Joan O'Leary

This is a continution of an interview with Pat Lando by Karen Brewster and Marla Statscewich on April 29, 2012 in Valdez, Alaska.

Sy Neeley was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 at his home in Glennallen, Alaska. His wife, Carol, operates Carol's Bed and Breakfast in their home. The weekend's lodgers were on their way out the door when Sy took a few hours off to do this recording. This break was a rare occurrence for the Neeleys, who not only run several businesses -- the B & B, a sanitation service, tax preparation -- but also provide volunteer services to the Glennallen community. The previous day, the Neeleys had attended the funeral of a fourteen year old boy who, like the Neeleys' own daughter in 1971, had died tragically in an accident during the bright days of June. The coincidence of timing saddened them all the more and gave them pause to reflect on the many accidents that had claimed the lives of too many youngsters in this tiny, close knit community. Sy is a natural storyteller and his eyes light up as he recounts the exploits of fondly recalled old timers. In this first part of a two part interview, he describes growing up the Chistochina and Nabesna area, construction of the highway, and early methods of transportation. He talks about the ingenuity of the early pioneers, including an early bootlegger who used the seat tank to hold bottled contraband, which was delivered en-route to legitimate booked deliveries. He talks about friendships with old timers, like Bill Cameron, a worker at the Nabesna Mine. He describes the elaborate, world-class, big game hunts executed by the esteemed guide, Harry Boyden, who later sold his land to the Ellises (see tape Oral History 95-71-02 for further accounts of Boyden). Sy's interview contains a lot of gems like this, colorful and humorous anecdotes from a life spent listening, laughing, and living amidst the great community that is the Copper River Valley.

Henra Sundt was interviewed by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 in Gakona, Alaska. This interview was conducted at her summer home next to the Gakona Lodge. Henra's son, Roy, and her granddaughter, Kari, also were present during the interview. Henra, was living mostly in Anchorage, and was spending her first weekend of the summer in Gakona, tending to the lawn, seeing friends, and tidying up. When Bill Schneider and David Krupa arrived, Henra was busy clipping the grass growing up around the towering spruce in her front yard. In this interview, Henra recalls her life experience with relish and humor. In this first part of a two part interview, she gives an excellent account of traveling along the precarious and precipitous "goat" road from Valdez to Glennallen and on to Gakona, where she and her husband got their start. She describes many of the colorful characters who passed through the Gakona Lodge and records some of her own adventures, including hiking across the mountains to visit her husband at Slate Creek. She tells of her struggle to carry on alone after her husband's death. She and her son, Roy, give a darkly humorous account of some historical deaths, burials, and reburials in the Gakona area. The interview provides a good perspective on early life along the highway and the characters who passed through.

This is a continuation of an interview with Sy Neeley by Bill Schneider and David Krupa on June 13, 1993 at his home in Glennallen, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Sy talks about old timers,Big Carl Carlson, Henra Sundt, and Thad Conkle, and changes that have occurred in the Copper River Valley. Perhaps his most humorous story revolves around Big Carl Carlson (see tape Oral History 85-87 for more on Carlson), a man famous in his younger days for being able to lift two 250 pound counterbalances during the July 4th celebrations. In his old age, Carl enjoyed his drink and cared little for appearances. Sy suggests that Carl may have launched the tourism industry in Alaska one afternoon as he stood on a street corner outside his favorite watering hole in Copper Center. A bus pulled to a stop in front of Big Carl and as a woman exited she was shocked by the unexpected sight of Big Carl, stooped with age, hulking, drunk, flashing not only his big gray eyebrows but also the "better part of a man's business." It seems he had relieved himself and neglected to button his trousers. Sy's interview contains a lot of gems like this, colorful and humorous anecdotes from a life spent listening, laughing, and living amidst the great community that is the Copper River Valley.

This is a continuation of the interview with Lee Saylor on June 5, 2013 by Karen Brewster at his home in North Pole, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Lee talks more about the people and history of Healy Lake. He discusses relations and trade with people of the Copper River area, especially for copper, and the 1927 potlatch that Old Chief Healy gave where he brought Copper River chiefs to Healy Lake. Lee mentions Old Sam and his father, Tseyh, tells a story about a young woman who was taken by another tribe as a slave, and describes the hunting, trapping, and trading lifestyle of the Upper Tanana region. Lee also talks about establishment of a school at Healy Lake and Dot Lake, the epidemic in the 1940s that killed many people of Healy Lake, impact of the Alaska Highway, and connections between communities in the Upper Tanana region.

Eugene Brower was interviewed on November 12, 2013 by Karen Brewster and Dyre "Oliver" Dammann at the Inupiat Heritage Center in Barrow, Alaska. In this interview, Eugene shares his knowledge of and experience with whaling and changing sea ice conditions around Barrow, Alaska. He discusses the unique conditions of the Spring 2013 whaling season, and adaptation to future change.

This is the continuation of an interview with Joe Leavitt on November 13, 2013 by Karen Brewster and Dyre "Oliver" Dammann  at the Tuzzy Consortium Library in Barrow, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Joe talks about using common sense to stay safe when out on the sea ice, choosing whale camp and whale butchering locations, teaching the young generations, and the use of satellite imagery and technology. He also talks about the unusual late harvest of a whale in June 2013.

This is the continuation of an interview with Roy Nageak, Sr. on November 13, 2013 by Karen Brewster and Dyre "Oliver" Dammann  at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Barrow, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Roy talks about the unusual ice conditions during the Spring 2013 whaling season, and changes in the prevailing winds and ice conditions. He also talks about building trails across the ice to whale camp, understanding the ice and safety, and the use of satellite imagery and technology.

This is a continuation of an interview with Roy David, Sr. on December 10, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the school in Tetlin, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Roy talks about hunting, hunting regulations, and changes he has seen in the environment and wildlife. Roy also tells a traditional story about two girls getting lost and suffering the consequences of not listening to advice given to them by Chickadee. He emphasizes the important lesson of this story that shows what can go wrong when you disobey.

This is the continuation of an interview with Jacob Adams, Sr. on November 15, 2013 by Karen Brewster in the North Slope Borough Assembly's conference room in the Borough's central office building in Barrow, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Jacob talks about crews working together to build trails across the ice to whale camps at the open lead, advice for understanding ice safety, changing ice conditions and having to move whale camp sites, and adaptations for the future as ice conditions continue to change.

Crawford Patkotak and his father, Simeon Patkotak, Sr. were interviewed on November 13, 2013 by Karen Brewster and Dyre Oliver Dammann at Crawford's home in Barrow, Alaska. Crawford's wife, Laura, and their son, Josiah, were also present at the interview. Inupiaq is Simeon's first language, so at age 81 he is more comfortable speaking Inupiaq than English. During the interview, Simeon would speak in Inupiaq and Crawford would translate what he said into English. The "In Inupiaq" portions of the transcript were translated by Muriel Hopson. In this first part of a two part interview, Crawford and Simeon talk about learning to go whaling and how to read the ice conditions, wind and current. Crawford speaks in particular about the unusual ice conditions in the spring of 2013 and his decision to keep his whaling crew at home for the season, as well as about safety issues in general, changing ice conditions over the years, and about trail building.

Cecil Martin was interviewed on December 11, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the tribal council office in Dot Lake, Alaska. In this interview, Cecil talks about his grandfather, Gene Henry, and his hunting, fishing and trapping activities at Batzulnetas, in the upper Copper River area, and around Dot Lake. Cecil shares his memories of his grandfather and his stories, as well as sharing his own fishing experience in the Batzulnetas area. Cecil also talks about his work as a wildlands firefighter and changes that have occurred in the community of Dot Lake.

Marilyn Leland was interviewed on June 29, 2007 by Sharon Bushell. The location of the interview is unknown. However, because Marilyn was the Deputy Director of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council from 1994-2006, it is likely this interview took place in Valdez, Alaska. Marilyn's interview was conducted as part of Sharon Bushell's work on the book, The Spill: Personal Stories from the Exxon Valdez Disaster, by Stan Jones and Sharon Bushell. (Kenmore, WA: Epicenter Press, 2009). In this interview, Marilyn talks about the Cordova District Fishermen United Union's response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, the factions in the Cordova community created by the spill, and changes in Cordova since the oil spill.

This is a continuation of the interview with Alfred Jonathan on December 11, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Tanacross, Alaska. In the first part of the interview (ORAL HISTORY 2013-14-04, PT.1), Alfred was joined by his wife, Mildred, but she had to leave for work so Alfred continued the interview without her. In this second part of a two part interview, Alfred talks about being sober and recovering from alcoholism, the old community of Mentasta, and the importance of speech making. He discusses changes in the village of Tanacross, in the animals and in the weather. He also talks about subsistence activities in and around Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the importance of teaching the youth about their culture and the importance of taking pride in their Native identity.

Billy Adams was interviewed on June 24, 2009 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). In this interview, Billy talks about the seasonal ice conditions and features, trails, safety, camp locations and whaling in Barrow during the 2009 spring season.

Jane Eisemann was interviewed on September 18, 2007 by Sharon Bushell in Kodiak, Alaska. Jane's interview was conducted as part of Sharon Bushell's work on the book, The Spill: Personal Stories from the Exxon Valdez Disaster, by Stan Jones and Sharon Bushell. (Kenmore, WA: Epicenter Press, 2009). In this interview, Jane talks about how the people of Kodiak responded to the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill and the cleanup efforts that took place near Kodiak. She also talks about the emotional and economic impacts of the oil spill on the town of Kodiak.

Jerome Selby was interviewed on September 17, 2007 by Sharon Bushell in Kodiak, Alaska. Jerome's interview was conducted as part of Sharon Bushell's work on the book, The Spill: Personal Stories from the Exxon Valdez Disaster, by Stan Jones and Sharon Bushell. (Kenmore, WA: Epicenter Press, 2009) In this interview, Jerome talks about the impact the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill had on the town of Kodiak, the personal conflicts caused by the oil spill, and important lessons learned from the spill and the subsequent cleanup efforts.

This is a continuation of the interview with Roy Robertson on August 16, 1989 by an unidentified male interviewer.  An unidentified female interviewer also asks one question near the end of the interview. The location of the interview is unknown, but since Roy was a field supervisor for VECO overseeing beach cleanup after the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill based out of Seldovia, Alaska, it is likely this interview took place there. The interview was conducted at the end of the summer after the oil spill when Exxon Corporation was stopping beach cleanup operations. It seems that this might have been an interview by a television reporter, given the nature of the questioning and the interviewer's desire to have Roy sum up his comments in a short sound bite format.  The original interview was obtained from the Alaska Resources Library and Information Service (ARLIS) in Anchorage, Alaska with limited association information. In this second part of a two part interview, Roy talks about frustrations of the job while working on beach cleanup and the organization of the cleanup operation. He provides his personal opinion about the timing of the end of the cleanup and whether he thought it was successful.

Patience Faulkner was interviewed on February 7, 2014 by Alicia Zorzetto at the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council in Anchorage, Alaska. Amanda Johnson operated the video camera. In this first part of a three part interview, Patience talks about getting involved with the response to the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in Cordova, Alaska, working for VECO Corporation, helping to get Cordovans hired as cleanup workers, and VECO's relationship with the impacted Native communities.

This is a continuation of the interview with Patience Faulkner on February 7, 2014 by Alicia Zorzetto at the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council in Anchorage, Alaska. Amanda Johnson operated the video camera. In this third part of a three part interview, Patience talks about activities of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council, the need for similar advisory councils in the area impacted by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in the Gulf of Mexico, and the importance of financing, independence and representation of the councils.

Scott Sterling was interviewed on October 15, 2005 by Sharon Bushell. The location of the interview is unknown. However, because Scott lives in Anchorage, Alaska it is likely that is where the interview took place. Scott's interview was conducted as part of Sharon Bushell's work on the book, The Spill: Personal Stories from the Exxon Valdez Disaster, by Stan Jones and Sharon Bushell. (Kenmore, WA: Epicenter Press, 2009). In this interview, Scott talks about his work as the attorney for the City of Cordova during the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, working with the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council, and negotiating with the oil industry for public oversight of operations for improved safety.

This is a continuation of the interview with Bob Linville on December 17, 2013 by Alicia Zorzetto at the public library in Seward, Alaska. Amanda Johnson operated the video camera. In this second part of a four part interview, Bob talks about working on the cleanup of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, especially with the oiled bird rescue in Resurrection Bay. He also discusses his assessment of the cleanup and the bioremdiation. This interview has been edited.

This is a continuation of the interview with Bob Linville on December 17, 2013 by Alicia Zorzetto at the public library in Seward, Alaska. Amanda Johnson operated the video camera. In this third part of a four part interview, Bob talks about the health problems he developed as a result of exposure to oil and dispersants while working on the cleanup of the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill. He talks about the details of his medical conditon, as well as his battle with insurance companies to cover the costs of his treatment.

Jonathan Wills was interviewed on October 21, 2013 by Alicia Zorzetto at the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council in Anchorage, Alaska. Amanda Johnson operated the video camera. Scott Sterling also participated in this interview. In this first part of a three part interview, Jonathan talks about coming to Cordova during the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill as a journalist and becoming an activist. He and Scott also talk about the impact the spill had on the community of Cordova, and efforts made to prevent future spills by improving safety, oil tankers, and the oil industry. He also talks about the founding of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council and what it has accomplished.

This is a continuation of the interview with Jonathan Wills on October 21, 2013 by Alicia Zorzetto at the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council in Anchorage, Alaska. Amanda Johnson operated the video camera. Scott Sterling also participated in the interview. In this third part of a three part interview, Jonathan and Scott talk about the future of Alaska's oil-based economy and the Alaska Permanent Fund, creating a sustainable future, involving the younger generation, and advise for how to handle a future oil spill and avoid activist burnout.

Joe Leavitt was interviewed on June 25, 2009 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). In this interview, Joe talks about the ice conditions, trails, camp locations and whaling in Barrow during the 2009 spring season.

Lavell Wilson was interviewed on December 13, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Tok, Alaska.  His wife, Catherine Wilson, also was present at the interview.  In this interview, Lavell talks about growing up in Northway, hunting and trapping in the Northway, Nabesna, and Fortymile areas, and changes in the weather he has observed over the years.

This is a continuation of the interview of Urban Rahoi on March 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Barbara Cellarius at the National Park Service office in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Urban talks about changes that occurred when Wrangell-St. Elias Natonal Park and Preserve was established, his lodge at Ptarmigan Lake, and his thoughts on retirement.

This is a continuation of the interview of Jerry Isaac on January 14, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Fairbanks, Alaska.  In the second part of this two part interview, Jerry talks about his thoughts on community leadership and his work with the Tribal Council at Tanacross.

Roy Ahmaogak was interviewed on July 13, 2008 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). Roy was also interviewed on June 24, 2009. In this interview, Roy talks about the ice conditions, trails, camp locations and whaling in Barrow during the 2008 spring season. He also talks about the 1997 ice break-off event in Barrow where many people had to be rescued from drifting ice, and the importance of listening to crew members who understand and observe the ice.

Thomas "Tommy" Brower, III was interviewed on June 29, 2009 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). In this interview, Tommy talks about the ice conditions, trails, camp locations and whaling in Barrow during the 2009 spring season.

Benjamin "Ben" Nageak was interviewed on July 1, 2009 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). In this interview, Ben talks about the ice conditions, trails, camp locations and whaling in Barrow during the 2009 spring season, and how conditions have changed over time.

Dr. Lewis "Lew" Shapiro was interviewed on May 1, 2014 by Karen Brewster at his office at the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Lew was interviewed because of his extensive career researching sea ice mechanics in northern Alaska, and because of his role in the project related to potential oil development of the Alaskan continental shelf whose interviews appear in the North Alaskan Sea Ice Project Jukebox and in the Historical References to Ice Conditions Along the Beaufort Sea Coast of Alaska (Scientific Report, Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairbanks, 1979). In this interview, Lew talks about the motivation behind the interviewing project, the funding, and the staff working on it. He also talks about his scientific research studying sea ice dynamics, working on oil industry funded projects, and results of his research.

Crawford Patkotak was interviewed on June 26, 2009 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). In this interview, Crawford talks about the ice conditions and whaling in Barrow during the 2009 spring season. In particular, he talks about his decision to not go whaling in spring 2009, the effect of current on ice conditions, and the importance of observation and studying to understand the sea ice environment.

Thomas "Tommy" Brower, III was interviewed on July 12, 2008 by Matthew Druckenmiller in Barrow, Alaska. This interview was part of Matthew's research for a Ph.D. in Snow, Ice and Permafrost Geophysics from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. For his project, he mapped the trails built by whalers to their camps at the edge of the sea ice and talked with local residents about ice conditions, whale camps, and trail building. Results of his research can be found in his dissertation Alaska Shorefast Ice: Interfacing Geophysics With Local Sea Ice Knowledge and Use (2011). Tommy was also interviewed on June 29, 2009. In this interview, he talks about the ice conditions, trails, camp locations and whaling in Barrow during the 2008 spring season. He talks about how the ice conditions have changed since the 1970s, the difficulties of trying to pull up and butcher whales on thin ice, and use of modern technology like satellite imagery, trail maps, and GPS for navigation and assessing ice conditions. He also talks about experiences with ice break-off events.

This is the continuation of an interview with Art and Damaris (Dee) Mortvedt on April 3, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a two part interview, Art continues to discuss his Arctic and Antarctic flying adventures. Dee chimes in with her own experiences flying with Art as well as her role at home. They also talk about their wilderness lodge (Peace of Selby Wilderness Lodge) at Selby Lake in the Brooks Range.

This is a continuation of an interview with Bill English on March 29, 2012 by Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Syd Stealey is also present during the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Bill continues to talk about his career as a pilot, including flying overseas, and his work as a pilot trainer and FAA pilot certifier.

This is a recording of Bill Reed giving a presentation titled "I Remember the White Pass and Yukon Railroad” on May 11, 2010 at the Friends of the Tanana Valley Railroad’s monthly "Rail Stories" public lecture series held at the Tanana Valley Railroad Train Museum at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska. He is introduced by the organization's president, Dan Osborne. In this presentation, Bill provides a series of anecdotes about growing up with and working for the White Pass and Yukon Railroad in Skagway, Alaska. It includes funny stories about speeding down the rail on a hand cart, an employee who couldn't read well enough to understand the Fragile labeling on freight, and characters he worked with on the railroad. He also tells about accidents and scary near miss experiences.

Harold Woods and Richard Frank were interviewed on February 12, 1987 by William Schneider and Pete Bowers in Fairbanks, Alaska. In this interview, Harold and Richard talk about their experiences with the early days of sled dog racing in interior Alaska. They talk about specific races, including the Open North American Championship Sled Dog Race and the race from Fairbanks to Livengood, as well as differences between the early days and current racing. Harold also talks about breeding, raising and training sled dogs, other mushers he raced with, and being a dog team mail carrier between Rampart and Manley Hot Springs. For more information about the history of sled dog racing in Fairbanks, see an article titled "Sled Dog Racing in Fairbanks" written by Pete Bowers for the Alaska Dog Mushers Association which appeared in their 1983-1984 Race Season Program. For more about the history of the race from Fairbanks to Livengood, see an article titled "From Fairbanks to Livengood and Back" on pages 12-14 in the February/March 1988 issue of Mushing magazine.

This is a continuation of the interview with Jennifer "Jen" Raffaeli on April 27, 2015 by William Schneider and Karen Brewster at her home at Denali National Park, Alaska. Jayme Dittmar, a sled dog kennel staff member, was also present during the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Jen talks about the history of Denali's sled dogs and their breeding program, as well as about the staffing and operations of the kennels in both winter and summer seasons.  See the Denali National Park website for more information about the sled dog kennels and the role of sled dogs in cleaning up wilderness (including a short video clip of a clean up effort in Gates of the Arctic National Park). To keep up with the kennels' current activities, see their blog, "Runnin' With the Kennels."

Take a guided tour of Denali National Park's sled dog kennels with kennel manager, Jennifer Raffaeli (April 27, 2015; 19:41 min.).

This is a continuation of the interview with Emily Schwing on May 1, 2015 by Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a two part interview, Emily talks about what it is like to be a reporter on the Iditraod and Yukon Quest trails and what it has meant to her in her life. She discusses filing her radio and written stories from remote locations, interviewing mushers, and the most challenging and best parts of the job. She also talks about the special experiences she has had in the villages and making great friends because of these dog sled races.

This is the continuation of an interview with Andy Anderson on January 30, 2015 by Jan Yaeger at his home in Seldovia, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Andy talks about what Seldovia was like when he first arrived, changes in Seldovia brought about by the Urban Renewal Program after the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, and being police chief. He also talks about the road to Jakolof Bay and some of the old-timers of Seldovia.

Doug Pieren was interviewed on February 4, 2015 by Jan Yaeger at his home in Seldovia, Alaska. In this interview, Doug talks about his family history in Alaska dating back to 1934, the Ekren Cannery at Kasitsna Bay, working in the canneries, the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, and changes in Seldovia. He also talks about his interest in gardening, as well as rock and artifact collecting.

Lena Charley was interviewed on April 23, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at her home in Chistochina, Alaska. Jessica Denny, Lena's granddaughter, also participated in the interview. In this interview, Lena talks about growing up living a traditional subsistence lifestyle, learning to hunt, fish and trap, and working as a hunting guide in the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. She discusses what she did as a guide, what and where they hunted, and what it was like to be a woman guide when all the clients were men. She also talks about sled dog racing and running the Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race. Lena tells one story in particular about hunting a black bear by herself and carrying the animal back to camp on her back.

This is a continuation of the interview with David and Moya James on April 22, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home at Mile 1254 of the Alaska Highway near the Alaska/Canada border. In this second part of a two part interview, Moya talks about her children going to school in Tok, and David talks about fishing, duck and bird hunting, and small game and muskrat hunting. He also talks about changes in the wildlife populations.

This is a continuation of the interview with Wilson Justin on April 23, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the offices of the Cheesh’na Tribal Council in Chistochina, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Wilson talks about the effects of climate change on the landscape, on the subsistence lifestyle, and on the wildlife population in his area.

This is a continuation of an interview with Frank and Sue Entsminger on April 22, 2015 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at their home on the Tok Cutoff Road near Tok, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Frank and Sue talk about creation of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, finding ways to make a living, and changes in the nearby communities. They also talk about the guiding business, commercial fishing, trapping, and the various work they've done to be able to keep living their rural lifestyle.

This is a continuation of the interview with Michael "Mike" Miller on February 3, 2016 by Jan Yaeger at the Seldovia Museum in Seldovia, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Mike talks about memories of Russian Christmans celebrations when growing up in Seldovia, his experience with the 1964 Earthquake on a boat in Adak, Alaska, and his father's work as a police officer in Seldovia, including some of the difficult things he had to deal with. Mike also talks about why he decided to return to and settle in Seldovia.

This is a continuation of the interview with Clarence Summers on January 27, 2016 by Karen Brewster and Rachel Mason at the offices of the National Park Service in Anchorage, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Clarence continues to talk about his years working as a ranger for Wrangell-St. Elias National Park based out of Yakutat, Alaska. He talks about regulating hunting and fishing, working with other Park Service employees, and relationships with the local Tlingit people and their historic uses of the Malaspina Forelands and surrounding areas. He also provides an overview of his Park Service career and talks about changes he has seen during his time in Alaska and at Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Robert "Bob" Raichle was interviewed on September 14, 2015 by Leslie McCartney in the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Bob talks about his background, entering the military and getting assigned to the Nike Missile Sites, working at Site Love near Fairbanks, Alaska, and his duties and responsibilities as Battery Commander. He also walks through how a missile firing might go, talks about being evaluated, and how the site was helpful during the 1967 Fairbanks Flood.