Ann Fienup-Riordan Livres

In this book, close to one hundred men and women from all over southwest Alaska share knowledge of their homeland and the plants that grow there. They speak eloquently about time spent gathering and storing plants and plant material during snow-free months, including gathering greens during spring, picking berries each summer, harvesting tubers from the caches of tundra voles, and gathering a variety of medicinal plants. The book is intended as a guide to the identification and use of edible and medicinal plants in southwest Alaska, but also as an enduring record of what Yup’ik men and women know and value about plants and the roles plants continue to play in Yup’ik lives. 

The author explores the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's Native peoples through her extensive body of work. Her books delve into various aspects of Yup'ik culture, including traditional practices, art forms like mask-making, and the impact of media on perceptions of Alaska Eskimos. Fienup-Riordan's writings highlight the voices and wisdom of the Yup'ik people, reflecting her deep commitment to preserving and sharing their stories. Based in Anchorage, she brings a unique perspective to her fieldwork and research.

Fienup-Riordan's work focuses on the rich cultural heritage of Alaska's Native peoples, exploring their traditions and history through various mediums. Her notable publications include in-depth studies on Yup'ik masks and the representation of Alaska Eskimos in film. Collaborating with Marie Meade, she has contributed to significant texts that delve into ancestral practices and spiritual expressions, showcasing the vibrant legacy and contemporary relevance of Indigenous Alaskan culture.

The Yup'ik people of southwest Alaska were among the last Arctic peoples to come into contact with non-Natives, and as a result, Yup'ik language and many traditions remain vital into the twenty-first century. Wise Words of the Yup'ik People documents their qanruyutait (adages, words of wisdom, and oral instructions) regarding the proper living of life.

"Lifeways in Southwest Alaska today remains inextricably bound to the seasonal cycles of sea and land. Community members continue to hunt, fish, and make products from the life found in the rivers and sea. Based on a wealth of oral histories collected over decades of research, this book explores the ancestral relationship between Yup'ik people and the natural world of Southwest Alaska. Nunakun-gguq Ciutengqertut studies the overlapping lives of the Yup'ik with native plants, animals, and birds, and traces how these relationships transform as more Yup'ik relocate to urban areas and with the changing environment. The book is presented in bilingual format, with facing-page translations, and will be hailed as a milestone work in the anthropological study of contemporary Alaska"-- Provided by publisher

The book features insights from Nelson Island elders, who recount the significance of various traditional sites, including camps, villages, and waterways. Through their narratives, it highlights how these locations shaped community interactions historically and continue to hold meaning today. The stories serve as both a detailed historical record and an exploration of the evolving relationship between the people and their land, showcasing the deep cultural connection and changes in land use over time.

Focusing on the wisdom of Yup'ik elders, this book documents essential teachings about living in harmony with the environment. Over nearly a decade, the elders shared practical skills and ethical insights regarding their interactions with land, ocean, and weather. The discussions emphasize the philosophical aspects of their relationship with nature and address the impacts of environmental change. Aimed at educating both their youth and outsiders, it serves as a vital resource for understanding Yup'ik cultural perspectives on the natural world.

The book explores the cultural significance of Yup'ik parkas through nearly twenty years of conversations with sewing groups in southwestern Alaska. It highlights the intricate construction techniques and aesthetic beauty of these garments, while also reflecting on their social importance within the community. The authors incorporate insights gained from visits to major museums, enriching the narrative with historical context and showcasing the artistry involved in parka making.