William "Bill" Schneider

Dr. Joe Bloom was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 20, 2010 at his home in Portland, Oregon about his career as a provider of mental health services in Alaska. As a psychiatrist, he helped establish mental health programs for the Indian Health Service in Alaska in the late 1960s, and worked to provide coordinated services for rural Alaska. He also worked as a private psychiatrist in Anchorage, and later went on to teach psychiatry and be the dean of the Oregon Health and Science University Medical School in Portland, Oregon. He retired in 2001, but has remained active with psychiatry and health board issues in Oregon. In this interview, Joe talks about becoming a psychiatrist, working for the Indian Health Service in Alaska, working in rural Alaska, coordination between different agencies and hospitals, and changes in Alaskan mental health services. 

We met with Alice Ambrose, Susie Williams' daughter, on February 19, 2003 in Hughes, Alaska. She invited us to her home to talk to us about her life in Hughes, her family and spring carnival. She showed us pictures from the spring carnival and spoke about the individuals in the photos. Hudson Stuck visited the community of Hughes, baptised many people and even named a boy after himself. The original unedited version of this interview is available in the archives at the Rasmuson Library.

Don Brandon was interviewed by Bill Schneider on April 20, 2009 in his office at the Region 10 Disability Business Technical Assistance Center in Seattle, Washington. He shares the story of his family, their care for his two brothers who resided for a period of time at Morningside Hospital, and his observations on disability services in Alaska.

Judge Mary Greene was interviewed in her office in the Butrovich Building on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on February 1, 2007 in Fairbanks, Alaska. She was General Counsel for the University of Alaska until her retirement in mid-2007. She was a State Appellate Court Judge in Fairbanks from 1985 to 2002 and during her tenure was responsible for some of the legal decisions regarding the Mental Health Trust lawsuit. Judge Greene is careful and professional in her discussion of the lawsuit, the sensitive nature of the material, and the long and complicated road toward settlement. She talks about the details of the legal and legislative process of the Mental Health Trust case, and what her role was. She also reflects on the personal impact of a ten years case and offers her assessment of the outcomes. As with the other players in the lawsuit and settlement, Judge Greene expresses how she was trying to do the best for those in Alaska in need of mental health services.

Bonnie Wartes was interviewed on May 24, 2004 by Bill Schneider at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bonnie and her husband, Bill, were Presbyterian missionaries on the North Slope in the 1950's. She spoke about their work in Barrow, and how her husband worked with people in Anaktuvuk Pass to build a church out of logs. There is a very good description with pictures (shown in the slideshow) of establishing the church in Anaktuvuk Pass, and how the men hauled the logs into the community. During the interview, Bonnie was accompanied by her daughter-in-law, Denise Wartes, and Donita Lawhead, a member of the Presbyterian church in Fairbanks.

Sean McGuire was interviewed on October 30, 2002 by Bill Schneider and Steve Ulvi at Bill Schneider's house in Fairbanks, Alaska. Sean talked about his experiences as a young boy spending his summers at Wild Lake with the Meader family. He also talks about his epic walk from the Yukon River to Florida in 1978 in support of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).

Cliff Everts was interviewed on January 9, 2004 by Bill Schneider at the corporate headquarters of Everts Air Service on the west ramp of the Fairbanks International Airport runway in Fairbanks, Alaska. The Everts Air business has grown immensely over the years; they deliver fuel and cargo to many Interior and North Slope communities using a fleet of C-46 and DC-6 airplanes, and recently expanded with passenger service to Eagle with smaller aircrafts. In this interview, Cliff described his personal background growing up in Yonkers, New York and learning to fly. He also described working for Wien Alaska Airlines, flying in the Brooks Range and on the North Slope during the period of oil exploration in the Naval Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. He also talked about hauling supplies to Chandler and Chandalar Lakes, and over-nighting with Simon Paneak and his family in Anaktuvuk Pass. He also talked about other experiences flying around Alaska. This interview has been edited.

Art and Damaris (Dee) Mortvedt were interviewed on December 4, 2002 by Bill Schneider at Bill Schneider's home in Fairbanks, Alaska. Art and Dee were chosen for this interview because of their long term interest and investment in the Arctic. They currently run a wilderness lodge at Selby Lake in the Brooks Range. The interview covers their time as teachers (particularly in the Kobuk area), Art's flying in different parts of the world, his trapping and wilderness activities in the Brooks Range, some of the old timers from the Kobuk area, and his attitudes about wilderness and the lodge business. The interview starts with Art, and then Dee enters the discussion.

This interview was done at Tishu Ulen's apartment in Fairbanks, Alaska on April 29, 1991 by William Schneider. It was arranged by Roger Kaye, a close friend of Tishu's, who for many years had encouraged us to do the recordings. We were joined by Tishu's relative Ben. Tishu was not feeling well the day of the interview, but her sense of humor and joy in recounting the old stories comes through. This is a particularly important interview because Tishu was the last of the Inupiaq Eskimo who had long term connections with Wiseman.

This is a continuation of the interview with Ted Swem by Bill Schneider on October 10, 1991 at his home in Evergreen, Colorado. In this second part of a two part interview, Ted talks about working for the National Park Service in Washington, D.C., and planning and establishing new national parks in Alaska.

This is a continuation of an interview with Suzy Stutzman and Dick Ring with Dan O'Neill and Bill Schneider on October 9, 1991 in Vail, Colorado. This is a continuation from tape number Oral History 91-22-45. Dick was the first Superintendent of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve, and Suzy worked for him as a planner. In this interview, they talk about handling of park management issue like use of all-terrain vehicles, and their current jobs.

Jack Reakoff was interviewed by Bill Schneider, Dave Krupa and Carol Scott on October 14, 1992 in Wiseman, Alaska at an historic cabin that had been occupied by old-timer Charlie Breck prior to his death in 1991. Today the cabin is owned by Jack's parents Rick and June. Accompanying Jack were his children Jesse and Michelle, who were eager to hear their father discuss the history of their home. Jack is an important personality in Wiseman. In recent years prior to this interview, an entire generation of Wiseman old-timers had passed away, leaving Jack, at 35, the oldest of Wiseman's longtime residents. Jack's parents moved to Wiseman in 1971, and Jack has been living there on and off since. He has a great deal of respect and concern for local history, and he spent a lot of time listening to the old ones and in some cases following their example. He is perhaps the most active, and certainly most experienced, local resident involved in a mixed subsistence life, which includes hunting, trapping, gardening, and commercial fishing. At the time of the interview, Jack was busily engaged in the fall hunt, a hunt that had thus far yielded no meat. His wife Roma put in extra effort to take care of chores at home so that Jack could go out with one or two of his children twice daily in an extended search for moose. During the interview, Jack speaks eloquently about the importance of subsistence to the people of Wiseman, and shares his many carefully reasoned perspectives on game laws, federal and state agencies, and the bewildering issues surrounding land and resource management. This interview offers both a highly personal perspective on a unique and compelling life based out on the land, and a detailed discussion of the actual effects of management policies on rural residents of the Brooks Range. Jack's perspectives include a number of surprising conclusions and important challenges to common understanding of sensitive subsistence issues.

This is a continuation of an interview with Jim Pepper by Dan O'Neill and William Schneider on October 8, 1991 in Vail, Colorado. This is a continuation from tape number Oral History 91-22-33. In this part of the interview, Jim talks about his involvement with Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve and how Alaska's national parks compare with those in other parts of the United States.

Richard Nelson was interviewed on September 22, 1992 by Bill Schneider at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Richard was making a brief visit to Fairbanks on other business, but took time to talk about his involvement in some of the early studies that were used in developing subsistence policy for Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve. One of Richard's most important strengths has been his ability to really listen to his teachers in the villages, and in this recording it becomes clear just how hard he worked to gain a cross-cultural understanding of subsistence issues and then to communicate that understanding to park planners. He describes the political climate of the 1970's and the sense of urgency about protecting land and lifeways from uncontrolled resource extraction industries. He also recalls how his personal interest in living close to the land fit well with his anthropological commitment to extensive fieldwork in the villages based on participating and observing. Finally, he offers a perspective to park personnel who may come from the Lower 48 and have little understanding of Native culture. He urges such people to try to understand the spiritual dimensions of subsistence, and to recognize Native cultures as a critical resource to that understanding.

This interview with Justus Mekiana was conducted on December 15, 1992 by Bill Schneider at the Simon Paneak Memorial Museum in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska. Grant Spearman, the curator of the museum arranged the interview and was present along with Justus' niece, Debbie Mekiana. We asked Justus to do the interview because he is so knowledgeable about Nunamiut history and because he was present when the Nunamiut permanently settled in Anaktuvuk Pass in 1949.

Debbie Mekiana was interviewed on December 16, 1992 by Bill Schneider at the school in Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska, where she was a senior in high school. She sat in the previous day during the interview with her uncle, Justus Mekiana. At the time of this interview, Debbie was the Museum Assistant at the Simon Paneak Memorial Museum and planned to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the fall of 1993. Debbie reflects on her life at Anaktuvuk Pass and discusses some of the choices she is making in an effort to combine Western education with Inupiaq culture and values.

John Kauffmann was interviewed on February 21, 1992 by Bill Schneider in Fairbanks, Alaska at the sound recording studio in Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks. John was in town for a short visit. He is a key man for what became Gates of the Arctic National Park because of his role as chief planner. Patty Rost, head of Resources Management for Gates of the Arctic National Park, was also present at the interview. Bill Schneider knew John during the years that they both worked for the National Park Service in the Anchorage office. On this recording, John speaks passionately about wilderness, at one point referring to Gates as a "Black Belt Park wilderness." The interview was a bit rushed, since John was late and then was heading off to the airport to leave the state.

Joe Henderson was interviewed on September 14, 1992 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa in Wiseman, Alaska at the general store that he and his wife, Sherry, recently restored and reopened. Sherry and Joe's young son, Eric, and Carol Scott also were present at the interview. Earlier in the day, Joe repaired the household water pump and shared fresh moose, a gift from a neighbor's successful hunt. The cabin radiated the warmth and coziness of a home nicely provisioned for the long Wiseman winter to come. Joe's quiet, soft-spoken manner contrasts with the strength of his convictions and views regarding development, the land "lock-up" of the National Park Service, and the seeming shortsightedness of policies that discourage the kind of tourism/guiding activities that he offers and feels could allow more people access to the park area. He is very articulate in describing the unintended effects of well-meaning policies aimed at preservation that are conceived in Washington and have little relevance to the Alaskan context. Joe also talks about his skills as a dog musher and trainer, and about his involvement with the filming of the feature film "White Fang," which made use of a number of Joe's dogs. He recalls the lessons he learned while in the midst of some of the best animal handlers in the world. Joe stresses the importance of positive feedback in training, and suggests that if a dog is making mistakes in harness, it is usually the fault of the trainer....a humble conclusion.

We met with Joe and Celia Beetus, Susie Williams' brother, on February 19, 2003 at their home in Hughes, Alaska. Joe and Celia have contributed to the Gates of the Arctic National Park Project Jukebox in the past and invited us to their home to learn more about their lives in Hughes over the last sixty-four years. Joe is the oldest elder in Hughes and he made us feel very welcome in the community the night before at the Gates of the Arctic Project Jukebox presentation we made in the community hall. While we were showing the project, Joe began to tell stories about the photos and the people in the program and the others in attendance were all very enthusiastic about his experiences. Currently, Joe is spending one day a week at the school sharing his accounts and the history of the area with the students. Joe and Celia spent quite some time looking for photographs that we might be able to use in the Jukebox program and were very eager to share them with us. Joe is losing his hearing, so during the interview we relied on Celia to help us explain things to him. Joe and Celia open their house to everyone in the community, so there were people coming and going as well as multiple phone calls thoughout our visit. Everyday life in Hughes keep these two busy. The walls of their home were covered with pictures of their family, and Joe explained several of the older pictures hanging on the walls. Margaret Williams was also present during the interview and she encouraged Joe and Celia to talk about their photos. The original unedited version of this interview is available in the Alaska and Polar Regions Collections and Archives at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

John Malone was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 16, 2008 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. John was also interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on March 11, 2008 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Former Alaska Governor Steve Cowper was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Perdue with videography by Deborah Lawton and Michael Letzring of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on April 25, 2008 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He discusses his role in the mental health trust settlement. He first became familiar with mental health issues as District Attorney in Fairbanks, Alaska when he traveled around the state. He was the lawyer on the Vern Weiss case in 1982 and in 1986 became Governor of Alaska when the settlement case was being debated in the courts and between parts of the State government. He also talks about his friendship and experiences with John Malone.

This is a continuation of the interview with Tom Koester by Bill Schneider on July 28, 2008 at his home in Juneau, Alaska.

Dr. Aron Wolf was interviewed by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 7, 2010 at his private psychiatric office in Anchorage, Alaska. He came to Alaska in the late 1960s with the United States Air Force to provide mental health services to soldiers at remote bases, to dependents, and to veterans. He worked at the Langdon Clinic from 1970 to 1995, was medical director for Providence medical system until 2004, and then returned to private practice. In this interview, Dr. Wolf talks about the evolution of mental health services in Alaska, the role of community mental health centers, the field of forensic psychiatry, vocational rehabilitation programs, and the behavioral health aide program.

Tom Hawkins was interviewed by Karen Brewster and Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He has worked as a land manager for the federal government, the State of Alaska, and Alaska Native corporations. He was an original member of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority board of trustees formed in 1994 and served until April, 2009. He also chaired their resource management committee for many years. In this interview, Tom discusses dealing with the land aspects of the mental health trust settlement when he worked for the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, assessing the trust reconstitution, and his role as a trustee with the Mental Health Trust Authority.

Nelson Page was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. He is a lawyer with Burr, Pease and Kurtz in Anchorage, Alaska. He was an original member of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees serving until 2008, and was the board's first chairman. In this interview, Nelson talks about the legal aspects of the mental health trust lawsuit, land selection and settlement, his work with the Disability Law Center, the establishment and functioning of the Mental Health Trust Authority Board of Trustees, and his personal connection with disability services through raising foster children.

Dick Branton was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on June 11, 2009 at his home in Wasilla, Alaska. He began his career in law enforcement before Alaska became a state. He moved into work with the Department of Corrections for the State of Alaska and developing programs to reform and rehabilitate prisoners. Eventually, he served as Deputy Director for the state's Division of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities where he helped promote cross training between mental health providers and corretions staff in order to best help mental health patients with criminal backgrounds. In this interview, Dick discusses his career and accomplishments, his work with delivery of mental health services in Alaska and how this has changed over the years, and the effects of the mental health trust lands battle and lawsuit. The interview continues in part two.

Ella Craig was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on November 13, 2008 at the Mental Health Trust Authority office in Anchorage, Alaska. She discusses arriving in Kodiak in 1953 from Atlanta, Georgia and her many years as a social worker for Kodiak, the Aleutian Islands, and in Anchorage. Ella assisted patients coming to and from Morningside Hospital in Oregon, and reflects on the quality of services provided to the mentally ill both at Morningside and in rural Alaska. She also discusses the changes she has seen in the delivery of mental health services over her long career, and what it was like working with the Native community. At age 89, Ella continues to serve the community. She helped start the National Association of Social Workers chapter in Alaska, she advocates for the elderly and was on the Alaska Commission on Aging, and volunteers with the Geriatric Education Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Ella was also interviewed by Karen Brewster and Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on June 10, 2009 at the Marriot Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska.

Dr. Jerry Schrader was by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 19, 2010 at his home in Salem, Oregon about his career as a provider of mental health services in Alaska. He was Director of Alaska's Mental Health Division from 1973-1978, was a private psychiatrist in Alaska and Oregon, and was medical director for the State of California Department of Mental Health programs in the San Francisco area. He was also president of the Alaska Mental Health Association for about ten years. He retired from private practice in Salem, Oregon around 2000. In this interview, Jerry talks about becoming a psychiatrist, working as the director of Mental Health for the State of Alaska, establishing community-based mental health clinics in Alaska, and his role in instigating the Mental Health Trust lawsuit.

Harold "Doc" South was interviewed by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010 at his home in Palmer, Alaska. In this interview, Doc talks about his many years of working as a psychiatrist in Alaska, beginning in 1971 at the state's mental health center in Fairbanks and then at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) in Anchorage until his retirement in 1986. He describes API, bringing patients in from villages, and the facility's quality of care. He also mentions changes in the practice of psychiatry, involvement in court cases, development of community mental health centers, and the high rate of suicide in rural Alaska.

This is a continuation of an interview with Harold "Doc" South by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010 at his home in Palmer, Alaska. This is the third of three tapes.

This is a continuation of the interview with John and Louise Maakestad by William Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 8, 2010 at their apartment at the Anchorage Pioneer Home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Jeff Jessee was interviewed by Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on November 30, 2009 in a recording studio at KUAC radio/tv on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. Karen Brewster was also present during the interview. Jeff Jessee is the Chief Executive Officer of the Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority based in Anchorage, Alaska. He talks about being a young lawyer working for the Disability Law Center and how he got involved with the Mental Health Trust lawsuit, the different perspectives of the lawyers for the various beneficiary groups, working on the political side trying to get the Alaska State Legislature to accept the settlement terms, and being chosen to lead the Mental Health Trust Authority. Jeff provides a detailed discussion of the progression of events throughout the lawsuit and settlement period. This interview continues in parts two and three. Jeff was interviewed again by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 1, 2010 in Fairbanks, Alaska and there are two parts to that interview.

In this third part of his first interview, Jeff Jessee was interviewed by Bill Schneider with videography by Deborah Lawton and Aaron Elterman of KUAC radio/tv, Fairbanks on November 30, 2009 in a recording studio at KUAC radio/tv on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. 

This is a continuation of the interview with Jeff Jessee by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on December 1, 2010 at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. 

This is a continuation of the interview with Elaine Ritschard by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster on April 20, 2010 at Summerset Lodge retirement community in Gladstone, Oregon.

Lena Farkas and Nellie Lord were interviewed by Bill Schneider on July 11, 1995 at the National Park Service office in Yakutat, Alaska. This is the second interview conducted by William Schneider with Nellie Lord. She set up the interviews and in this one was joined by her sister, Lena Farkas. Lena tells the migration story of the people who came from Copper Center and both women demonstrate how this is depicted on beaded blankets and jackets.

Roger Allin was interviewed by William Schneider on July 7, 1993 at his house in Fort Collins, Colorado. Ted Swem was present and had suggested the interview, because of the important role Roger played in helping the National Park Service identify management areas. Ted participates in the interview, but the focus is on Roger telling about his experiences in Alaska and how his job as a fisheries biologist gave him the chance to explore the natural areas. Because of his knowledge and because he enjoyed showing people these areas, he was often called upon to take VIP's to different parts of Alaska. At the time of this interview, Roger had been away from Alaska for many years, but in this interview you can tell he looks back at his time there with a great deal of pleasure. He speaks freely and publicly expresses his opinions.

Corrections: The comments made in this intervew about territorial control over game and fish matters pertained specifically to the Territorial Department of Fish and Game. There was a Territorial Game Commission, composed of six "old timers" who passed on and effectuated the recommendations of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Upon later reflection, Roger Allin does not believe George Collins accompanied Dick Leonard, Bob Luntey, and himself on the McCarthy trips as stated in the tape.

This interview was held at Lucille Brenwick's home in Copper Center, Alaska, a neat and comfortable house located next to the National Park Service offices. Lucille's great-niece, Ruth Ann Warden, of the Park Service, conducted the interview with Bill Schneider and Dave Krupa. In the interview, Lucille reflects on and compares life before leaving for Chemewa, a BIA school in Oregon, with life outside, and life when she returned to the Copper River Basin. The interview is rich in the description of the people who helped her as a girl growing up across the Copper River from Copper Center. Lucille also recalls the impact of the 1918 Flu Epidemic, and the people who lived and worked around the roadhouses.

Kirk Ellis was interviewed on June 11, 1993 by Bill Schneider and David Krupa at his family's homestead, Devils Mountain Lodge, at the end of the Nabesna Road in Nabesna, Alaska. In this interview, Kirk talks about his early childhood experiences, describing a fascinating and unique life requiring self-reliance and awareness. His gift for storytelling becomes apparent as he tells us about: his mother driving off wolves who were killing dogs in the dogyard; his father teaching him how to handle crisis with calm and precision by giving Kirk the terrifying task of killing a charging grizzly; his mother's great strength in taking care of the entire homestead and homeschooling the children when Bill was away on guiding ventures upon which the family depended for money; and the day to day joys and dangers of living over one hundred miles from the nearest medical facility. Kirk also describes following his father into guiding and flying, and how he had to build a plane from used parts because he could not afford to buy one outright. Kirk provides great insight into the meaning of the guiding life for him and his family, especially its importance as a way of remaining tied to a magnificent, if fragile, environment. His testimony shows how his family's guiding business has been sustainable because they have paid careful attention to game populations and their health. The word respect came repeatedly to mind: respect for the awesome power of land, animals, mountains; respect for the skills and judgment needed by those who would make this place their home. Kirk discusses how the guiding business has changed, and how the National Park Service's management regime has negatively impacted their lives. He makes the point that the regulatory structure has the unintended effect of forcing guides into trying to carry more hunters and increase hunting pressure to overcome the spiraling costs of operating a guiding business in a political environment hostile to professional hunts. He concludes by reflecting on the future of guiding, and suggests some new directions--such as carrying more mountain climbers, tourists, and hikers--that he and his family are moving into to compensate for the closing window on big game guiding.

Margaret Eskilida was interviewed by Bill Schneider, Ruth Ann Warden, and Margaret's daughter, Millie Buck, on June 8, 1999 at Millie's and her husband, Billy's, house in Glennallen, Alaska. Margaret was not feeling well, so the interview was short with lots of references to how difficult it is to know what to say in such a general interview. Millie provided some help in placing her mother's life in perspective and it is clear that Margaret is talking to Ruth Ann who is a young woman. This interview was done months after Bill had interviewed Millie.

Fred Ewan was interviewed on June 8, 1999 by Ruth Ann Warden and Bill Schneider at his house in Gulkana, Alaska. Ruth Ann arranged the interview and throughout the interview Fred references her grandfather, Henry Johns. Fred's interview is informative on many topics such as surveying the road, life out in remote camp, Indian customs, and the beginnings of wage employment. Throughout the interview, there is a message that the old days were good because people had their land and their way of life - no one told them where to go, what to do. Fred also thinks that the lessons of the woods are not known by young people today and that this is too bad; they couldn't make it in the woods if they had to.

Jim Hannah was interviewed on June 14, 1993 by William Schneider, Dave Krupa, Ann Worthington and Jenna App at the National Park Service's airplane hangar at the Glennallen Air Field in Glennallen, Alaska. In this interview, Jim reflects upon the conflicts between the Park Service's preservation mandate and the many varied interests that compete for access to and use of park resources. Jim rests firmly on the side of preservation, and suggests that there are very few subsistence users of the park. He expresses concern about the many pressures on the fragile ecosystem of the Wrangell-St. Elias area, pressures that threaten to repeat the exploitation and degradation of the environment in the Lower 48. He is steadfast in his commitment to seeing that the mistakes of the past not be replayed here in Alaska, at least not in the thirty or so million acres comprising National Parklands. Jim talks with candor about the many difficulties of his Alaska assignment, including isolation, local resentments, and the vastness of the area over which the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park personnel must preside. He urges new park personnel in Alaska to stick to their vision and not to be swayed by local or corporate interests that he feels would unwisely exploit the land and animals. His advice to those who may have had use of or interests in the area prior to park formation: Alaska is a vast land; there is enough land ownership and enough multiple use areas for everyone.

Harry and Ruth Johns were interviewed by Bill Schneider, Ruth Ann Warden and Karen Brewster on June 26, 1998 at their home in Copper Center, Alaska. Arrangements for the interview were made by their granddaughter, Ruth Ann Warden. Ruth Ann is a member of the Interpretation staff at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and she assisted with the interview. Harry is the Traditional Chief of the Ahtna people and is an ordained minister in the Native Bible Conference of the Central Alaska Mission. The Johns' dedication to the community and the church is evident throughout the recording. Their home is the center of activity for their large family of eight children, all of whom still live in the area, over 30 grandchildren, and at least 20 great-grandchildren. The Johns provide a perspective on the early history of work and transportation along the Richardson Highway. Both are very careful not to discuss culturally sensitive topics.

Eric and Nancy Larson were interviewed by William Schneider on May 14, 1998 at their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. This interview was arranged because of their connections with the community of Chisana. They were recommended as people who know Ivan Thorall, an old timer at Chisana. They go to Chisana seasonally for hunting, but they have a house there and Nancy's mom is now living in the community. Eric first started going to hunt at Chisana with his uncle Iver Johnson in the 1940s. In this interview, the Larsons discuss the history of their activities at Chisana, old timers from the area, and information about trails. They also provide perspective on the conflict between guides and residents over horse versus four-wheeler access into the area.

Sam Lightwood was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 21, 1993 at his homestead in Kenny Lake, Alaska. His wife, Marian, was present during the interview, but didn't talk on tape. Sam made his living homesteading, teaching, and running a local newspaper. Marian taught school at Kenny Lake for many years before retiring. Their post and beam construction house and the impressive homestead is a tribute to the Lightwood's skill and perseverance. In this first part of a two part interview, Sam talks about what brought the Lightwoods to Kenny Lake and about the community spirit that makes this area special.

Cleo McMahan was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 20, 1993 at his home near Gakona, Alaska. Cleo and his wife, Daphne, lived just off the Richardson Highway, overlooking the Tok Highway with a beautiful view of the mountains that Cleo spent so much time flying in. He came north during the Depression, worked several Civilian Conservation Corps jobs, and then learned to fly. With that he had a way to get into the woods and he soon was taking folks out and guiding hunters. Cleo's sons lived adjacent to him. At the time of this interview, Cleo's eyesight had deteriorated a bit so he couldn't keep his license, but he wanted to get into flying ultra lights, since he wouldn't need to have a license to fly them. If you are interested in learning more about Cleo, his daughter, Sally McMahan Pollen, wrote a book about him entitled Papa was a Bush Pilot.

Virginia Pete was interviewed by Ruth Ann Warden of the Park Service, Dave Krupa and Bill Schneider on February 2, 2001 in her home in Tazlina, Alaska. Her sister, Gloria Stickwan, and her grandson (a young boy of 3 or 4) were present. Virginia was selected by the Village Council for the interview. Gloria works for the Copper River Native Association on cultural documentation. Virginia is a little hard of hearing, but she understood all of the questions and does a good job developing answers to the questions and presenting important themes such as the Army occupation of Dry Creek and how her family was forced to move out -- without compensation. Virginia now lives in a neat little house set back from the highway. Her beadwork is set out on a side table and there are several historic pictures and lots of recent ones on the shelves and walls.

Ruby Sinyon was interviewed by Bill Schneider, Dave Krupa and Ruth Ann Warden on February 2, 2001 at the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Interpretation Center in Copper Center, Alaska. Ruby is from Chistochina and she came to the National Park Service offices with other members of the community who were attending a meeting. In this interview, Ruby talks about the hard times growing up in the area. Her story also extends into Nabesna and her husband's seasonal work at the mine there. Anne Worthington of the National Park Service was also present during this interview.

Henra Sundt was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 in Gakona, Alaska. This interview was conducted at her summer home next to the Gakona Lodge. Henra's son, Roy, and her granddaughter, Kari, also were present during the interview. Henra, was living mostly in Anchorage, and was spending her first weekend of the summer in Gakona, tending to the lawn, seeing friends, and tidying up. When Bill Schneider and David Krupa arrived, Henra was busy clipping the grass growing up around the towering spruce in her front yard. In this interview, Henra recalls her life experience with relish and humor. In this first part of a two part interview, she gives an excellent account of traveling along the precarious and precipitous "goat" road from Valdez to Glennallen and on to Gakona, where she and her husband got their start. She describes many of the colorful characters who passed through the Gakona Lodge and records some of her own adventures, including hiking across the mountains to visit her husband at Slate Creek. She tells of her struggle to carry on alone after her husband's death. She and her son, Roy, give a darkly humorous account of some historical deaths, burials, and reburials in the Gakona area. The interview provides a good perspective on early life along the highway and the characters who passed through.

Ted Swem was interviewed by Bill Schneider on July 6, 1993 at his home in Evergreen, Colorado. Ted was also interviewed by Bill Schneider on October 10, 1991 (ORAL HISTORY 91-22-25 and 91-22-26). Ted was the key person in the National Park Service for development of National Park areas in Alaska. In these interviews, he traces the history of National Park Service interest in Alaska and the various people who played a role in identifying, studying, and helping to promote the "new" National Interest Lands, which were finally established under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) in 1980. Swem's account is the the story of Washington D.C. and the connections with Alaskan operations, a story not well known in Alaska. In this first of a four part interview, Ted talks about Alaska national parks in the 1960s and 1970s, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), and studying lands for inclusion in new national parks.

This is a continuation of an interview with Ted Swem by Bill Schneider on July 6, 1993 at his home in Evergreen, Colorado. In this third part of a four part interview, he talks about the new director of the National Park Service, the Alaska Planning Group, Ron Walker's trip to Alaska, environmental impact statements, presentations to Washington D.C. about the Gates of the Arctic, the Yukon Charley and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Parks, and the Congressional delegation and Office of Management and Budget briefings. 

Michael Swisher was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on October 23, 1993 at his homestead on the Old Edgerton Road in Kenny Lake, Alaska. The timing of the interview with Michael was unfortunate, because his mother had just been medivaced out after a fall and he had been awake much of the night making the arrangements and seeing his wife and mother off. In this recording, he talks about coming to Alaska, homesteading, the various ways he obtained income, living in Kenny Lake, and the National Park Service.

Fred Williams was interviewed by Bill Schneider and Dave Krupa on October 20, 1993 at his home in Copperville, Copper Center, Alaska. Fish Bug Lane is what he called his road. A 1964 snowmachine sat in the front yard: he just had it all overhauled. Fred and his wife, Halle, have three springer spaniels. Fred is a major collector of rifles; he has a whole room full of them. In this interview, he talks about his experiences as a fish and game biologist in the Copper Basin area. It is clear that he loved the time that he spent out in the field, which amounted to 75% of the work then. Now biologists spend 25% of their time out in the country. A large part of his job involved taking fish surveys from aircraft. His back room is stocked with antique guns which he says he can't resist. The basement has many testimonies to his interests, history books, animal trophies, and a display of his old Fish and Game badges from Alaska and Wyoming where he also worked. In this first part of a two part interview, Fred talks about his job as a fisheries biologist, subsistence, federal and state regulations, and his feelings about land preservation, the National Park Service and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

This is a continuation of the interview with George Ramos by Bill Schneider and Wayne Howell on February 2, 2002 in Yakutat, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, George talks about seagull egg collecting, seal hunting, and passing on Tlingit knowledge and language to the younger generation. Click here to view a video of George showing hand signals he uses for different animals.

Mary Shields was interviewed on May 9, 2011 by William Schneider and Marla Statscewich at Mary's home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Mary talks about learning to drive a dog team, doing back country travel by dog team, training dogs, running the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, camping with dogs, mushing in Siberia, and her tourism business. For more about Mary Shields and her dog team adventures, see Sled Dog Trails by Mary Shields (Fairbanks, AK: Pyrola Publishing Company, 1984).

James "Jim" Hutchison was interviewed on March 12, 1985 by William Schneider at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Jim talks about coming to Alaska with the U.S. Army and how he became an airplane mechanic. He also talks about repairing planes in the bush and humorous adventures he had with other bush pilots and mechanics.

This is a continuation of an interview with Ralph Savory on November 8, 2007 by William Schneider at his home in Santa Rosa, California. His daughter, Diane, was also present during the interview. In this second part of a three part interview, Ralph talks about the beginning of the jet age in aviation, training pilots, flying for Pan American Airways, and flying to the Soviet Union. He also discusses his role as chief pilot for Pan Am, the importance of Pan Am to Alaskan aviation, and the demise of the company.

Red Williams was interviewed on March 7, 1985 by Bill Schneider at his home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Red talks about coming to Alaska with nothing more than the clothes on his back, learning to fly and making a business out of it. He also discusses combining teaching in the winter and flying in the summer, flying in difficult conditions, and close calls he had.

Einar Pedersen was interviewed on February 28, 1985 by William Schneider at his home in Anchorage, Alaska. In this interview, Einar talks about polar flying and arctic navigation, training other pilots in navigation and arctic survival skills, and about his role in pioneering the "over the pole" commercial airline route from Alaska.

Jennifer "Jen" Raffaeli was interviewed on April 27, 2015 by William Schneider and Karen Brewster at her home at Denali National Park, Alaska. Jayme Dittmar, a sled dog kennel staff member, was also present during the interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Jen talks about how she got involved with dog mushing and working for the sled dog kennel at Denali National Park. She talks about the role of the kennel manager, learning from the dogs, understanding the abilities and limits of the dogs, designing sleds, and use of sled dogs on park projects and for outreach and education. See the Denali National Park website for more information about the sled dog kennels and the role of sled dogs in cleaning up wilderness (including a short video clip of a clean up effort in Gates of the Arctic National Park). To keep up with the kennels' current activities, see their blog, "Runnin' With the Kennels."

Take a guided tour of Denali National Park's sled dog kennels with kennel manager, Jennifer Raffaeli (April 27, 2015; 19:41 min.).

This is a continuation of the interview with Roger Allin by William Schneider on July 7, 1993 at his house in Fort Collins, Colorado. Ted Swem was present and had suggested the interview, because of the important role Roger played in helping the National Park Service identify management areas. Ted participates in the interview, but the focus is on Roger telling about his experiences in Alaska and how his job as a fisheries biologist gave him the chance to explore the natural areas. In this second part of a two part interview, Roger talks about his park service career and his perceptions of federal management related to subsistence, Native people, and resource management.

Corrections: The comments made in this intervew about territorial control over game and fish matters pertained specifically to the Territorial Department of Fish and Game. There was a Territorial Game Commission, composed of six "old timers" who passed on and effectuated the recommendations of the Fish and Wildlife Service. Upon later reflection, Roger Allin does not believe George Collins accompanied Dick Leonard, Bob Luntey, and himself on the McCarthy trips as stated in the tape.

Dennis Kogl was interviewed on September 13, 2000 by William Schneider at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Dennis talks about running a dog sledding business in the Denali National Park area, taking clients out, and hauling freight up to mountain climbing groups on Denali. He also discusses differences between racing sled dogs and using them for freighting, the details of how to freight supplies and properly care for the dogs, and his thoughts about the use of dog teams for access into Denali National Park.

Gabby Gregory was interviewed on November 2, 1999 by Don Callaway and Bill Schneider in Kokhanok, Alaska. In this interview, Gabby talks about living a subsistence-based lifestye, including hunting bears, beaver, moose and caribou, fishing and trapping, and changes he has seen in the weather, environment and animal populations. He also talks about changing methods of transportation for access to hunting and trapping, including use of snowmachines and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV), and local impacts from the establishment of Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Danny Roehl was interviewed on November 1, 1999 by Don Callaway and Bill Schneider in Kokhanok, Alaska. In this interview, Danny talks about operating a lodge, hunting and trapping, and changes he has seen in the wildlife populations, in the types of transportation used, and the impacts from increased guiding and sport hunting activity. He also discusses the arrival of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) to the area, how that has impacted subsistence,  and changes he has seen in the caribou population over time. Finally, Danny talks about changes in the community and the lifestyles of village residents.

Garith Nielsen was interviewed on November 2, 1999 by Don Callaway and Bill Schneider in Kokhanok, Alaska. In this interview, Garith talks about changes in the types of vehicles used for subsistence activities, including snowmachines and all-terrain vehicles (ATV's), and the effect of these changes combined with the establishment of Katmai National Park and Preserve. He also talks about changes he has witnessed in animal populations, especially moose and caribou, and competition between hunters.

Mike and Dallia Andrew were interviewed on March 6, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway in Igiugig, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Mike and Dallia talk about their family backgrounds, their childhoods, and learning traditional skills and to speak English. They talk about the seasonal round of subsistence activities from trapping to hunting to fishing, which required quite a bit of seasonal movement, and employment opportunities with reindeer herding, working at a cannery, or commercial fishing. The also talk about gathering wood and the impact of wildfires on the environment. Finally, Mike discusses lack of local health care and the influenza epidemic.

Mike and Dallia Andrew were interviewed on March 7, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway in Igiugig, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Mike and Dallia talk about their traditionally based subsistence lifestyle and their fishing, hunting and trapping activities. They also talk about the effect of tundra fires, celebrating holidays, how to properly dispose of animal bones, how to avoid starvation, gender specific roles in subsistence activities, and changes they have seen in wildlife populations. Finally, Mike talks about hunting bear with an axe and following the proper rules about sharing your harvest, and Dallia talks about giving birth and raising a family.

Mike and Dallia Andrew were interviewed on March 8, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway in Igiugig, Alaska. In this interview, Mike and Dallia talk about following the traditional beliefs about the proper way to hunt, fish and trap and to treat the animals with respect. They discuss ice fishing and hunting bears and moose. They also talk about how their community has changed,and the importance of teaching the youth about the past by telling them about starvation times and helping them learn subsistence skills and traditional behaviors.

Mary Ann Olympic was interviewed on March 8, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway at her home in Igiugig, Alaska. In this interview, Mary discusses her strong personal ties to Kukaklek Lake where she grew up and recalls in Yup'ik and English the names of the places around the lake. She talks about growing up in a traditional subsistence lifestyle where the family moved around seasonally to access resources, and where she learned about reindeer herding, trapping, hunting and fishing. She also talks about the importance of sharing and abiding by traditional cultural practices. Mary also describes raising her family, and running a trapline and working at the school to help support them.

This is the continuation of an interview with Mary Ann Olympic on March 9, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway at the school in Igiugig, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Mary talks about the traditional values she was taught about not wasting food and respecting the animals harvested, and about times where there were food shortages and starvation. She also discusses the effect of All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV's) on the activity level of children and community members, and remembers reindeer herding days when they used dogteams to get around and had to keep the reindeer separated from caribou.

Anne and George Wilson, Sr. were interviewed on March 7, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway at the Wilson's home in Igiugig, Alaska. In this first part of a three part interview, Anne and George share their personal backgrounds of growing up in the Levelock and Igiugig areas, moving around with the seasons as subsistence hunters and trappers. George talks about his trapping activities and how he first learned to hunt and trap. Anne talks about traveling around with her family, fishing, berry picking, and learning to sew skins.

This is the continuation of an interview with Anne and George Wilson, Sr. on March 7, 1995 by Bill Schneider and Don Callaway at the Wilson's home in Igiugig, Alaska. In this third part of a three part interview, Anne and George talk about the impacts to their lifestyle from having a national park and preserve as their neighbor. They discuss differences between attitudes and hunting practices of local users and sportsmen, the effect of regulation, and changes they have seen in the environment since they were young. They also discuss the effect of using All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV's), and the importance of traditional beliefs, practices and respect for elders.

Alex Tallekpalek was interviewed on May 5, 1998 by William Schneider and Don Callaway at his home in Levelock, Alaska. In this interview, Alex talks about learning to live off the land and how to fish, hunt and trap from his grandfather. He also talks about hunting beluga whales. Alex also discusses changes he has observed in the environment, in animal, bird and fish populations, in the culture, and with the climate, and impacts on subsistence living from the development of sport lodges and the presence of Katmai National Park and Preserve.

Sister and brother, Ella Mae Charley and George Setuk were interviewed on May 5, 1998 by William Schneider and Don Callaway in Levelock, Alaska. In this interview, Ella and George talk about their subsistence lifestyle, and the changes they have observed in methods of transportation, in the environment and wildlife populations, and cultural attitudes toward hunting, trapping and fishing and living off the land. George discusses recovering from a childhood back injury and being out on the trapline in the winter with a dogteam and wroking as a commerical fisherman in Bristol Bay in the summertime. Ella talks about various seasonal subsistence activities and how they traveled to find the resources they needed. They also both talk about how their subsistence lifestyle has changed and been impacted by the establishment of Katmai National Park and an increase in sport fishermen and hunters coming to the area. They also discuss changes they are concerned about in the community, the Native culture and traditional practices.

Roger Atoruk was interviewed on February 27, 2002 by Bill Schneider, Hazel Apok, and Eileen Devinney in Kiana, Alaska. In this interview, Roger talks about his family background and growing up in Kiana, and about when there was a lot of gold mining at Klery Creek Mine. He also identifies and talks about photographs in his personal collection, and discusses the history of the village of Kiana and environmental change he has observed.

Henry Jackson Sr. was interviewed on February 27, 2002 by Bill Schneider, Hazel Apok, and Eileen Devinney in Kiana, Alaska. In this interview, Henry talks about growing up around Kiana and traveling by dog team, caring for and feeding a dog team, and the region's dog team mail carriers. He also provides some history of the Squirrel River area and of Kiana, and shares his observations about changes he has seen in the environment and with animals. Henry also discusses living a traditional subsistence lifestyle, as well as working for a living, including in mining, longshoring, and as a heavy equipment operator.

Ruth Blankenship-Sandvik was interviewed on February 28, 2002 by Bill Schneider and Eileen Devinney in Kiana, Alaska. In this interview, Ruth talks about the history of Kiana, her family running the village's store, the use of dog teams, and the yearly subsistence cycle. She also discusses the Friends Church and the development of the nearby village of Noorvik, and things she thinks are important for young people to know. She also identifies people in historic photographs.

Percy Jackson was interviewed on January 28, 2003 by Bill Schneider and Eileen Devinney in Kiana, Alaska. Lorry Schuerch, Jr. joins in on part of the interview. In this interview, Percy talks about reindeeer herding, hunting, trapping and living a traditional subsistence lifestyle, learning from elders, and his work history. He also discusses a particular incident when he shot a wolf and advice he got from the elders, changes he has observed in the environment, and things he thinks are important for young people of Kiana to know.

Bob Howe and Bill Brown were interviewed on May 6, 1991 by William Schneider at Bob's house on the Salmon River in Gustavus, Alaska. This was a small log cabin set in a field abutting a cow pasture. The living room looked out on the river. Bookshelves were numerous and contained such titles as, Does One Way of Life Have to Die So Another Can Live, Barry Lopez's new book Crossing Open Ground, and Walden II. Directly in back of where Bob and Bill were seated hung a picture of a Russian Orthodox Church. Over the door was a pair of snowshoes. A radio tuned to marine weather, binoculars, and a bird identification book on the table pointed to Bob's orientation as an outdoorsman. In this first part of a two part interview, Bob and Bill talk about their experiences working for the National Park Service in Alaska where they worked together on park planning related to new conservation units established by the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. They focus on their experiences with Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. They discuss relationships with the local people in the Yukon-Charley area, doing field work to survey the area, and working with National Park Service employees and politicians. They also talk about changes to park units in Alaska and trying to work with or change existing National Park Service policies and regulations.

Albert Carroll was interviewed on November 2, 1991 by Dan O'Neill and William Schneider at Owen Stockbridge's house in Central, Alaska. Mr. Stockbridge trapped with Albert and has also worked on the river barges with him. The two men were taking a break from wood cutting. Mr. Stockbridge was present during the interview and commented when Albert asked him about dates, and also shared some pictures from the trapping camp they use in the Johnson Gorge area of the Kandik River. In this interview, Albert talks about his experiences piloting boats on the Yukon River and its tributaries, and about trapping. He speaks from the perspective of a lifelong user of the area.

This is the continuation of an interview with Gordon Bertoson on November 1, 1991 by Dan O'Neill and William Schneider in Central, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Gordon talks about living in Central/Circle and on the Yukon and Kandik Rivers, some of the old timers he knew in the area, and working for wages in the mining industry and by trapping.

This is the continuation of an interview with Dave Evans on November 11, 1991 by William Schneider at Dave's home in Anchorage, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Dave talks about working for the National Park Service on historic building restoration in the Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve, his life living a subsistence lifestyle in a remote cabin, and the future of nature preservation in Alaska.

Faye Chamberlain was interviewed on November 1, 1991 by Dan O'Neill and William Schneider at her home in Circle, Alaska. Her six-year-old son, Scotty, was home sick from school that day and was laying across her lap as she talked. Occasionally, some conversation with Scotty, or his coughing, is audible. Faye was formerly married to Richard Smith, with whom she lived on the Yukon River for several years, and he is mentioned throughout the interview. In this interview, Faye talks about living a subsistence-based lifestyle on the Yukon River, National Geographic making a film about "river people," and the impact of the establishiment of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve and National Park Service management regulations on local people's uses of the area.

Stan Albright was interviewed on October 7, 1991 by William Schneider and Dan O'Neill in Vail, Colorado where he was attending the 75th anniversary meeting of the National Park Service. In this interview, Stan talks about his work as National Park Service Area Director for Alaska from about 1971 to 1975. A predominant theme in this interview is how poorly the National Park Services' Alaska Task Force teams worked with the Alaska Area Office staff. Although he did not give any specifics and tended to talk in general terms, Stan emphasized that the Alaska Task Force study teams could have avoided much trouble by drawing on the local National Park Service's expertise. As Area Director, he had a different approach to the selection of new park areas than some of the task force members. He suggests that the study team may have wanted to go for more far-reaching changes than he did. Often during the interview he talked around issues, using few specific examples, and was obviously uncomfortable with disclosing details that would point a finger at others in the Park Service.

Dave Mihalic was interviewed on October 9, 1991 by Dan O'Neill and William Schneider in Vail, Colorado where he was attending the 75th anniversary meeting of the National Park Service. In this first part of a two part interview, Dave talks about working as a ranger for the National Park Service in Alaska during the early days after passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) which established new national parks. He discusses serving on the Ranger Task Force and the Alaska Task Force, dealing with local antagonism towards the National Park Service, and serving as superintendent at Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve where he dealt with a variety of land use issues, mine permits, and local opposition. Dave talks about his personal background, his preparation for the job, and the issues he faced.

Bob Belous was interviewed on October 8 and 9, 1991 by William Schneider and Dan O'Neill in Vail, Colorado where he was attending the 75th anniversary meeting of the National Park Service. Bob knew Bill Schneider from the mid-1970s when they were both working out of the Anchorage office of the National Park Service. In this first part of a two part interview, Bob speaks personally about his thinking and what he was trying to do when helping to create the subsistence provisions (Title 8) in the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. He speaks with precise logic and reason, but also with concern and care for how the policy has been received and how it might be fine tuned to the conditions as they exist today. Bob also asks that listeners take care not to reference his remarks out of context since the issue is so very complex.

Matthew Malcolm was interviewed on August 27, 1991 by Bill Schneider and Steve Ulvi at the Malcolm's home in Eagle Village, Alaska. Matthew's wife, Martha, was present for part of the time. Matthew is blind and his talking watch goes off several times during the interview.  In this interview, Matthew talks about life in Eagle Village and mining at Coal Creek. He also discusses several old-timers living on the Yukon River including Phil Berail, Christopher "Phonograph" Nelson, Al Ames and George McGregor, and traces the history of people and places in Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve

Louise Paul and her daughter, Ruth Ridley, were interviewed on March 25, 1993 by William Schneider at Ruth's apartment in Fairbanks, Alaska. Louise was in town from Eagle Village for medical appointments and agreed to talk about topics she had discussed two summers ago with William Schneider. That tape recording (ORAL HISTORY 91-22-43) was disrupted during the interview, so he was glad for the opportunity for another discussion. This interview with Louise has some interruption from heavy equipment, but is generally clear. In this interview, Louise talks about her family history and connections with living in the area of what is now Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. She remembers living a traditional subsistence lifestyle at Snare Creek, one time when a bear tried to get into the house, old places along the Yukon River, the days when steamboats ran up and down the river, and the devastating forest fire of 1937.

Zorro Bradley was interviewed on September 27, 1991 by William Schneider and Dan O'Neill in Fairbanks, Alaska. In the 1970's, Bill Schneider worked for the Cooperative Park Studies Unit under Zorro's supervision, so they knew each other well prior to this interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Zorro talks about working as an anthropologist with the National Park Service in the early days of establishment of new park units in Alaska after passage of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) of 1980. He discusses projects worked on and his role in the formulation of the National Park Service's policy on subsistence management in the parks.

Helge Boquist was interviewed on November 1, 1991 by Dan O'Neill and William Schneider at Helge's house in Circle, Alaska. This house is the last place downriver in the village of Circle, and was built by his son. It is directly behind a house Helge built, and large piles of wood cut to stove length are stacked between the two buildings. Pictures of his children and wife, Gladys, are prominently displayed in this neat and tidy house which Helge shares with one of their sons. In this interview, Helge talks about life along the river, gold mining at Woodchopper Creek, trapping, and about dogmushing and dog team mail carriers. He also talks about other long-time residents of Circle, making a living with hunting, fishing and trapping and wage employment at the gold mine and in Fairbanks, and traditional activities like moose hide tanning and skin sewing.

This is the continuation of an interview with Jim Scott on August 27, 1991 by William Schneider in the quiet den of the Scott's house in Eagle, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Jim continues to talk about the presence of the National Park Service and the establishment of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. He shares his opinions about managing for resource protection versus development, the ideal of wilderness, and the impacts from park establishment in Alaska. He also talks about the misconceptions of the park concept, his dissatisfaction with bureaucratic waste, and places where he thinks park designation is appropriate.

Al Stout was interviewed on August 21, 1991 by William Schneider and Steve Ulvi at Al's home in Eagle, Alaska. Al was sick and under heavy medication, but he maintained a sense of humor and he was able to recall many details about individuals and events in the past. He seemed very pleased to have Steve Ulvi present at the interview. The focus was on tracing people and places down the Yukon River during the 1930's and 1940's and telling stories about how he remembered them. In this interview, Al talks about making a living along the river by trapping, mining, hunting, and working on the steamboats, and talks about many of the people he knew along the way, including Willard Grinnell.

This is the continuation of an interview with Bill Brown on May 7, 1991 by William Schneider in front of Bill's house in Gustavus, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Bill continues to talk about his work as a historian with the National Park Service in Alaska. He discusses historic preservation and research projects he worked on at Sitka National Historical Park, in villages in northern Alaska, and at Denali National Park and Preserve. He mentions the life of people, like his son Randy Brown, living a subsistence-based lifestyle in the area of Yukon-Charley Rivers National Preserve. And finally, he reflects on his career and his concerns about the state of the world and the future of the National Park Service.

Caleb Pungowiyi was interviewed on December 2, 2001 by Bill Schneider with Sidney Stephens and Karen Brewster at Schneider's home in Fairbanks, Alaska. Willa Schneider was also present listening in during part of the interview. In this interview, Caleb talks about his growing up in Savoonga, Alaska on St. Lawrence Island, learning traditional skills and knowledge from elders, and the importance of passing that on to the younger generations. He also discusses his observations of environmental and climate variability, how people in coastal regions of northern Alaska are impacted by and adapting to that change, and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge and western science.

Orville Huntington, Jr. was interviewed on February 28, 2003 by Bill Schneider and Sidney Stephens at their home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Orville talks about his observations of environmental change in his home area of Huslia and along the Koyukuk River. He talks about changes to the river, melting permafrost, differences in snow and seasonal conditions, shifting vegetation, and changes in bird, fish and wildlife populations. He also discusses the importance of listening to elders and combining traditional knowledge with scienctific measurement.

Dr. Syun-Ichi Akasofu was interviewed on May 4, 2000 by Bill Schneider at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Syun talks about his career as a pioneering scientist in the study of the Aurora Borealis, as director of the Geophysical Institute, and as one of the founders of the International Arctic Research Center (IARC) and its collaboration with Japanese scientists. He discusses his own scientific research and accomplishments as director, as well as the achievements and legacy of the Geophysical Institute, past directors, and IARC. He also emphasizes the importance of scientific collaborations in order to develop broader and deeper understanding.

Daniel "Dan" Osborne was interviewed on May 4, 2000 by Bill Schneider at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Dan talks about his career as an electronics technician and project engineer at the Geophysical Institute. He discusses doing field research and data collection, projects he worked on, collaborating with scientists, and working at Poker Flat Research Range.

Roger Smith was interviewed on June 6, 2001 by Bill Schneider in Roger's office at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Roger talks about his scientific research and his career at the Geophysical Insitute, including being named director in April 2000. He discusses the development of the Institute, previous directors, scientific accomplishments, and major issues they face in the future.

Larry Sweet was interviewed on May 6, 2000 by Bill Schneider at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Larry talks about his scientific research and his career as an engineer at the Geophysical Institute. He discusses his education, getting a job with the Institute, the use of rockets in atmospheric science, and collaborating with the military on research at Poker Flat Research Range. He also talks about the sense of teamwork at the Institute and working together to figure out equipment and instruments needed to accomplish research.

Clarence Alexander was interviewed on July 11, 2009 by Bill Schneider and Sidney Stephens in Fort Yukon, Alaska. In this interview, Clarence talks about his observations of environmental change that he has seen during his lifetime of hunting, trapping and fishing in the Fort Yukon area and his experiences traveling on the land. Specifically, Clarence discusses permafrost melting, drying of lakes, changes in the wind, snow and rainfall, unpredicability of the weather, changes in freeze-up and break-up, changes in wildlife and bird populations, salmon management, and the effects of fire.

Richard Carroll II was interviewed on July 12, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Fort Yukon, Alaska. Richard operates a tourism business in the summer in Fort Yukon and runs a trapline on the upper Porcupine River in the winter. As an active trapper, in this interview, Richard talks about changes in wind, increased forest fires leading to trail destruction, and the effect of warmer temperatures on hunting and trapping.

Simon Francis was interviewed on July 11, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Fort Yukon, Alaska. At the time of the interview, Simon was the Traditional Chief of Fort Yukon. In this interview, Simon talks about his observations of environmental change in the region during his lifetime of living off of and traveling on the land. He discusses the effect of fire and wind on the land and the animals, the decrease in the moose, bird and fish populations, and suggests the decrease is related to the increase in fire and the lack of food or water for the animals. He also talks about how the weather has changed, that lakes have been drying up, changes in the beaver and muskrat populations, and the effects of these changes on his seasonal round of subsistence activities.

William and Minnie Salmon were interviewed on September 8, 2009 by William Schneider at their home in Chalkyitsik, Alaska. Their daughter Patricia (Patty) was cooking dinner during the recording and she also helped during the interview by asking about specific places she had heard her parents mention in the past. In this interview, the Salmons talk about environmental changes they have observed in their lifetimes of living off of and traveling on the land, including the effect of fire on the land, the lakes drying up, changes in weather and how this affects animals.

Charlie Campbell was interviewed on November 18, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Tanana, Alaska. Charlie and his wife, Ruth, are active trappers, hunters, and fishermen, and also run a dog mushing guiding service. In this interview, Charlie talks about his observations of environmental change while living off of the land and traveling in the region. Specifically, he talks about the change in water levels in the lakes, flooding, freeze-up and break-up, fires, gathering driftwood for firewood, and the effect the warmer weather has on hunting.

Paul Starr was interviewed on November 25, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his daughter’s house in Fairbanks, Alaska when he was visiting from Tanana, Alaska. In this interview, Paul talks about his observations of environmental change in the Tanana area during his lifetime. Specifically, he mentions changes in lake and river water levels, the impact of warmer weather, the timing of freeze-up and break up, and the impact of climate change on the people in Tanana.

Charlie Wright was interviewed on November 18, 2009 by William Schneider and Sidney Stephens at his home in Tanana, Alaska. In this interview, Charlie talks about environmental changes he has observed while hunting, trapping and fishing and traveling on the land, rivers, and lakes. Specifically, he notes lots of changes he has seen in the landscape over the years. He also talks about the weather getting warmer, the changes in water levels, the impact of fires in the area, and the effect these changes have on wildlife.

Adam Leavitt (Qapqan) was interviewed on January 23, 1983 by William Schneider and Wendy Arundale in his home in Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. In this first part of a two part interview, Adam talks about his family background, his father, George Leavitt, and his father's trade activities in the Cape Halkett, Colville River, and Prudhoe Bay areas along the Beaufort Sea coast. Adam also talks about trading in general and the development of trading posts in the area and the shift in population, as well as his own personal work history. (IHLC Tape #00058)

Arnold Brower, Sr. (Tiġitquuraq) was interviewed on March 11, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. In this first part of a two part interview, Arnold talks about hunting, fishing and camping sites along the Chipp River, seasonal subsistence activities, travel along the rivers, historical sites in the area and families who lived there, and caribou behavior and migration. Arnold's wife, Emily, is also present during the interview and periodically adds comments from the background. (IHLC Tape #00041)

Arnold Brower, Sr. (Tiġitquuraq) was interviewed on January 21, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) to review what he said in a previous interview on March 11, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. In this first part of a two part interview, Arnold talks about historic sites in the area, an epidemic that killed much of the inland Nunamiut population, and learning from old-timers Amaġuaq and Ahsoak. He also reviews his biographical section in the report. Arnold's wife, Emily, is also present during the interview and sometimes provides comments from the background. (IHLC Tape #00074)

Ben Nungasak (Nuŋŋasauraq) was interviewed on March 15, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Alice Solomon was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Ben talks about growing up living a traditional subsistence lifestyle based upon hunting, trapping, fishing, and seasonal movements, his work history, and camps he remembers on the Meade River. He also talks about place names and describes their locations while looking at a map. (IHLC Tape #00052)

Ben Nungasak spoke in Iñupiaq during the interview. The transcript contains the spoken Iñupiaq written out and its corresponding English translation, both provided by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

Ben Nungasak (Nuŋŋasauraq) was interviewed on January 19, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at this home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) to review what he said in a previous interview on March 15, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. Leona Okakok was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Ben reviews his biographical section in the report, and talks about being a reindeer herder, traveling across the North Slope by dog team, his wage employment, and trading posts along the Beaufort Sea coast east of Utqiaġvik. (IHLC Tape #00072)

Charlie Edwardsen, Sr. (Aaluk) was interviewed on March 9, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at this home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. In this first part of a two part interview, Charlie talks about place names along the rivers, reindeer herding, his family background, caribou hunting, and traditional sites occupied in the area. He also talks about people who lived in the area and how the populations fluctuated, including the effects of a flu epidemic in the 1930s. Finally, he shares a story about the original Ikpikpak people and a battle with Indians. (IHLC Tape #00044)

The transcript with Iñupiaq spellings was completed by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

Charlie Edwardsen, Sr. (Aaluk) was interviewed on March 10, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. In this first part of a two part interview, Charlie talks about place names and historic sites along the Chipp and Ikpikpuk Rivers. He also talks about lakes for fishing, caribou hunting, camp locations along the Chipp River, families that used the area, and place names in the Cape Halkett area. His wife, Mary, is also present during the interview and periodically adds comments from the background. (IHLC Tape #00046)

The transcript with Iñupiaq spellings was completed by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

Ernest Kignak (Qigñaq) was interviewed on March 10, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Delores Burnell was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this interview, Ernest talks about his experiences hunting, fishing, trapping and reindeer herding in the Chipp-Ikpikpak area. He discusses fish and caribou populations, travel routes, trade practices, historic sites, and place names. He also talks about activities along the Colville and Meade Rivers, and changes in the rivers, land, and animals. (IHLC Tape #00049)

Ernest Kignak spoke in Iñupiaq during the interview. The transcript contains the spoken Iñupiaq written out and its corresponding English translation, both provided by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

This is the continuation of an interview with Ernest Kignak (Qigñaq) on January 20, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) to review what he said in a previous interview on March 10, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. Leona Okakok was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Ernest talks about caribou hunting and fishing in the Chipp-Ikpikpak area, the historic sites of Alaqtaq, Aviullaavik and Isulimaniq, and reindeer herding. (IHLC Tape #00067)

Walter (Utik) and Greta (Suvluuraq) Akpik were interviewed on January 22, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at their home in Atqasuk, Alaska to review what they said in a previous interview on March 12, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. In this first part of a two part interview, Walter and Greta review their biographical section in the report, and talk about their family backgrounds and growing up in a traditional subsistence lifestyle of hunting and fishing. Walter also talks about learning to hunt from his grandparents and his experience reindeer herding. (IHLC Tape #00064)

Henry Nashaknik (Nasaġniq) was interviewed on March 15, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Elizabeth Hollingsworth was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this interview, Henry talks about hunting, fishing, and trapping along the Meade and Ikpikpuk Rivers, working at the coal mine near Atqasuk, and being a reindeer herder. He also talks about changes in the availability and movement of caribou, place names of sites along the Meade River, and running a trapline. (IHLC Tape #00057)

This is the continuation of an interview with Henry Nashaknik (Nasaġniq) on January 20, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) to review what he said in a previous interview on March 15, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. Leona Okakok was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Henry talks about hunting caribou and changes in their availability and movement, reindeer herding, and a 1940 measles epidemic. He also talks about how groups of people traveled and moved around to live in different areas of the North Slope. (IHLC Tape #00071)

This is the continuation of an interview with Faye Nusunginya (Kimmialuk) on March 12, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at her home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Faye's daughter and son-in-law, Mary (Amayun) and Charlie Edwardsen, Sr. (Aaluk) participated in the interview as Iñupiaq language translators and also added their own comments. In this second part of a two part interview, Faye talks about the sites of Ugaari and Suqłiat, how they got their names, how they've been used, and how they've changed through time, especially regarding erosion. (IHLC Tape #00055)

Faye Nusunginya spoke in Iñupiaq during the interview. The transcript contains the spoken Iñupiaq written out and its corresponding English translation, both provided by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

This is the continuation of an interview with Mary (Amayun) and Charlie Edwardsen, Sr. (Aaluk) and Faye Nusunginya (Kimmialuk) on January 20, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at the Edwardsen's home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) to review what they said in a previous interview on March 12, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. Mary and Charlie also were the Iñupiaq language translators for Faye. In this second part of a two part interview, they talk about Faye's travels in the Chipp-Ikpikpak area, the seasonal round of subsistence, and the trade fairs at Niġliq on the Colville River. (IHLC Tape #00069)

This is the continuation of an interview with Nina Nayukok (Aŋŋiaġruk) on March 13, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at her home in Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Elizabeth Hollingsworth was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. At one point, Nina's daughter, Mattie Tunik, also joins the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Nina talks about living in and moving around the Chipp-Ikpikpak and Meade River area following a subsistence lifestyle, and mentions specific places along the Meade River. She also talks about moving to the village of Atqasuk from the coal mine at Tikiġluk. (IHLC Tape #00051)

Nina Nayukok spoke in Iñupiaq during the interview. The transcript contains the spoken Iñupiaq written out and its corresponding English translation, both provided by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

Nina Nayukok (Aŋŋiaġruk) and her daughter, Mattie Tunik (Qavviayaaq), were interviewed on January 23, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at Nina's home in Ataqasuk, Alaska to review what Nina said in a previous interview on March 13, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. Maye Panigeo was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Nina and Mattie talk about living in the Chipp-Ikpikpak area, fishing, trapping, getting drinking water from under the ice, collecting wood and oil-soaked sod for fuel, and reindeer herding. (IHLC Tape #00061)

Thomas "Tom" Brower, Sr. (Paniattaaq) was interviewed on January 21, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Barrow, Alaska (now known as Utqiaġvik) to review what he said in a previous interview on March 11, 1982 and how it was written up in the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project final report. In this first part of a two part interview, Tom reviews his biographical section in the report, and talks about the inland travel routes, hunting and trading along the river systems, and trading posts and trade fairs. (IHLC Tape #00062)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on March 14, 1982 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at this home in Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Kathy Itta was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this interview, Walter talks about his childhood memories of hunting, fishing and trapping and traveling to different camps depending on the season. He also talks about first living in Atqasuk, being a reindeer herder, purchasing supplies, and suffering hardship. Finally, he identifies and discusses historically used places on the Meade River. (IHLC Tape #00039)

Walter Akpik spoke in Iñupiaq during the interview. The transcript contains the spoken Iñupiaq written out and its corresponding English translation in italics, both provided by Kathy Itta (now Ahgeak).

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on May 19, 1983 by Bill Schneider, Wendy Arundale and Kathy Itta Demientieff (now Ahgeak) at the site of Isiquarraaġvik on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and Kathy was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by snowmachine to Isiquarraaġvik so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about the history and uses of Isiquarraaġvik and his own experiences traveling in and using the area. He also talks about reindeer herding, caribou movements, fishing, and knowledge of the land, lakes and rivers. (IHLC Tape #00077)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on May 19, 1983 by Bill Schneider, Wendy Arundale and Kathy Itta Demientieff (now Ahgeak) at the site of Siŋiḷḷak on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and Kathy was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by snowmachine to Siŋiḷḷak so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about the history and features of Siŋiḷḷak, and traveling, trapping, and hunting carried out in the area. He specifically discusses traditional caribou hunting techniques, meat preparation, food storage, and sharing. (IHLC Tape #00079)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on May 20 1983 by Bill Schneider, Wendy Arundale and Kathy Itta Demientieff (now Ahgeak) at the site of Qikiqtaqturuq on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and Kathy was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by snowmachine to Qikiqtaqturuq so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about the history of Qikiqtaqturuq, people who lived in the area, and what activities took place there. He discusses traveling, camping, fishing, and trapping, and use of the Tasiqpaktuuq area in the winter of 1946. (IHLC Tape #00081)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on May 22, 1983 by Bill Schneider, Wendy Arundale and Kathy Itta Demientieff (now Ahgeak) at the site of Qikiqtaqturuq on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and Kathy was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by snowmachine to Qikiqtaqturuq so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about some of his family members, including his grandparents and their travels. He also talks about people being guided up the rivers and visitors to his grandparents' camp. (IHLC Tape #00083)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on June 15, 1983 by Bill Schneider, Wendy Arundale and Kathy Itta Demientieff (now Ahgeak) at an unidentified location on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and Kathy was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by boat to sites along the Meade River so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about traveling on the river by boat with a sail, with dogs towing the boat, and by paddling. He also talks about fishing under the ice in the winter, his father and reindeer herding, and his father's falltime activities at Igalaaq. (IHLC Tape #00085)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on June 20, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at the site of Piqsaġniq on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and his son, Joe Akpik, was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by boat to Piqsaġniq so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about the history of Piqsaġniq, hunting wolves there, and the value of wolf pelts. (IHLC Tape #00087)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on June 21, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at the site of Saaŋiaq on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and his son, Joe Akpik, was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by boat to Saaŋiaq so that Walter could be at the place while discussing its history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about the types of activities that have taken place in the area, including fishing, caribou hunting, and fox trapping. He also talks about traveling, knowledge of place names, and some of the people who used area. (IHLC Tape #00089)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on June 23, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at the site of Piqsaġniq on the Meade River near Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Walter mostly spoke in Iñupiaq and his son, Joe Akpik, was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. The group traveled by boat to Piqsaġniq so that Walter could be at the places while discussing their history and uses. In this interview, Walter talks about traveling to Piqsaġniq, the meaning of the place's name, and spending time there with Leo Kaleak. He also describes the site of Aġviġuraq, and talks about traveling with his grandparents, and hunting and trapping in the area of Piqsaġniq. (IHLC Tape #00091)

Walter Akpik, Sr. (Utik) was interviewed on June 30, 1983 by Bill Schneider and Wendy Arundale at his home in Atqasuk, Alaska for the Chipp-Ikpikpuk and Meade Rivers Oral History Project. Joe Akpik was the Iñupiaq language translator during the interview. In this first part of a two part interview, Walter talks about the boat trip the group just completed where they visited historic sites on the Meade River, talks more about the sites, and sings a traditional song about the Meade River. He also talks about moving a house to Tikiġluk, trapping, fishing, and caribou hunting. (IHLC Tape #00093)

Dr. George Brown was interviewed on September 30, 2004 at his home in Portland, Oregon. In this interview, George discusses and describes a selection of photographs from his personal collection as a way to talk about his experience as a Public Health Service doctor in Tanana, Alaska in the early 1970s. He talks about the role of the physician as the health aides' primary contact, the early communication system, doctor travel to the villages, and his assessment of the health aide program. His wife, Marcia, periodically interjects her own memories to add to his stories. See George Brown's Slideshow to see the photos and listen to George and Marcia Brown talk about them. Sections 1 and 27-28 in the interview below play audio from the interview, while Sections 2-26 link to the narrated images in the slideshow.

Rose Atuk Fosdick was interviewed on August 7, 2003 by Bill Schneider and Kumi Rattenbury at the Reindeer Herder's House in Nome, Alaska. Rose was director of Kawerak's Reindeer Herders Association and had a long-standing interest in documenting herding. Rose was chosen for an interview because she participated in some of the other interviews for this project, had reviewed the project, and had extensive experience with the herders and the issues that are important to them. Her interview came at the end of the project, so she was well-positioned to provide some general observations and to comment more specifically on the issues raised at the Reindeer Herders Association. In this interview, Rose talks about the evolution of the reindeer industry on the Seward Peninsula, reindeer management strategies, the effect of climate change on herding, and coordination between the Reindeer Herders Association and state and federal agencies.

Fred Goodhope, Jr. was interviewed on March 23, 2005 by Bill Schneider and Kumi Rattenbury in Nome, Alaska during the Annual Reindeer Herders Association meeting. In this interview, Fred talks about his family history with reindeer herding, use of dog teams versus snowmachines for herding, the 1930's crash of reindeer, his father's decision to start herding again, and the Bureau of Indian Affair's role in bringing reindeer back to the Seward Peninsula in the 1950's. He also talks about the caribou crisis, losing his herd, and the economics of herding.

Merlin Henry was interviewed on March 18, 2002 by Bill Schneider, Knut Kielland, Greg Finstad, and Rose Fosdick at the Reindeer Herder's House in Nome, Alaska. Suzanne Worker, an employee of the Reindeer Research Program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks was also present during the interview. In this interview, Merlin talks about his grandfather and father being reindeer herders, the importance of herding as a family activity, the effect of caribou on reindeer herds, changes in the reindeer industry, and what he sees for the future of reindeer herding on the Seward Peninsula. He also talks about not going to school and following his father to learn about herding and driving his own reindeer herds and living off the land.

Herb Karmun was interviewed on October 4, 2000 by William Schneider, Rose Atuk Fosdick and Knut Kielland at Herb's home in Wasilla, Alaska. In this interview, Herb talks about his family's history of reindeer herding in the area around Deering, Alaska. He describes the variables that influence the health of the herd, with specific mention of wolves, bears, and the movements of caribou. Herb's herd had been taken over by caribou and he was hopeful that he might be able to recover the reindeer.

Roger Menadelook was interviewed on March 24, 2003 by Bill Schneider, Knut Kielland, and Kumi Rattenbury at Roger's house in Teller, Alaska. Roger previously had identified some photographs from his father's and grandfather's time as reindeer herders. In this interview, Roger talks about snow depth and snowmachine travel, use of radio collars, and his family's heritage in reindeer herding.

Donald "Donny" Olson was interviewed n August 7, 2003 by Bill Schneider and Kumi Rattenbury at the Reindeer Herder's House in Nome, Alaska. In this interview, Donny talks about his family's history with reindeer herding, his involvement in the reindeer industry, and his use of helicopters for herding. He also talks about effects of environmental change on the reindeer herds and herding practices, the impact of wild caribou and predators on the herds, and offers his perspectives on the current situation with reindeer herding on the Seward Peninsula.

Palmer Sagoonick was interviewed on August 7, 2003 by William Schneider and Kumi Rattenbury at the Reindeer Herder's House in Nome, Alaska. Palmer lives in Shaktoolik, Alaska, but took a break from his crab boat to come into Nome for this interview. In this interview, Palmer talks about his family's history of reindeer herding, dealing with the loss of a herd, and the effects of climate change on the reindeer herds and herding.

Clifford Weyiouanna was interviewed on April 5, 2002 by Bill Schneider in Anchorage, Alaska when Clifford was in town from his home in Shishmaref to attend a basketball tournament. In this interview, Clifford talks about his family's history of reindeer herding, being a herder himself, the 1930's crash of reindeer, radio collaring reindeer, and the effect of environmental changes on the reindeer and herding. He also talks about the expense and challenges of being a herder and losing reindeer to the infiltration of caribou.

This is the continuation of an interview with Johnson Stalker on January 25, 2001 with Bill Schneider and Rose Atuk Fosdick at Johnson's home in Buckland, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Johnson continues to talk about reindeer herding, trying to control your herd, and protecting the reindeer from predators like wolves. He also talks about driving his reindeer to Nome and the difficulties he encountered along the way.

Lillian Lliabon was interviewed on November 18, 2004 by William Schneider, Shawna Williams, Louann Rank, and Karen Brewster at the Akiak School Library in Akiak, Alaska. Lillian grew up hearing the story of how Akiak was started from her mother, Maggie Japhet, so she tells this story in English, as well as telling a story about how the specific style of trim on Akiak parkas came to be.

Marian Jackson was interviewed on November 18, 2004 by William Schneider, Karen Brewster, Shawna William and Louann Rank at Marian's house on Akiak, Alaska. In this interview, Marian talks about family photographs hanging on the walls of her living room. View a slideshow of the photos and listen to Marian talk about them.

This is the continuation of an interview with John and Mary Phillip on November 18, 2004 by William Schneider, Karen Brewster, Louann Rank, and Shawna Williams along with 7th grade students Andy Japhet and Carrie Lake at the Akiak School Library in Akiak, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, John and Mary talk about subsistence fishing and hunting activities, seasonal camps for fishing and muskrat hunting, methods of travel, and processing of salmon.

This is the continuation of an interview with Wassillie Evan and John Phillip on November 19, 2004 by William Schneider, Karen Brewster, Louann Rank, and Shawna Williams along with 7th grade students Leanne Jackson and Nels Jasper at the Akiak School Library in Akiak, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Wassillie and John talk about traditionally used places and place names, travel and trails, and trapping. Wassillie and John also talk about the origin of their Yup'ik names, and John talks about the use of fish traps. Wassillie is most comfortable speaking Yup'ik, so he speaks in Yup'ik throughout much of the interview and John translates his comments into English.

Joseph "Joe" Demantle, Sr. was interviewed on September 24, 2004 by William Schneider, Freda Alexie, and Louann Rank in Tuluksak, Alaska. Marla Statscewich and Richard Phillip were also present during the interview. In this interview, Joe talks about growing up, learning to hunt and use a dog team, and traveling in the area for trapping and hunting and being careful of dangerous places. He also talks about traditional place names and trails and marks them on a map. Joe also shares his experiences of being out on the trapline, getting stuck when traveling and having to walk a long way, and having his dog team fall through the ice.

John Napoka, Jr., along with Richard Phillip, was interviewed on September 23, 2004 by Bill Schneider, Louann Rank, and Freda Alexie in Tuluksak, Alaska. Marla Statscewich was also present during the interview. In this interview, John talks about trapping, traveling on trails in the area, and using a dogteam versus a snowmachine. He also talks about fishing and hunting, the importance of being safe when traveling, and marks trails on a map. Richard Phillip shares some of his own trail use and experiences traveling around the area, including one time when he got lost, and marks trails on the map with John.

Lydia Fly was interviewed on April 13, 2005 by William Schneider, Louann Rank and Marla Statscewich at the school in Tuluksak, Alaska. Lydia speaks in both English and Yup'ik. There was no Yup'ik translator available during the interview, but Lydia was encouraged to tell her story in Yup'ik anyway. Lydia's laughter was infectious, so there was lots of giggling in this interview. Sophie Kasayulie helped translate a few sections of this interview the following day. In this interview, Lydia talks about growing up near Uuravik, how the family traveled to seasonal camps for hunting, fishing and trapping, living near Macavik with her husband in a mud house, running the trapline with him, and types of Native foods she likes.

Nick Alexie, Sr. was interviewed on April 13, 2005 by William Schneider and Louann Rank in Tuluksak, Alaska. Marla Statscewich and Richard Philip, Nick's grandson, were also present during the interview. When Nick spoke in Yup'ik, it was translated into English by Frank Chingliak and Sophie Kasayulie of the Yupiit Elitnaurutait Program of the Yupiit School District. In this interview, Nick talks about spring and fall camp, what it was like in camp when he was a child, and how they traveled on the land. He also talks about fishing and the kinds of fish found around Tuluksak. A few days after this interview, Nick was going to spring camp, so we were lucky to catch him before he left town. Richard was looking forward to meeting his grandfather at camp for a few days.

John Cook was interviewed on November 20, 2006 by Marie Mitchell and William Schneider in the recording studio at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks. John's wife, Elizabeth Cook, was also present during the interview and sometimes chimes in with her own thoughts. In this first part of a two part interview, John talks about his personal and educational background, his career as an archeologist in Alaska (especially his research at Healy Lake and along the Dalton Highway), and his role in the large-scale archeological site clearance project when the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and North Slope Haul Road were being constructed in the 1970s. He discusses details of plannng and organizing the project and excavations, hiring archeologists and district supervisors, hiring the first women archeologists, coordinating with construction crews, and dealing with logistics, equipment, transportation and communication among all the crews out in the field.

Earl Finkler was interviewed on December 8, 2006 by William Schneider and Marie Mitchell at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library on the campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Earl discusses his involvement with the North Slope Borough as a Planning Consultant, Planning Director and Deputy Planning Director, his views about proposed policies for the maintenance and management of the Haul Road; and his impression of the landscape and culture in the North Slope Borough, in particular the preservation and management of the natural and cultural resources.

Michael Abels was interviewed on April 26, 2007 by William Schneider in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Michael talks about the history of Toolik Lake Field Station, the establishment of the camp and facilities, and types of research conducted there. He also talks about the logistics and communications of running a remote research station, and the challenges of regularly driving the Dalton Highway.

Georgianna Lincoln was interviewed on April 14, 1993 via telephone from her office in Juneau, Alaska by Walter Newman, Sr. and William Schneider who were in Schneider's office at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks, Alaska. Georgianna was serving as a senator in the Alaska State Legislature representing her large interior district and was in Juneau for the legislative session. In this interview, Georgianna talks about the formation of the Fairbanks Native Association (FNA), the early leaders, FNA's development, and the programs they implemented. She also talks about FNA being funded by the federal government as one of four Model Urban Indian Centers, organizing the FNA potlatches and why they were so important, as well as her work as executive director for FNA and working for Tanana Chiefs Conference.

Sam Demientieff was interviewed on March 2, 2022 by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster at Sam's home in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Sam reflects on the legacy of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and his involvement in various aspects of its implementation. He talks about the setting up of regional and village corporations, shareholders and types of shares, the business focus of the corporations, business and resource development, and net operating losses. He also talks about working for the Interior Village Association to help villages set up their own corporations, serving on the board of Doyon Ltd., some of the business ventures and investments made by Doyon, Ltd., and working for the Bureau of Indian Affairs during the time when Alaska tribes were working toward gaining federal recognition. Sam also shares his thoughts on the future of ANCSA corporations and the Native way of life.

Irene Sparks Rowan was interviewed on April 18, 2022 by Bill Schneider and Karen Brewster over Zoom audio-conference with Irene in Anchorage, Alaska and Bill and Karen at each of their homes in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Irene talks about her involvement with the land claims movement and the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCWA), assisting Alaska Natives visiting Washington, D.C. through the Alaskans on the Potomac group, running a campaign for enrollment in ANCSA corporations, and fighting to get Kluwkan, Inc. recognized as an ANCSA village corporation and be able to select lands outside of their immediate area. Irene also talks about key players she worked with, her challenges and accomplishments, and the legacy of ANCSA for Alaska Natives today.

Margaret "Margie" Brown was interviewed on December 14, 2022 by William Schneider, R. Bruce Parham, Karen Brewster, and David Ramseur via Zoom. Margie was in Anchorage, Alaska. Bill and Karen were in separate locations in Fairbanks, Alaska. Bruce Parham was at his home in Anchorage, and David Ramseur was at his winter home in Palm Springs, California. In this interview, Margie talks about working for Cook Inlet Regional Corporation (CIRI) on the selection and acquisition of lands as part of the Cook Inlet Land Exchange. This was a landmark land exchange between CIRI, the State of Alaska, and the federal government for CIRI to get its land entitlement as determined by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act. Margie talks about specific land selection cases, lawsuits, oil and gas royalty issues, how land was valued and conveyed, revenue sharing with other Native corporations, and obtaining lands "outside of the region." She discusses the stresses early young Native leaders dealt with, assistance CIRI received from members of Congress, and other key CIRI employees involved with the land entitlement and land exchange issues.