manager of the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge and moved to Fairbanks. He also helped initiate the Northwest Boreal Landscape Conservation Cooperative and in 2017 received a USFWS Career Service Award. He retired in 2018.
As Interviewer
Interview Title | Archive #: Oral History | Project | Abstract |
---|---|---|---|
Steven Attla, Interview 2, Part 1 | 96-19_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Steven Attla, Sr. was interviewed on April 28, 1995 by Mike Spindler in the studio at KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series. In this first part of a four part interview, Steven talks about his life, hunting and trapping, and traveling by dog team. Steven believed strongly in preserving his culture and language, and passing it on to the younger people in the community. His memory abilities shined when telling stories of growing up in the countryside, making hunting trips, and traveling by dogteam or river boat. While telling stories, Steven would interweave picturesque details with a lesson and good humor. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Steven Attla, Interview 2, Part 2 | 96-19_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Steven Attla, Sr. on April 28, 1995 by Mike Spindler in the studio at KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series. In this second part of a four part interview, Steven talks about traditional hunting beliefs and sharing of food, trapping, fishing, and hunting geese, ducks, and moose. Steven believed strongly in preserving his culture and language, and passing it on to the younger people in the community. His memory abilities shined when telling stories of growing up in the countryside, making hunting trips, and traveling by dogteam or river boat. While telling stories, Steven would interweave picturesque details with a lesson and good humor. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Steven Attla, Interview 2, Part 3 | 96-19_PT.3 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Steven Attla, Sr. on April 28, 1995 by Mike Spindler in the studio at KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series. In this third part of a four part interview, Steven talks about hunting bears and wolves, traveling by dogteam and snowmachine, and shares traditional "woodsman" stories. Steven believed strongly in preserving his culture and language, and passing it on to the younger people in the community. His memory abilities shined when telling stories of growing up in the countryside, making hunting trips, and traveling by dogteam or river boat. While telling stories, Steven would interweave picturesque details with a lesson and good humor. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Steven Attla, Interview 2, Part 4 | 99-01_01/02 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Steven Attla, Sr. on May 13, 1997 and August 4, 1997 by Mike Spindler in Huslia, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this fourth part of a four part interview, Steven talks about hunting bears, moose, geese, and muskrats, and shares traditional "woodsman" stories. Steven believed strongly in preserving his culture and language, and passing it on to the younger people in the community. His memory abilities shined when telling stories of growing up in the countryside, making hunting trips, and traveling by dogteam or river boat. While telling stories, Steven would interweave picturesque details with a lesson and good humor. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Catherine Attla, Part 1 | 96-20_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Catherine Attla was interviewed in April 1995 by Mike Spindler in the studio at KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series. In this first part of a two part interview, Catherine talks about traditional Koyukon beliefs, and hunting geese, ducks, moose, caribou, small game, beaver, and muskrat. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Catherine Attla, Part 2 | 96-20_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Catherine Attla in April 1995 by Mike Spindler in the studio at KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series. In this second part of a two part interview, Catherine talks about fishing, hunting for wolves, lynx, bears, and wolverine, trapping, what life was like in the old village, and predicting the weather. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Cue Bifelt | 99-01-01 | Raven's Story |
Cue Bifelt was interviewd by Mike Spindler on May 13, 1997 in Huslia, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Cue talks about hunting and trapping moose, caribou, muskrat, wolves, geese, and bears, surviving hard times, the occurrence of earthquakes, when electricity came to the village of Huslia, and working in the mines and on the river barges. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Franklin Simon | 99-01-01 | Raven's Story |
Franklin Simon was interviewed on May 13, 1997 by Mike Spindler in Huslia, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Franklin talks about traditional hunting and trapping, and hunting moose and geese. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde, Part 1 | 2001-06-02/03_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde were interviewed on April 15, 1999 by Mike Spindler at their cabin on Billy Hawk Creek, forty miles northwest of Huslia, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this first part of a three part interview, the DeWildes talk about the seasonal round of subsistence, hunting ducks and geese, moose, caribou and bears, and trapping beaver, muskrat and wolves. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde, Part 2 | 2001-06-02/03_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde on April 15, 1999 by Mike Spindler at their cabin on Billy Hawk Creek, forty miles northwest of Huslia, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this second part of a three part interview, the DeWildes talk about living a subsistence based lifestyle in a remote cabin. They discuss the challenges of getting enough food and supplies, dealing with the weather, and maintaining their health. They also talk about hunting, trapping, fishing, berry picking, and gardening in order to sustain themselves. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde, Part 3 | 2001-06_02/03_PT.3 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Lloyd and Amelia DeWilde on April 15, 1999 by Mike Spindler at their cabin on Billy Hawk Creek, forty miles northwest of Huslia, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this third part of a three part interview, the DeWildes talk about challenges of living in remote parts of Alaska. They discuss travel hazards and getting lost, rescues, childbirth, dealing with illness and health problems, and the importance of their spirituality. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Goodwin Semaken, Sr. | 2004-01-22 | Raven's Story |
Goodwin Semaken, Sr. was interviewed on February 5, 2001 by Mike Spindler in Kaltag, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Goodwin talks about living a subsistence lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trapping. He tells a story about bear hunting, discusses hunting geese and ducks and caribou, changes in moose populations, fishing, and raising and using sled dogs as transportation. He also talks about Native cultural practices, such as the Stick Dance, and issues of substance abuse. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Franklin Madros, Sr. | 2004-01-09 | Raven's Story |
Franklin Madros, Sr. was interviewed on February 5, 2001 by Mike Spindler in Kaltag, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Franklin talks about his life living a subsistence based lifestyle in Kaltag. He discusses hunting, fishing and traveling by dog team, being chief of Kaltag, serving in the military, dealing with substance abuse, and predicting the weather. He also tells a story about a flood in the Kiyu Flats. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Benedict Jones | 2004-01-04 | Raven's Story |
Benedict Jones was interviewed on November 13, 2002 by Mike Spindler and Clinton Brown in Koyukuk, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Benedict talks about his subsistence lifestyle of hunting, trapping and fishing and his observations related to various fish and wildlife species, including salmon and pike, muskrats, beavers, bears, wolves, and caribou. He also talks about using dogteams for transportation and participating in dogteam races. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Eliza Jones, Part 1 | 2004-01-03_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Eliza Jones was interviewed on December 10, 2002 by Mike Spindler and Clinton Brown in Koyukuk, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Eliza talks about living a subsistence lifestyle and following traditional hunting, trapping and fishing practices. She discusses working with moose hide and duck feathers, making fish nets, and setting snares for trapping. She also talks about the effect of wildfires and floods. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Eliza Jones, Part 2 | 2004-01-03_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Eliza Jones on December 10, 2002 by Mike Spindler and Clinton Brown in Koyukuk, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Eliza talks about life at fish camp, traditional foods and food preparation, surviving in a cold climate, and traditional beliefs about bears and wolves. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Hazel Strassburg | 2004-01-05 | Raven's Story |
Hazel Strassburg was interviewed on November 26, 2002 by Mike Spindler and Clinton Brown in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Hazel talks about living off the land according to a traditional subsistence lifestyle of hunting, fishing, and trapping. She discusses hunting bears, caribou, moose, and wolves, trapping beaver, fishing for blackfish and sheefish, berry picking, and gardening. She also talks about the effect of wildfires and floods, dealing with the challenges of hard times and cold weather, and the history of the community of Galena. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Sidney Huntington, Part 1 | 97-152_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Sidney Huntington was interviewed in April 1996 by Mike Spindler in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Sidney talks about living off the land according to a traditional subsistence lifestyle based on hunting, trapping, and fishing. He discusses hunting geese and ducks, berry picking, trapping beaver and muskrat, and fishing for pike, whitefish and salmon. He also talks about the effects of wildland fires. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Sidney Huntington, Part 2 | 97-152_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Sidney Huntington in April 1996 by Mike Spindler in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Sidney talks about living a subsistence lifestyle, changes in wildlife populations such as moose and caribou, hunting bears, and trapping wolves. He also talks about floods on the Yukon River and their effects wildlife, and shares his thoughts on wildlife management practices like predator control. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Margie Attla | 2004-01-06 | Raven's Story |
Marjorie "Margie" Attla was interviewed on November 14, 2002 by Mike Spindler and Clinton Brown in Galena, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Margie talks about living a subsistence-based lifestyle of hunting, trapping, and fishing and her observations and experiences with wildlife and fish. She discusses beavers, caribou, fish, geese, muskrats, rabbits, and wolves. She also talks about berrypicking, food preparation and preservation, being prepared for cold weather, climate change, fishing and life at fish camp, and traveling by dogteam. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Celia Beetus | 2004-01-18 | Raven's Story |
Celia Beetus was interviewed on March 28, 1996 by Mike Spindler and Orville Huntington in Hughes, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. Celia's husband, Joe, was also present and was interviewed separately. In this interview, Celia talks about living a traditional subsistence lifestyle. She discusses how wood was used, berry picking, making warm clothing out of caribou hide, fishing techniques, and muskrat hunting and uses. She also talks about traditional methods of child rearing, attending school, and traveling through the Koyukon region. This interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Joe Beetus, Interview 1 | 2004-01-19 | Raven's Story |
Joe Beetus was interviewed on March 28, 1996 by Mike Spindler and Orville Huntington in Hughes, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. Joe's wife, Celia, was also present and was interviewed separately. In this interview, Joe talks about living a traditional subsistence lifestyle. He discusses bear, sheep, moose, caribou, amd goose hunting, and learning traditional skills and practices from other people. He also talks about life at spring camp, and shares some traditional stories. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Henry Beatus | 2004-01-16 | Raven's Story |
Henry Beatus was interviewed on July 31, 1997 by Mike Spindler and Orville Huntington in Hughes, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Henry talks about living a traditional subsistence lifestyle based upon hunting, fishing and trapping. He discusses hunting caribou and bears, fishing for pike and using a fishtrap, and trapping muskrat and wolves. He also talks about traveling by riverboat and dogteam, dogteam racing, the effects of flooding, and working in gold mines. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Eddie Hildebrand, Part 1 | 99-01-04_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Edward "Eddie" Hildebrand was on April 1, 1998 by Mike Spindler in Nulato, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Eddie talks about living a traditional subsistence lifestyle based upon hunting, fishing, trapping, and berry picking. He discusses using a dogteam for traveling and delivering mail, including caring for and training the dogs, and the effect of springtime flooding on wildlife, including ducks, geese, and moose. He also talks about fishing for salmon, pike and whitefish and using a fish wheel. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Eddie Hildebrand, Part 2 | 99-01-04_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Eddie Hildebrand on April 1, 1998 by Mike Spindler in Nulato, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Eddie continues to talk about living a subsistence lifestyle based upon hunting, fishing and trapping. He discusses how he started and learned how to trap, trapping beavers, marten and wolves, and earning money from trapping. He also talks about building a boat, predicting the weather, and wildlife management and trapping regulations. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Pauline Peter, Part 1 | 99-01-03_PT.1 | Raven's Story |
Pauline Peter was interviewed on April 1, 1998 by Mike Spindler in Nulato, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Pauline talks about living a subsistence lifestyle based on hunting, trapping and fishing. She discusses hunting waterfowl, moose and bears, trapping beaver and wolves, and fishing for salmon, pike and whitefish. She also talks about hardships people faced, and the history of Cottonwood City. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Pauline Peter, Part 2 | 99-01-03_PT.2 | Raven's Story |
This is the continuation of an interview with Pauline Peter on April 1, 1998 by Mike Spindler in Nulato, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Pauline continues to talk about living off the land. She discusses trapping and berry picking, the importance of understanding the weather, and the effects of flooding and wildfires. She also tells some traditional Athabascan stories and emphasizes the importance of passing knowledge on from elders to the younger generation. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |
Justin Patsy | 2004-01-11 | Raven's Story |
Justin Patsy was interviewed on October 26, 1997 by Mike Spindler in Nulato, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Justin talks about living a traditional subsistence lifestyle based upon hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering. He discusses hunting bears, ducks, geese and ptarmigan, trapping beavers, muskrat and rabbits, and life at fish camp and using a fish trap. He also talks about the challenges of such a lifestyle, including almost starving, rough traveling conditions, being shot, and making accurate weather predictions. The interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. |
Humphrey Ambrose | 2004-01-20 | Raven's Story |
Humphrey Ambrose was interviewed on April 2, 1998 by Mike Spindler in Nulato, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, Humphrey talks about his personal background and making a living as a trapper and woodsman. He specifically mentions trapping marten and wolverine, and also talks about the history of the Nulato Massacre. This interview was edited and produced by Clinton Brown. Photograph of Humphrey Ambrose courtesy of Ladean Ambrose. |
John and Lorraine Honea | 2001-06-01 | Raven's Story |
John and Lorraine Honea were interviewed on September 6, 1995 by Mike Spindler at Big Eddy Fish Camp, 15 miles east of Ruby, Alaska for the Raven's Story radio series on KIYU-AM public radio station in Galena, Alaska. In this interview, the Honeas talk about living a subsistence lifestyle based on hunting, trapping, and fishing and their observations of animals. They discuss hunting waterfowl, moose, caribou, reindeer and bears, trapping wolves, beaver and other small game, and fishing for salmon. They also talk about traveling by dogteam and riverboat, and the effect of flooding. The interview was edited and produced by Mike Spindler. |