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How kayaks (qayaqs) are rejuvenating Alaskan Sugpiaq culture | INDIE ALASKA

A man works on building a Sugpiaq Alutiiq Kayak and includes historical image of kayak

Jonathon Sawden normally works in HR, but sees an importance to tell the world that his people, the Sugpiaq (Sookh-pee-ahk) and other Native peoples are still here. Here, Jonathon and another young apprentice artist are working together with a Master Kayak builder to learn the techniques to build traditional boats and be the next generation to keep the craft and culture alive.

Produced by Shiri Segal, Matthew Faubion, Valerie Kern

Music by Universal Production Music

Special Thanks: Chugachmiut

Shiri worked at Alaska Public Media from 2018 to 2026. She was a Multimedia Production and Operations Associate.