Shows
Rav’n about SitkaLegacy on the Hill: The Rise and Fall of Sheldon Jackson CollegeIn 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 into the Sitka Fine Arts Camp, reflecting on how the campus shifted from a site of cultural suppression to one of creative expression and community renewal.
2025-10-1009 minRav’n about SitkaA Voice That Echoes Through Sitka: Ellen Hope HaysIn 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 heritage, and her enduring legacy in Southeast Alaska. Kathrynn also honors the Tlingit people’s ancestral land, emphasizing respect for their culture and Ellen’s lasting impact on her community.
2025-09-1606 minRav’n about SitkaPeaks and Giggles: The Mountains of SitkaIn 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 mountains’ roles in Sitka’s identity and daily life. The episode blends storytelling and humor, encouraging listeners to appreciate the beauty, stories, and spirit of Sitka’s iconic landscape.
2025-08-2007 minRav’n about SitkaA very special conversation with a legendary Sitka StorytellerIn 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 embracing one’s uniqueness, fostering cultural understanding, and using stories to connect and heal the community. The episode highlights Sitka’s vibrant heritage and the enduring power of language and tradition.
2025-08-1135 minRav’n about SitkaTimber and Time: Sitka’s Living LandmarksIn 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 embodies resilience, spiritual devotion, and layered history. Kathrynn invites listeners to see Sitka’s buildings as living witnesses to the city’s complex past and enduring community spirit.
2025-08-0407 minRav’n about SitkaProvision by Beak: The Raven’s MessageIn 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 revered status in Tlingit culture, inviting listeners to see ravens as powerful messengers and reminders of unexpected grace in everyday life.
2025-07-2805 minRav’n about SitkaCrashing Into Dave Matthews… Sitka StyleIn 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, blending local culture with music appreciation. The episode offers a reflective, musical journey that celebrates the soulful bond between Sitka’s wild landscape and the introspective rhythms of the Dave Matthews Band.
2025-07-2304 minRav’n about SitkaFeathers, Flight, and Second ChancesIn 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 symbolic adoptions. The episode emphasizes the ecological importance of raptors and the center’s role in wildlife conservation, inviting listeners to experience the wonder of these majestic birds up close.
2025-07-2108 minRav’n about SitkaWhale of a Time: Sitka’s Whalefest CelebrationIn 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, student projects, and local traditions, the episode captures Whalefest’s spirit and its role in connecting Sitka’s people to the ocean and inspiring marine stewardship.
2025-07-1708 minRav’n about SitkaVoice of Justice: Celebrating Elizabeth Voice of Justice: Celebrating Elizabeth Peratrovich DayIn this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn honors Elizabeth Wanamaker Peratrovich, a trailblazer in Alaska’s civil rights movement. Kathrynn recounts Elizabeth’s life, her pivotal 1945 speech that led to Alaska’s anti-discrimination law, and the annual Elizabeth Peratrovich Day celebrations on February 16th. The episode highlights community events, student reflections, and the ongoing relevance of Elizabeth’s legacy, urging listeners to continue advocating for justice and representation. Kathrynn's storytelling inspires listeners to remember Elizabeth’s courage and to take action against discrimination in their own lives.
2025-07-1406 minRav’n about SitkaRoom with a Boo: The Ghosts of Juneau's Baranof HotelIn 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. The episode ends with a lighthearted local tale and Kathrynn’s invitation for listeners to share their own spooky stories, leaving the Baranov’s mysteries lingering in the air.
2025-07-1214 minRav’n about SitkaTalon It Like It Is: Sitka’s Sky KingsIn 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 episode celebrates the close relationship between Sitka’s residents and bald eagles, encouraging listeners to appreciate and protect these iconic symbols of the wild.
2025-07-1012 minRav’n about SitkaRaven Minds: Smarter Than You ThinkIn 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, fire, and water to the world. The episode celebrates ravens’ cleverness and their importance in both science and indigenous culture, encouraging listeners to appreciate these remarkable birds.
2025-07-0813 minRav’n about SitkaBear Country: The Wild Neighbors of SitkaLearn about the bears native to Sitka Alaska and how important they are to Sitka's ecosystem.
2025-06-2707 minRav’n about SitkaGunpowder and Cedar: The Tlingit-Russian WarJoin us as we explore the dramatic war between the Tlingit people and the Russian invaders-a conflict that proved the resilience and bravery of Sitka's founders.
2025-06-2406 min2025-06-1906 minRav’n about SitkaGuardians of the Coast: Sitka’s U.S. Coast Guard LegacyJoin us for some harrowing stories of rescue, heroism and community by Air Station Sitka-our local base for the United States Coast Guard.
2025-06-1606 minRav’n about SitkaGhosts of Sitka: Spirits in the MistListen to our guest host, Kahryn, talk about the lingering spirits that you might come across while visiting Sitka, Alaska
2025-06-1205 minRav’n about SitkaSitka’s Got Soul – Tourism in the Wildest Corner of AlaskaListen as we adventure into the exciting world of tourism in Sitka, Alaska!
2025-06-1007 minRav’n about SitkaSitka: Where Cultures Converge on the Edge of the WorldJoin us in celebrating the unique sense of culture experienced when you visit Sitka, Alaska.
2025-06-0905 minRav’n about SitkaFrom Sea to Summit: The Capital Shift from Sitka to JuneauLearn about the history of how the capital of Alaska makes a move after 40 years from Sitka to Juneau.
2025-06-0905 minRav’n about Sitka10 Fascinating Things About Sitka, AlaskaFor our first official full-length episode, join us and learn about 10 fascinating things about Sitka, and decide what you want to do when you visit!
2025-06-0906 minRav’n about SitkaRav'n About Sitka TrailerWelcome to Raven About Sitka—the podcast where rainforest meets you.
Join us from the lush, rain-soaked town of Sitka, Alaska, where towering spruce trees, moody skies, and opinionated ravens set the scene. Each episode, we wander beyond the tourist brochures to explore the wild beauty, rich stories, and quirky truths of life on the edge of the Tongass National Forest.
Whether you're visiting by cruise ship, thinking about moving here, or just curious what it's like to share a sidewalk with a sea lion—this podcast is for you. Expect local voices, natural wonders, cult...
2025-04-2602 min