Baby Raven Reads book wins American Indian Library Association Award

Sealaska Heritage Institute’s Baby Raven Reads book “Raven Makes the Aleutians” won a Picture Book Honor award from the American Indian Library Association.

The AILA, an affiliate of the American Library Association, announced winners of its biennial Youth Media Awards this week in Philadelphia, calling the selected books “the best of the best in children’s and young adult literature.”

“There were more excellent books submitted than ever before, including some from major U.S. publishers,” said Lara Aase, 2020 chair of the American Indian Youth Literature Awards, in a statement. “We chose books that appealed to the young readers we know, and we were thrilled to see writers address contemporary as well as historic and traditional topics.”

“Raven Makes the Aleutians,” which was published in 2018, was adapted for children from the work of the late Nora and Dick Dauenhauer, who transcribed it from Tlingit storytellers Kaasgeìiy Susie James and Shaadaax’ Robert Zuboff’s oral accounts. Raven stories are complex, humorous and sometimes filled with raucous adventures, said SHI President Rosita Worl in a release.

“Raven the Trickster is found in oral traditions throughout North America and elsewhere in the world and teaches people how to exist in society,” Worl said.

In “Raven Makes the Aleutians,” after the flood, Raven falls from the sky far out to sea, and he can’t get back to the mainland. With the help of a friendly sea otter, Raven comes up with a plan to reach the shore. Ultimately, Raven’s ingenuity leads to the creation of the Aleutian Chain.

The story was brought to life by illustrator Janine Gibbons, who is Haida Raven of the Double-Finned Killer Whale clan, Brown Bear House. Gibbons said she felt tremendous pride upon hearing the news.

“There were many times during the process of illustrating Raven Makes the Aleutians that I felt my ancestors guiding me. This honor solidifies that they really were always there, that their spirits are alive and helping guide the way,” Gibbons said.

“Raven Makes the Aleutians” was also chosen for an annual “best-of-the-year” list for 2018 compiled by the nationally known literacy group The Cooperative Children’s Book Center, along with “Raven and the Tide Lady,” illustrated by Tlingit artist Michaela Goade, and “Raven Loses His Nose,” illustrated by Tsimshian artist David Lang.

Juneau Sons of Norway and Friends of Scandinavia sponsor movie screenings

Sons of Norway and Friends of Scandinavia Svalbard Lodge No. 2-33 of Juneau is sponsoring a 2020 Nordic Film Festival.

It will start with a screening of “The Last King,” a Norwegian film, Wednesday Feb. 5 and Sunday, Feb. 9 at the Gold Town Theater. Two additional films will be shown in March and April.

Tickets will be available at the door, and the box office opens 30 minutes before the movies. Admission costs $12 for general admission, or $10 for Sons of Norway and Friends of Scandinavia members, senior, students and military. Proceeds will go toward the Svalbard Lodge Scandinavian cultural scholarships. Nordic Film Festival sponsorships are available for $100. The sponsorships provide two passes to each film.

First Friday submissions are due

People planning First Friday events need to submit their event information to Juneau Arts & Humanity Council soon.

Submissions must be turned in by Mondau to be included in First Friday fliers. A listing of events will also appear in next week’s Capital City Weekly.

They can be submitted online at https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/airtable.com/shrA4pz387usWWHf2__;!9_CTV20a17M!-FOQlw6ncLc8fWFtB5sC6mTZr6_ZCYbXt5iw0UJ3gI1_9bXjwuOtHUDBzrUu8MpwhtknwA$.

Tlingit & Haida announces new chief of project development

Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribe of Alaska announced on Tuesday the promotion of Will Ware to chief of project development. Ware previously served as tribal transportation manager, Tlingit & Haida said in a press release.

Courtesy Photo | Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska Will Ware is Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska’s new chief of project development.

In the new position, Ware will oversee current projects such as Tlingit & Haida’s Cultural Immersion Park, land development of the Kowee Creek subdivision and startup of the Tribe’s new construction company Southeast General Contractors. He’ll also provide broad oversight of the Tribal Transportation and Business & Economic Development departments, as well as the Tribe’s social enterprises — Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall, Little Eagles and Ravens Nest (LEARN), Sacred Grounds cafes, Sacred Shine Auto Detailing and Smokehouse Catering.

“In the years that Will has served as Tribal Transportation Manager, he has proven his ability to oversee complex projects and navigate and build needed relationships. I have full confidence in his leadership to develop the Tribe’s projects,” President Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson said.