The Village Blog

Leaving the city behind for village life

Schaefer children and neighborhood kids play on an abandoned vehicle next to their one-room house in Kwethluk. Mike Soolook, Eunice Schaefer and family moved back to the Village of Kwethluk from Anchorage. Schaefer works at the Kwethluk Native Store and they live in a small one-room house alongside the Kwethluk River. Photographed on Friday, September 21, 2012.

An exodus of villagers to Alaska cities -- an urban migration -- grabbed headlines over the past decade. But the river flows both ways as many rural residents return to hometowns across the state.

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THE VILLAGE BLOG

Love 'Dexter?' Masuka's parents run a restaurant in Bethel

We knew Bethel was home to several Korean restaurants. We didn't know one was owned by the parents of a fan-favorite character on the Showtime series "Dexter."
THE VILLAGE BLOG

Pumpkin recycling service

Wasilla photographer Mike Criss recently posted this clip on our Anchorage Daily News Facebook wall
THE VILLAGE BLOG

Pressed for change, leaders promise a 'new, modern AFN'

A new effort is underway to overhaul and modernize the state’s largest Alaska Native organization, Alaska Federation of Natives board member Gregory Razo told convention delegates today.
THE VILLAGE BLOG

Should Alaska Native elders be exempt from fishing bans?

The state's largest Alaska Native organization will consider a slew of hunting-and-fishing related proposals this week in Anchorage, including a plan that would allow Native elders to fish for food when and wherever they want.
THE VILLAGE BLOG

Make way for AFN

Make room, Anchorage. This year's Alaska Federation of Natives convention is just a week away.
THE VILLAGE BLOG

Where the jobs will be: Mining, health care

The number of mining industry jobs in Alaska is expected to grow 19 percent by the end of the decade, state economists report.
THE VILLAGE BLOG

Bathtime at 220°F

I’m on the hunt for traditional Yup’ik steam houses that village and Bethel transplants have built in the city. Have a secret maqi somewhere in Anchorage? Can we check it out? Send me a note at khopkins@adn.com.
THE VILLAGE BLOG

First, some advice: Don't cook angry

The simple ingredients are available at the tribe-owned village store: instant mashed potatoes, condensed milk, sugar and a handful of Crisco. Add as many blue and red berries (cranberries) as you can pick.
THE VILLAGE BLOG

In Bethel? Say hello

After a short boat ride downriver from Kwethluk photographer Bob Hallinen and I hope to spend the next few days in Bethel. In town? Be sure to say hello.