Delta Lifestyles
Pumpkin Pie Squares
This recipe looks so good. Pumpkin Pie Squares by Elsie Mather of Bethel and submitted by Margaret Chaney from the “Alaskan Grub Box” recipe book by Sis Laraux. Enjoy! Pumpkin Pie Squares 1 c. flour […]
Gulls swap natural for urban habitats, machine-learning study finds
A recent study published in Ecological Informatics by a team of University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers has used artificial intelligence to further illuminate a habitat swap among short-billed gulls. Typically gulls live along coastlines and near […]
Spicy Cake Donuts
Here is a recipe for delicious Spicy Cake Donuts by Alice Nerby from the “Alaskan Grub Box” recipe book by Sis Laraux. So good. Spicy Cake Donuts 3 ½ c. flour 2 tsp. baking powder […]
Assaliaq – Fried Bread
Here is a recipe for everyone’s favorite – assaliaq by Colene LaPalm from the “Alaskan Grub Box” recipe book by Sis Laraux. So tasty and so good. Assaliaq – Fried Bread 1 pkg. yeast ½ […]
Tasty Baked Beans
This dish is from The Alaskan Grub-Box by Sis Laraux who collected and compiled delicious recipes from her friends and relatives. This baked beans recipe is from Barbara Anvil. Cook and enjoy. Quyana! Baked Beans […]
Eek River Moose Hunt
Gloria Mark from Eek, Alaska enjoys reading the Delta Discovery newspaper while moose hunting up river on the North Side this September. Photo by Richard Mark, also of Eek.
Craig George’s remarkable northern legacy
by Ned Rozell I was sad to learn recently that Craig George was missing and presumed dead when a raft he was floating upon hit a logjam in the Chulitna River on July 5, 2023. […]
Outdoorsummer fun
by Heather McMillion July is National Recreation and Parks month, and it is a great time to get outside. Being active outdoors offers us many benefits as it connects us with family and friends, helps […]
PILT payments provides economic boost for Alaskan Communities
U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) announced today (June 15th, 2023) that the Department of the Interior is distributing $35.4 million to eligible local governments across Alaska through the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program. […]
Congratulations Delta Illusion Dancers
This has been an incredible season,” writes Dianna St. Vincent. “The Delta Illusion Dancers excelled in both Anchorage competitions and went to the Starpower Dance Competition in Seattle– coming away with several First Place Awards, […]
APU’s LPN Program receives full accreditation
The Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate program at Alaska Pacific University (APU) has been recognized with accreditation by the Accreditation Commission on Education (ACEN). The program is the only one of its kind in Alaska and […]
Anchorage native participates in a cake-cutting ceremony for 10th anniversary of USS Anchorage
by Rick Burke Airman Joel Kim, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, participated in a cake-cutting ceremony for the 10th anniversary of USS Anchorage’s commissioning, May 7, 2023. Kim, who is currently the only sailor serving […]
The “heart language”
by Rhonda McBride Alaska Native language experts shared their personal stories at the State Capitol on Friday (April 21st, 2023). They came to talk with lawmakers and their staffers about their work on the Alaska […]
948 Alaska high school seniors will graduate with UA Scholars Award distinction
Members of cohort represent 238 high schools from Akiachak to Yakutat. The University of Alaska announced today (April 27th, 2023) that 948 high school seniors across the state will graduate as UA Scholars, and be […]
Crossing Kootznoowoo — and exploring potential career paths
by Mary Catharine Martin Last August, 2022, three Angoon high schoolers portaged and paddled across Admiralty Island supported by Kootznoowoo Inc., the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy, and some classic hip hop. This summer, they’ll be […]
Identifying polar bears by their footprints
by Ned Rozell Scientists in northern Alaska are learning about polar bears by scraping snow samples from the tracks they leave behind. That snow contains tiny flecks of the massive creatures — mostly cells shed […]
One-thousand miles of Iditarod trail by bike
by Ned Rozell Two staff members of the University of Alaska Fairbanks recently rode 1,000 miles across Alaska on bikes with tires fat as a loaf of bread. Jamie Hollingsworth is a do-all field guy […]
Brush up on your oral health
by Curtis Krumlauf Did you know that the health of your gums and teeth impacts not just your dental care but also directly contributes to your overall health and wellness? And that gum disease can […]
Bethel’s Cama-i weekend a flurry of activity for Alaska National Guard
by Alan Brown A host of Alaska National Guardsmen and members of the Alaska Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Alaska State Defense Force traveled to Bethel during its 2023 Cama-i Dance Festival, March […]
Miss Cama-i 2023
Congratulations to Cheyenne Chikigak from Alakanuk and Anchorage, she is the new 2023 Miss Cama-i. She was crowned on Saturday night of the Cama-i Festival last weekend. There were four contestants. Participants joining Chikigak were […]
Sharon Hamer named Virginia Small Business Person of the Year
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the 2023 State Small Business Persons of the Year award winners on March 16, 2023. Akiak Technology LLC is proud to announce that Sharon Hamer, the first indigenous […]
Encouraging students to envision themselves working in the medical field
by Carlo Mandras Our junior and senior high school students visited the YKHC on March 13 to learn about various careers in the healthcare industry. Student participating in the Medical Terminology and Human Biology program […]
Kuskokwim mushers finish Iditarod 2023
photo by John Wallace Local Kuskokwim mushers Pete Kaiser of Bethel, Richie Diehl of Aniak, and Mike Williams Jr. of Akiak crossed the finish line for the greatest dog mushing race on earth – the […]
Yukon Delta Conference 1A and Western Coastal Conference 2A Basketball champions
The Yukon Delta Conference 1A basketball tournament has its champions – the Scammon Bay Eagles and the St. Mary’s Lady Eagles. The Western Conference 2A winners are also in – the Hooper Bay Warriors and […]
The demise of Scotch Cap lighthouse
by Ned Rozell In spring of 1946, five men stationed at the Scotch Cap lighthouse had reasons to be happy. World War II was over. They had survived. Their lonely Coast Guard assignment on Unimak […]
Eat well now for a Healthier Future
by Heather McMillion What you eat today can affect how you feel in 10, 20 or more years from now. As we get older, many of us may develop one or more chronic diseases, such […]
UAF names 2023 honorary degree, service award recipients
The University of Alaska Fairbanks has selected six people to honor during its 2023 commencement weekend in May. Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson and Helen (Dick) MacLean will receive honorary doctorates, which recognize recipients’ lasting contributions […]
Bentley of Napaskiak named to Ithaca College Fall 2022 Dean’s List
Kieran Bentley of Napaskiak has been named to Ithaca College’s Fall 2022 Dean’s List. He is the son of Talbert and Kimberly Bentley of Napaskiak, Alaska. Congratulations! Founded in 1892, Ithaca College is a residential […]
Alaska Airlines offers new hands-on learning experience for ANSEP students
Alaska Airlines, a longtime strategic partner of ANSEP (Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program), is offering a new opportunity to ANSEP middle and high schoolers through hands-on simulations that will introduce students to the aviation […]
Make Heart Health Part of Your Self-Care Routine
Devoting a little time every day to care for yourself can go a long way toward protecting the health of your heart. Simple actions, such as taking a moment to de-stress, giving yourself time to […]
Yup’ik dance groups to perform at Festival of Native Arts in FairbanksYup’ik dance groups to
The Qasgirmiut of Bethel, the Qaluyaarmiut Yurartait of Toksook Bay, the Cupiit Yurartait, and the Pingayak Dancers will be some of the featured dance groups in Fairbanks at the Festival of Native Arts, which has […]
Finding a midwinter night’s roost
by Ned Rozell During the darkest days of Alaska’s winter, black-capped chickadees stuff themselves with enough seeds and frozen insects to survive 18-hour nights. Where chickadees spent those long nights was a mystery until a […]
House elects Speaker for 33rd Legislative Session
Today (Jan. 18th, 2023) the Alaska House of Representatives elected a Speaker for the 33rd Legislature and in a vote of 26 to 14 named Representative Cathy Tilton (District 26, R-Wasilla) as Speaker of the […]
A Star that Shines North of Alaska
by Brad Cole Being a retired Alaskan teacher, I am still fascinated by the process of “educating” people. I feel it is a way to get people to accept more responsibility for their lives. Like […]
A Look at Eye and Heart Health
by Heather McMillion High blood pressure (hypertension) is a risk factor for heart disease and stroke, but did you know that uncontrolled blood pressure can damage your eyes? Your eyes contain many tiny blood vessels. […]
Seeking nominations to recognize and honor Alaskans’ contributions to the arts and humanities
Alaska State Council on the Arts (ASCA), Alaska Humanities Forum (AKHF), the Alaska Arts and Culture Foundation, and the Office of the Governor are seeking nominations for the annual Governor’s Arts and Humanities Awards. Alaska […]
Slowly but Surely
by Bethel Search and Rescue Group 12.16.22 BSAR Kuskokwim River Aerial Survey—Report 2022 – 07* * Summary: It has been nearly a month since BSAR flew our first River Survey of the 2022-23 winter season. […]
Community pays final respects to unaccompanied veterans
by Victoria Granado Service members and civilians came together to pay their final respects to five veterans during an unaccompanied funeral service at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Nov. 30, 2022. […]
Prince named to UAF Summer 2022 honors list
Trevin Prince of Bethel, AK has been named to the summer 2022 deans’ list at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. UAF recognizes students named to the deans’ and chancellor’s lists each semester. The lists recognize […]
Stay socially connected this winter
by Heather McMillion Winter in Alaska can be a difficult time for social and mental wellbeing. Darkness coupled with decreased outdoor activity can result in feelings of loneliness and disconnection. But positive social habits can […]
750 miles per day for 11 days, no rest
by Ned Rozell A bird the size of your fist has made humans all over the world marvel at the things we can’t do. Like fly. For 11 days straight, from Alaska to Tasmania, your […]
Veteran musher, Mike Williams Jr., signs up for Iditarod 2023
The Iditarod Race Committee has announced that they are excited to welcome back veteran musher, Michael Williams Jr., to the 2023 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Mike has competed in the Iditarod 7 times between […]
Warriors compete at Lancer Smith Wrestling Tournament
The Bethel Warriors varsity, junior high, and 6th-8th grade boys and girls teams competed at the Lancer Smith Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Palmer this past weekend. Sheldon Smith, Paul Dyment, Aaron Mute, Patricio Vasquez, and […]
Lieb wins gold at varsity ladies Lancer Smith Tournament
Isabel Lieb of the Bethel Lady Warriors won the gold medal at last weekend’s Lancer Smith Memorial Tournament Invitational in Palmer, AK in the 138 lbs. bracket. She defeated Marissa Neumann-Arch of Tok in the […]
November is Diabetes Awareness Month
by Heather McMillion, MS, RD, LD, CDCES Did you know that one in ten Americans has diabetes and more than one in three has prediabetes? And that Alaska Natives are at increased risk for diabetes? […]
2022 Citizens of the Year and Denali Award Winners
Every year, AFN honors those who have made outstanding contributions to their families and the Native community. The Citizen of the Year Award recognizes the contributions of a Native person who has demonstrated strong commitment, […]
Alaska sand dunes hint at ancient past
by Ned Rozell Sitting at a window seat on a recent flight from Seattle to Fairbanks, I looked down on Alaska from 35,000 feet. There was my home river, the Tanana, flowing gray and braided […]
Blessing of the Pets
The Table of Grace Lutheran Church in Bethel hosted the Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 2nd, 2022 at the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center. Folks were invited to bring their pets to be blessed […]
Understanding your Health Appointments
by Heather McMillion, MS, RD, LD, CDCES Health conditions and medications can be complicated. When we go to see healthcare professionals, we may hear words we do not know. However, it is important that we […]
Learning Yup’ik Grass Basketry
by K.J. Lincoln This past week a group from Bethel participated in a workshop to learn how to sew Yup’ik grass baskets. I had the honor of learning with them and sharing the knowledge learned […]
Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum Winter Lecture / Culture Share
Friends of Sheldon Jackson Museum is seeking proposals for their Winter Lecture / Culture Share Series to be held on Zoom between November of 2022 and March of 2023. Speakers are invited to propose to […]
Calista Corporation congratulates Mary Peltola on historic US House win
Calista (cha-LIS-tah) Corporation congratulates Mary Peltola on her historic special election win to the U.S. House of Representatives. She will serve in the role until the start of the new Congress following the results for […]
Crowberries for Grandma
Terralyn and Panikpiaq are picking paunraq blackberries for their Grandma Linda Noratuk on a nice afternoon day in Bethel. Photo taken on 8/14/22. photo by Linda Noratuk
Summer Salmonberries
Jackie Berry Larson III picked his first salmonberries of the season on his own and cleaned them while picking with the help of his mom on July 3, 2022. He is the son of Kimberly […]
Wading into the icy Yukon River for science
by Ned Rozell Snow geese flew in a ragged V overhead, rasping as they looked down upon Alaska’s bumpy face for the first time in 2022. Nine hundred feet below, the Yukon River flowed by […]
Alaska Senate passes the Alaska Reads Act
The Alaska Senate today (April 12th, 2022) unanimously passed Senate Bill 111, an important effort to improve reading skills through increased accountability, well placed resources, and by recognizing that students must be ready to learn […]
Where Did the Chum Go?
by Doug Molyneaux “The summers of 2020 and 2021 saw the lowest numbers on record for chum salmon returning to the Kuskokwim and Yukon rivers. There are many possible reasons for these low returns. I […]
Qerpertaq – Pike Fish Egg Akutaq
by Hilda Oscar This famous Superfood is fresh in-season during this time. It is as traditional as the Moose Fat Akutaq, other than the sugar that is added, all of it is natural. It is […]
Winter Ice Salmon
Frank Nicori Jr. of Kwethluk incredibly caught a Silver Salmon while ice fishing at Birch Hill several miles up on the Kwethluk River on March 28, 2022. Star the Dog (in front) is amazed. Frank’s […]
Joint BIA, Tribal police operation confiscates 123 pounds of narcotics during four-day operation
by BIA Office of Justice Services Moapa Band of Paiute Indians of the Moapa River Indian Reservation, Nev. – The Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, with assistance and cooperation of the Moapa […]
Kuskokwim mushers Kaiser and Diehl complete 2022 Iditarod run in 5th and 6th place
Bethel musher Pete Kaiser and Aniak musher Richie Diehl have successfully completed their 2022 run in the 50th race of the Iditarod Sled Dog Race finishing in the top 10. Kaiser, age 34, crossed the […]
The Raven Above
by Brad Cole It was in the morning when I started walking down the ice road from Tuluksak. An icy fog hung in the air where in a quarter of a mile the river disappeared […]
Lieb named to University of Wyoming Dean’s List
Hayden C. Lieb of Bethel was named to the University of Wyoming’s 2021 fall semester academic Dean’s and Dean’s Freshman Honor Rolls. Lieb is a 2020 graduate of Bethel Regional High School. The honor rolls […]
TKC launches new Regional Training Facility
The Kuskokwim Corporation (TKC) has launched a new regional facility to help build employability skills, economic opportunity, and cultural connection in the Middle Kuskokwim. The Arviiq Regional Economic Development and Training Center in Aniak opened […]
Yup’ik dance fan makers create beautiful art
by K.J. Lincoln A class of eager learners gathered together this past weekend to learn how to make their own Yup’ik-style ladies dance fans. The class was sponsored by the Southwest Alaska Arts Group, the […]
51 Years for the Warriors
Mae Hoffman of Bethel wears her husband Raymond’s vintage Bethel Regional High School letterman sweater from 1971 at the homegames on Saturday night. Mae was a cheerleader for BRHS. Cheering with her is Lucy Crow […]
Listening to the voices of killer whales
by Ned Rozell In the deep blue ocean just off the coast of Alaska, killer whales are now communicating with one another with clicks and whistles. Scientists are hearing them. Hannah Myers has listened to […]
Time to apply for 2022 Individual Artist Awards
Rasmuson Foundation is accepting applications for the 2022 Individual Artist Awards (IAA). Online applications will be accepted through March 1, 2022; paper applications must be delivered or postmarked by Feb. 14. In addition to individual […]
Solo Adventure on the Savonoski Loop
by Bjorn Dihle Bristol Bay may be most famous for having the world’s biggest run of sockeye and unparalleled fishing opportunities. Its watersheds also have incredible adventure opportunities — everything from day trips to epic […]
Unit 18 Goodnews River Drainage Moose Season
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game announces a season open to the Goodnews River drainage winter moose hunt (RM621). The Goodnews River drainage hunt area (that portion that drains into Kuskokwim Bay south of […]
Bountiful Blackfish
Rylan Nickoli, age 2, of Russian Mission checks the blackfish trap on December 6th, 2021 and finds it full of fish. Photo by Melissa Nickoli
Calista Corporation announces Elders’ Benefit Distribution
2021 Elder Distribution Increases 6 Percent to $968,100. Calista (cha-LIS-tah) Corporation is pleased to announce the 2021 Elders’ Benefit Program distribution. Original Shareholders who are at least 65 years old as of November 12 will […]
Higher education is failing Indigenous students, Alaska program models solution
by Michael Ulroan This sequential education model is placing Alaska Native students on a path to academic success. Indigenous students have been rendered virtually invisible in higher education. As an Alaska Native Cup’ik from Chevak, […]
Far-north permafrost cliff is one of a kind
by Ned Rozell In northern Alaska, an amphitheater of frozen ground thaws where a northern river cuts into it, exposing walls of ice. The feature, known by scientists as “yedoma,” is the largest of its […]
Wild Geese
by Brad Cole I could feel the cold autumn fog blanketing the forest surrounding the village of Tuluksak. Its icy fingers firmly gripped the dried, dusty trees, but the heavy mist was being slowly blown […]
Jayne Hanna named to Dean’s List at Biola University
Jayne Hanna of Mekoryuk and Bethel was named to Biola University’s Dean’s List (in La Mirada, CA) for academic excellence. Hanna, a Mathematics major, was one of more than 1,800 students who were named to […]
2021 Call for Art
The Alaska State Council on the Arts is requesting applications of visual artwork to purchase from Alaskan artists for the Alaska Contemporary Art Bank (ACAB). Alaskan artists are invited to submit up to 6 recent […]
Fluorescent bill may be seabird’s neon sign
by Ned Rozell The crested auklet looks like a smiling clown that never blinks. It is probably the only seabird that smells like a tangerine. Its beak — the color of a tangerine — is […]
Support for DNA sample collections
Rep. Geran Tarr (D-Anchorage) expressed thanks to Governor Dunleavy, Department of Corrections Commissioner Nancy Dahlstrom, and Department of Public Safety Commissioner James Cockrell for their commitment to collecting all lawful DNA samples from Alaskans arrested […]
The season of senescence is upon us
by Ned Rozell The glorious paper birch outside the window that has for the past three weeks beamed a sunny glow is losing its luster, one golden coin at a time. The 10,000 solar panels […]
Prize winning veggies
Bethel 4-H Teens and leader Tun’aqi Blanchett display their prize winning vegetables at the Bethel Community 2021 Fair. They did an amazing job sponsoring the Kids Carnival Booths. From left are: Tun’aqi Blanchett, Sam Atchak, […]
Plastic ingenuity provides safe river exit
by Ned Rozell Our Labor Day canoe trip went a day long, and almost a boat short. With our daughter traveling with teammates for a high-school cross-country meet, my wife Kristen and I had a […]
Island Salmonberries
Traedon Tinker is eager to pick salmonberries on Nunivak Island near his village of Mekoryuk.
One Health alumna provides veterinary care in Southwest Alaska
by Tanya Clayton Laurie Meythaler-Mullins is one of the first two graduates of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ new master’s degree program in One Health, and she’s already putting her degree to good use. Meythaler-Mullins, […]
How to make Salmonberry Uqinaq
Salmonberry Uqinaq is a simple and tasty traditional Eskimo dessert made with seal oil and salmonberries. Today, we add sugar for sweetness. If you like seal oil then there is a good chance that you […]
Military Youth Graduation Family Celebration
Alaska Military Youth Academy cadets embrace their families after AMYA’s graduation ceremony, held at the Bartlett High School Football Field in Anchorage, June 18, 2021. The ceremony featured 79 graduating cadets and their families. (U.S […]
Tundra Treasure
1 year old Luka Jacob of Napaskiak went on his first egg hunting trip while visiting Chefornak with his parents. He found the nest and pointed them out to his dad.
Grizzly Family: A Conversation with Jerry and Caleb Jacques
by Bjorn Dihle When Jerry Jacques was 17, he ran away from California and hitchhiked to Alaska. He had heard stories of his great-grandfather and grandfather prospecting, trapping and living in the far north and […]
Seal Oil Maker
Mother’s helper: Maya Bosco of Chefornak is doing a good job while cutting up seal blubber into strips that will soon become seal oil.
Snow is the state of Alaska
by Ned Rozell In mid-March, it is snowing once again in Fairbanks, as it has snowed on many days since October. That makes it a good day to pick up Matthew Sturm’s new book, “Field […]
Made for Bristol Bay: A Conversation with Sockeye Salmon Guru Steve Kurian
by Bjorn Dihle In 2002, when Steve Kurian graduated from college in Pennsylvania, he moved west to Idaho to take a job in forest management. There, Steve rented an apartment from an old, crusty commercial […]