Rav’n about Sitka

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn recounts the mysterious 1986 disappearance of 17-year-old Virgil Wade Tackett, who vanished after taking a small boat out on Sitka Sound. Despite exhaustive searches by authorities and his family, Wade was never found, leaving only rumors and unanswered questions. The episode explores Sitka’s deep connection to the sea, the enduring pain of loss, and how Wade’s story became wove...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathryn explores the complex history of Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska. She recounts Reverend Sheldon Jackson’s role in founding the Sitka Industrial and Training School, his efforts to educate Alaska Native children, and the cultural costs of forced assimilation. Kathrynn traces the school’s evolution into Sheldon Jackson College, its closure in 2007, and its transformation in...

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn shares the inspiring story of Ellen Hope Hays, a Tlingit leader and civil rights advocate from Sitka, Alaska. Kathrynn traces Ellen’s journey from her early education and activism to her groundbreaking leadership in Native organizations and cultural preservation. The episode highlights Ellen’s pivotal role in advancing Alaska Native representation, her dedication to language and...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn takes listeners on a lively, figurative hike through the mountains surrounding Sitka, Alaska. She explores the history, legends, and cultural significance of peaks like Mount Edgecumbe, Verstovia, Arrowhead, Bear Mountain, Harbor Mountain, and Cross Mountain. Kathrynn shares Tlingit traditions, local pranks, military history, and humorous anecdotes, all while celebrating the mou...

In this episode of Raven About Sitka, host Kathrynn interviews David Kanosh, a Tlingit storyteller, linguist, and culture bearer. David shares his journey growing up in Sitka, his passion for languages, and his experiences overcoming challenges like vision loss. He discusses the importance of storytelling in Tlingit culture, the role of the trickster Raven, and how he adapts traditional tales for modern audiences. David encourages ...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn guides listeners through Sitka, Alaska’s historic streets, exploring iconic sites like Castle Hill, Saint Michael’s Cathedral, the Russian Bishop’s House, and the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall. She weaves together stories of indigenous leadership, Russian colonization, American acquisition, wartime history, and Alaska Native civil rights, showing how Sitka’s architecture embodi...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the symbolic and spiritual significance of ravens in both the natural world of Sitka and biblical texts. She discusses how ravens, often seen as unclean in ancient Hebrew culture, play vital roles in scripture—such as feeding the prophet Elijah—and serve as symbols of resilience, provision, and transformation. Kathrynn also connects these biblical themes to the raven’s ...

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn, the self-proclaimed fog whisperer, explores the surprising spiritual connection between Sitka, Alaska, and the Dave Matthews Band. Though the band has never performed in Sitka, Kathrynn draws poetic parallels between their nature-inspired music and Sitka’s deep environmental values. She highlights shared themes of sustainability, reverence for nature, and community spirit, blen...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," guest host Kalynn guides listeners through the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, Alaska. She explores the center’s vital work rehabilitating injured birds of prey—like bald eagles, golden eagles, owls, and hawks—while highlighting its educational and research missions. Kalynn introduces resident raptors, shares inspiring recovery stories, and encourages support through visits, donations, or symb...

In this episode of "Rav'n About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores Whalefest, Sitka’s annual marine science symposium and festival. She highlights its unique blend of scientific talks, art, music, and community events celebrating whales during their fall migration. Kathrynn discusses the festival’s history, educational activities, and its importance to Sitka’s culture and marine conservation. With engaging stories about whale-watching,...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn ventures to Juneau, Alaska, to explore the haunted Baranov Hotel. She shares its glamorous history and chilling ghost stories, including the mysterious Woman in White, haunted elevators, the Mirror Man, and the phantom bellhop “Eddie.” Kathrynn recounts eerie listener experiences and staff encounters, discusses theories behind the hauntings, and offers advice for brave visitors....

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the fascinating world of bald eagles in Sitka, Alaska. She discusses their life cycle, nesting habits, and dramatic personalities, highlighting their importance in the local ecosystem and Tlingit culture. Kathrynn shares stories of eagle encounters, explains their unique behaviors, and emphasizes the conservation efforts that help these majestic birds thrive. The episod...

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn explores the intelligence, behavior, and cultural significance of ravens, focusing on the local Sitka raven. A deceased guest recites Poe’s iconic “Quoth the raven...nevermore,” highlighting the bird’s literary mystique. Pauline Duncan, a former teacher, shares how she adapted Tlingit raven legends for young children, reading her original stories about how raven brought light, f...