Stories

In honor of the commencement of the 2024 Native Youth Olympic Games, the RIVR editorial team sat down with Eskimo Ninja Warrior, Nick Hanson. Originally from Unalakleet, Alaska, he began his early athletic career participating in the NYO games. Check out Nick’s reflection of his athletic journey, as well as four songs that get him … Read More The Eskimo Ninja, Nick Hanson, Reflects on the Native Youth Olympic Games

Aysanabee is a versatile musician, producer, and singer-songwriter residing in Toronto. Hailing from the Oji-Cree background, specifically belonging to the Sucker Clan of the Sandy Lake First Nation, located in the remote fly-in community nestled in the far reaches of Northwestern Ontario. Music often serves as a powerful form of cultural expression. How does your … Read More Indigenous Identity Through Music: A Q&A With Oji-Cree Artist Aysanabee

On February 25, 2024 the eighth annual Ivalu Gala benefiting Arctic Education Foundation was held at the Dena’ina Center in Anchorage, Alaska. Guests from across the state gathered to celebrate what has become one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Gala held an Indigenous Fashion Show curated by Britt’Nee Brower. Where does … Read More A Journey Through Fashion and Culture: Q&A With Iñupiaq Artist Britt’Nee Brower

In honor of the new Max series True Detective: Night Country, we spoke with the series’ Companion Podcast host Alice Q Glenn. She also hosts the Coffee & Quaq podcast and is part of the multimedia collaborative experience: Native Time. She grew up in x and looks to the future. When did you first start … Read More Inupiaq Podcaster Alice Glenn Reflects on Transformative Journey from Coffee & Quaq to the True Detective Companion Podcast

Native American Heritage Month is an essential time for artists such as myself. Weeks dedicated to spreading Indigeneity around the world gives us a feeling of oneness with planet Earth. As a Tlingit, it feels as though my ancestors are speaking through me with language and song so that I can sonically manifest them. I … Read More Juneau artist Air Jazz Reflects on Indigenous Heritage Day

Creating alongside her Mother, Angela Gonzalez, the two have gone viral on TikTok for their Indigenous Barbie creations, specifically the “Fish Camp Barbie,” which has garnered over 100,000 views on TikTok. Ermelina Gonzalez spoke with the RIVR and revealed more details behind the creations: My name is Ermelina Gonzalez, my Denaakk’e name is K’ete ts’aayedaalno. … Read More Indigenous Barbie Q&A: A Celebration of Alaska Native Heritage

In 2022, we asked prominent Indigenous community member Rochelle Adams to reflect on Indigenous Peoples Day. Check out her responses from a year ago and see if they resonate with how you feel on Indigenous Peoples Day in 2023. “This year Indigenous Peoples Day was Monday, October 10th, 2022. After being apart since 2019 due to the … Read More Indigenous Peoples Day: A Year in Reflection

Join us for the third annual pop-up event for the Storyteller multimedia series at the Alaska State Fair Gathering Place Stage! In partnership with the Alaska Native Heritage Center and CIRI, we’re excited to have you join us for two weekends of Alaska Native Storytelling and live music. All in-person attendees for both weekends will … Read More The Storyteller Pop-Up events at the Alaska State Fair!

K̲aachgóon Rochelle Smallwood (@Tlingit.Witch) recently reflected with Rising Indigenous Voices Radio on the recent 2022 holiday season, the importance of shopping Indigenous-owned brands year round. How important are the holidays to you? When I was gifted my second Lingít name, K̲aachgóon, I took on her personality. She was my great-great-grandmother who was alive when I … Read More Tlingit Artist K̲aachgóon Rochelle Smallwood Reflects on the Holiday Season From an Indigenous Perspective

The RIVR organized a Storytelling Pop-Up event during the weekend of 8/29 at the 2022 Alaska State Fair. This second annual gathering took place at the Gathering Place stage and was hosted by Ralph Sara, also known as Anonymous Eskimo. The event featured a captivating live performance by Inupiaq artist Byron Nicholai.