Stories

Juneau’s picturesque streets and scenic waterfront were alive with the sights and sounds of vibrant cultural expression during Celebration 2024. Held from June 5th to June 8th, this biannual gathering brought together thousands of participants and spectators to honor and celebrate the rich traditions of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian peoples. This year’s Celebration was … Read More Celebration 2024: A Vibrant Showcase of Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian Cultures in Juneau

For Sarah Whalen, MMIWG2 Month is not just a fleeting moment of recognition but a daily, heartfelt struggle. Whalen, an artist and activist, created a powerful logo featuring a woman in a handprint with her hair blowing in the wind and the northern star, to visually convey the beauty and importance of those taken from … Read More MMIWG2 Month: Ongoing Struggle Highlighted, Sarah Whalen-Lunn’s (Inuit) Logo Strikes a Chord with Community

In honor of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Awareness Month and MMIIP Awareness Day (MMIP), Rising Indigenous Voices Radio interviewed Charlene Apok (Iñupiaq), the Director of Gender Justice and Healing at Native Movement. She unveiled the layers of significance embedded within MMIGS Day, shedding light on why this annual observance is crucial for igniting … Read More National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) Awareness Day: Unveiling the Collective Story of Indigenous Voices and the Imperative for Awareness with Charlene Apok

In a world brimming with heroes and adventures, there are tales that spring from the deepest roots of culture, echoing the timeless wisdom of generations. The Chickaloonies comic series stands as a testament to Indigenous representation, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditional Athabascan legends. Delving into the origins of Chickaloonies, the RIVR spoke … Read More From Grandma’s Tales to Comic Success: The Inspiring Journey of 80% Studios’ Chickaloonies

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