Alaska Natives - The Untold Story 🇺🇸

Far north of the lower 48 is a special place called Alaska. Here, the Natives tell their stories about growing up in a world removed from roads, learning English as a second language, their perspective of being Native in Alaska, and how they feel about the US. Join me as we learn about another place and people in America that most of us know little about.
► Join our community: www.bit.ly/3HC...
► Video edited by: Natalia Santenello
► Researched by: Kymberly Redmond
SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL ✅
► PayPal: www.paypal.com... (one-time support)
► Patreon: / petersantenello (monthly support)
► Subscribe: bit.ly/3yVXktx
FOLLOW ME 📸
► Instagram: / petersantenello
► KZbin: / @petersantenello
► Facebook: / petersantenello
► Website: petersantenell...
► Twitter: / petersantenello
OTHER VIDEO SERIES 🎞️
► Cowboys&Ranchers🇺🇸: • COWBOYS & RANCHERS 🇺🇸
► Amish 🇺🇸: • AMISH
► Hoods 🔥: • HOODS
► Hasidic Jews 🇺🇸: • HASIDIC JEWS
► Muslims in USA 🇺🇸: • MUSLIMS IN USA 🇺🇸
► USA Border 🇺🇸: • US BORDER 🇺🇸
► USA 🇺🇸: • USA 🇺🇸
► Iran 🇮🇷: • IRAN 🇮🇷
► Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦: • SAUDI ARABIA 🇸🇦
► Pakistan 🇵🇰: • PAKISTAN 🇵🇰
► Ukraine 🇺🇦: • UKRAINE 🇺🇦
► Living With A Ukrainian Family Displaced From War 🇺🇦: • FISH OUT of WATER (Doc...
► India 🇮🇳: • INDIA 🇮🇳
► Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 : • KYRGYZSTAN 🇰🇬
► Belarus 🇧🇾: • BELARUS 🇧🇾
► Kazakhstan 🇰🇿: • KAZAKHSTAN 🇰🇿
MY GEAR 🎥
► GoPro 8: amzn.to/32d87iD
► IPhone 12 Pro (for B-Roll): www.apple.com/...
► Laptop: amzn.to/37HRuN8
► SD Cards: amzn.to/2V8Z5kY
► Tripod: amzn.to/2V93LHM
► Drone (I use sparingly): amzn.to/2HHWfeZ
► Hard drives
Fast/expensive: amzn.to/2PaRvCH
Slower/less expensive: amzn.to/328XFIS
► Backpack
Men’s: amzn.to/38HoMNE
Women’s: amzn.to/2SVX6xQ
NOTE 📝
► This description contains affiliate links for products and services that I believe you my audience might receive value from. Each purchase through an affiliate link gives me a small percentage of the sale.
Thank You All!!!
All rights reserved © 2022 Peter Santenello

[@PeterSantenello]

👋Thanks for watching! Join our community HERE: bit.ly/3HC36EH

[@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

My sister was born in Alaska in 1949. Her birth certificate said territory. How delightful these ladies are.

[@juliahaynie764]

Hope you make it up to Fairbanks! Will you be staying for the winter?

[@teresagradolf974]

Terry pete R for real estate Sam vernachio Terry Pete reno to Lebanon

[@romeisfallingagain]

thanks peter. alaska is my favourite place in america. thanks for the insights

[@six1nina560]

Ty for being so brave n likeable ❤

[@mztechchavez]

As a Native woman from Kewa Pueblo, New Mexico, these ladies are the type of ladies that bring so much strength and knowledge to our own communities. I loved them like they were my aunties. What a delightful way of connecting with them out in nature and especially the wonderful seasonal task that many of our tribes do like picking fruits and plants that help us. You’re doing a fantastic job Peter, thank you on this beautiful video. Send those ladies our love from us Native ladies here in NM. ♥️🙏♥️♥️♥️

[@MistofRain752]

I couldn't have said it any better...

[@InternacionalBoxing]

Just wish they would've married Natives and not White Men. To keep the culture going

[@ramennoods8834]

Sheeesh I love the way the native lady talks about everything. With such wonder and joy and amazement. Love love love. Amazing

[@kilroygirl7347]

@@InternacionalBoxing inter

[@user-absinia]

You guys are beautiful human beings. I went to Eastern New Mexico university, graduated march 2022. I am from Africa(Ethiopia) but the first time I step in the soil of New Mexico I felt some kind of connection with the nature, I felt home!! Love u guys and I always listen to your stories

[@sarahs5575]

These two ladies are a hoot! Love seeing them laugh together, and it’s obvious they’ve experienced so much over the years. Love your work, as always!

[@the2ndcoming135]

“We didn’t know what cartoons was. We didn’t know what tv was.”

[@antonibertolacci7030]

Beautiful woman ! ❤

[@micheledickey4066]

I love how the woman were just comfortably sitting there in the grass chatting away. Stories like these woman spoke of are soooo very important and we can all learn so much from them. Always listen to older people!! They are wise and have so much to offer.

[@larrycastro4739]

Your awesome

[@the2ndcoming135]

Yeah, that’s awesome they had a 100% pure Native island. I understand how us lower 48 are westernized😂

[@Mexirose02]

Totally envious that you were able to hang out with such humble native people with ‘old world’ experience. Not to mention their playful personalities, I love it! Once in a lifetime cool experience.

[@terryevans898]

You sure do have some beautiful eyes 😍

[@WelcomeToJ]

Peter, it's amazing how you can genuinely connect, talk with and hang out with literally anyone - young, old, any background. It's a special skill. I hope you're keeping a wall of your adventures in your home or something. P.s. these ladies are amazing. Great meeting them! 😄

[@walt3rwhit387]

I mean it’s really not that hard. Too many people nowadays have no social skills because of social media/technology and also just a lack of spiritual awareness. Most people haven’t matured enough spiritually to be able to truly empathize with other humans and open their hearts and minds.

[@Picklerick99]

Well said

[@xymzk]

@@walt3rwhit387 you countered what you said. And the vast majority of older folks who didn't grow up with that would have trouble doing this well.

[@walt3rwhit387]

@@xymzk Serve people, feed people.

[@monsieurlemon]

@@walt3rwhit387 i agree its a generational thing maybe

[@kachow9323]

As a Yup’ik teenager who still lives in alaska i appreciate how respectful you are to not only the people but also our cultures! i also love just hearing stories about my apa’s past. The time where people were forced into boarding schools. And know i go to the very same boarding school as he did. i love seeing how much it changed. And just learning more about my culture here!

[@kachow9323]

apa is just a shortened word for grandpa btw

[@nataliefoster9318]

Would love to sit down with your grandad and listen to his stories. I would never get bored - certainly wouldn't need a tv or computer for entertainment. I know there is alot of wrongs made towards natives and very sad memories for him. With me being from the UK we have a very different history c

[@richardlittler613]

Did you ever come across a hairyman ?

[@k7alo]

Peter, my grandma was Tlingit and grew up in Sitka AK pre-statehood. Schools and jobs were still quite segregated. The stories that woman told about her life. She was half Tlingit and married my grandpa, a white man. She was nurse, and grandpa was a logger and got injured....they met at the hospital under her care. I miss them very much. Thank you for this series.

[@TrashPandaKai907]

This was great to watch! Reminds me of the Chedas (grandmothers) from my rural village. Im Athabascan, Alaskan. My mom is 100% Athabascan and my dad is Hawaiian/Polynesian. Growing up in my small village has been an absolute blessing. My dad gifted me a .270 rifle for my 7th birthday. Camped on the river only under a tarp and dropped my first bull moose when I was 8 years old. A nice 69 inch. Also dropped my first black bear that year too. We live probably around 80-90% off the land. Moose, caribou, black bear and salmon is what's currently packed in my freezer. I built my home from logs and all of my cabins in my summer fishcamp. I could never imagine living anywhere else. The absolute freedom to be able to hunt, fish and gather everything you need to feed your family is a feeling like no other.

[@PLUSCHILL]

I love these wise women. They really made me smile, and their history is very interesting.

[@patriciabourque]

Finally. Focus on Indigenous teaching truths. Just remember, each Nation is different. Love this one.

[@leardi58]

Well said

[@SocketSilver]

Yes!

[@Cornerstanding]

True

[@donaldhofman5257]

Thanks for doing this!!! 99.9 percent of people have no idea about the history of the native Alaskan!!!

[@pattyandersen5516]

This guy is very respectful. And learning. I wish others would educate themselves.

[@shumate86]

We moved from Oklahoma to Alaska 6 weeks ago. This video was fantastic and I can't wait to see more of this series. The attitude towards the native people here (that Ive seen so far) has been a kind of reverence and respect. I would love to meet these delightful ladies and soak up all their knowledge like a little sponge!

[@billg7205]

I believe people appreciate their life more as time goes on, as they realize the elites who created the modern world, created it to self destruct as non sustainable, and to destroy it.

[@SocketSilver]

The bad ugly ones are always brought up. Most people are good! Thanks for sharing!

[@kevinadams7830]

Where you at? I've moved to AK over 5 years ago. Lived in Kenai for the first year and have lived in Wasilla ever since. Of the places I've been, Wasilla is the best place to be in AK. In my opinion. From Michigan originally

[@shumate86]

@@kevinadams7830 we live in Anchorage but I'm in Seward now for work and it's absolutely beautiful

[@kevinadams7830]

@@shumate86 It is. I've visited Seward a few times

[@johnwright3426]

This dude needs his own tv show! You should do a series on Everest Sherpa’s, they’re another breed!

[@sarahjane4908]

This channel reminds me of the TV show Vice before it got all weird and political. Such fascinating stories.

[@sarahmariah100]

Agree

[@LeeAllen337]

These ladies are absolutely great. Such humor and great to talk to. Thanks for sharing Peter.

[@lawyersgunsandmoney887]

Wow. Absolutely love these two beautiful ladies. Wish I lived near them to meet them. Beautiful interview 🤍

[@the2ndcoming135]

Yeah, like unlocking a bonus part of the map in GTA and a new story mode.

[@Marrow9000]

One of the best edu-travel channels for culture and leads to self examination

[@fkhothatchi]

Fancy florida man story had me laughing!! these ladies have so much character and charisma in them

[@jsy3359]

I lived up in Alaska for a few years in my 20s, wonderful place with wonderful people. One summer I worked in a fly-in village up north. I’ll never forget one day a little, old native woman came down the river in her boat, walked in to the general store where I was working and tried to buy a bunch of liquor. I wasn’t allowed to sell it to her because she was from the dry village down the river. I’ve never felt so horrible in my life, I felt almost racist, telling this older woman I couldn’t sell her the liquor. I just kept telling myself it was her village that made the rules and it was to help keep the population of that village healthy. Drinking and drugs were definitely a big problem up there and that was over 10 years ago, I can’t imagine what it’s like now.

[@doenjohnjo434]

Wow very eye opening. Good job

[@gabeclark8050]

It’s not much better. My best friend works as a paralegal and it’s absolutely depressing how bad things are with the natives. As a foreigner to Alaska, I have no ingrained resentment for them but it’s just so rough to see the racism for the unfortunate natives sometimes.

[@elonmusk9869]

Very racist

[@JoelMMcKinney]

Alcohol : smallpox blankets.

[@KingDennisJensen]

That is so sad :(

[@laynejaine]

As a native man from Canada. I really enjoyed this one and it was like listening to my kokum or auntie tell me stories of the old life before the white man . Looking forward to the video with the elders !

[@tacrewgirl]

As Alaskan resident, I really appreciate this video. I enjoyed those two ladies. They were a hoot! Don't worry Peter, you're here in prime berry picking season. It's interesting how Yulia and Gwen mentioned that they think there was a correlation with the increased suicides when the TVs were introduced. There were a lot for a period of time. It was a very sad time. Thanks for doing these interviews. Can't wait to see your time in Savoonga. There are 250+ native villages in the state. It's fun when the names become familiar, roll off your tongue, and you know someone from there.

[@dawnhopkins3085]

Before I begin watching this , thank you ! I am from Unalakleet Alaska ...it is so finally nice to see something that isn't fake like on the TLC channel🙄

[@jondstewart]

I’ve been to Nome, Wales, Tin City, Galena, and Pilgrim Hot Springs in the area, but not Unalakleet. Do they have an AC store, fitness center, swimming pool, etc. like some villages? Is it more Yupik or Inupiaq? It lies like right on the border of the two ethnicities.

[@beekeeper2036]

@@jondstewart Inupiaq

[@GGPop808]

I live in NM, I’m Hispanic but we are surrounded by reservation. The natives here are Navajo & it’s very similar to the Alaskan natives. You can really see the similarities in pronunciation & facial expressions. Such a sacred culture & spiritual respect. NM is much different in land. But you can see similarities in many ways.

[@SocketSilver]

We share roots through our language, Athabaskan. I love my Brown brothers!

[@GGPop808]

@@SocketSilver that’s awesome! It really is sacred & beautiful to see such a strong culture

[@paddington1670]

so alike all of ours

[@DramaMustRemainOnTheStage]

My middle sister lives in New Mexico as well. She's in Albuquerque. Beautiful land of enchantment

[@Trenz0]

The Athabaskan language family is extremely interesting especially in terms of how spread out it is. There's even an Athabaskan language in northern California (such as Hupa) which is especially interesting given how geographically isolated those are from the rest of their cousin languages

[@cathyb2204]

I'm jealous you got to hang out with such characters! Thank you for introducing them to us.

[@drdavinsky]

The grey lady was racist

[@indycustommade3568]

Yulia and Gwen are wise beyond their years. They would be awesome to sit with and talk to. Watching them together it seems like Yulia is the calm and collected one, and Gwen is the firecracker. I wish them well.

[@ExplorewithHAROLD]

Just looking cool for somebody that is cool…love the vibe of these two ladies

[@ariannbouchard5802]

Yes! Go native. These voices need to be heard.

[@TS-mq1fj]

Thank You Peter, Such a blessing to have you share our stories . Our ways and traditions have much that will enrich and nourish those who ask.

[@patriciaschmitt6448]

I just loved the ladies - wonderful sense of humour, laughing, enjoying where they are, appreciative of life. Peter you bring the most amazing stories to us. This has been a great series of learning and respect to the people of Alaska.

[@oh2887]

What a great friendship they have and a great sense of humour

[@artaudjjuststeph5168]

The 2 ladies are adorable!!!! Great history lesson.

[@belles1blog]

as an Alaska Native Athabascan, this is such a great interview! dena’ina lands are so beautiful & alaska is so amazing. you are so respectful towards the elders!! thank you for shining light onto this, chin’an gheli!!

[@BrendaHaltom-cs6ck]

I enjoyed meeting those Alaska native ladies! Thank you Peter!

[@LeaveNoTrashBehind]

Ahh heck yeah man, I'm so happy you're doing a video about Natives. Hopefully you'll have the opportunity to do more about other Native tribes.

[@keithg1955]

Those women are so much more happier and content than I am....it puts a smile on my face tho to see them enjoying each moment

[@nancyjohnson7744]

Those women are so precious. I really enjoy listening to them many blessings, and thank you for sharing 🙏

[@PaulMuzik]

These ladies were absolutely awesome !!!!

[@enigmaticgwichin1630]

Awesome video! I live in the Yukon Flats here in Alaska. You did great finding these elders. They represent the humor, bluntness, and culture of a lot of our native peoples. Keep it up

[@avinamerkur1484]

just imagin the scope of expirience these ladies have - from child hood without a word for toilette to doing a video with a gasak and using iphones. its so amazing. thank you for showing me!

[@EmilyP17]

Peter you are the man! I love your videos and the work you’re doing for our country. You’re a hell of a guy!

[@Eddy_Clarice_WayOfTheComb]

These elder girls have a tremendous humor... and after watching all episodes of the different tribes I find all tribe´s humor is absolutely great. Fantastic, strong and inspiring people🙏🙏

[@YeahNah100]

I’ve been looking forward to the native series! ✌️❤️. I have a random suggestion for people who do a lot of driving and enjoy audio books. Blue Highways is a great book. The author has native blood and an interesting perspective on some of our American history. Enjoy!

[@pitherra]

These 2 grandmas, look cool. I would sit all day listening to their stories. Ogs are cool.

[@techpriestmars6731]

so far, from all my searching, this guy is one of the only people that has made a decent video talking about Alaskan Natives. I've met, and talked with a lot of them (I'm from Anchorage) and you sir, are the only person I've met, that has gone out of his way to talk to them. Thank you. You're an inspiration.

[@rosegamayo]

Good to know...watching from Philippines but watching from germany.

[@Lecon60]

My father was born 1934. During that time there was a lot of sickness. Many people died in Alaska Villages. My Village was almost wiped out. But we had good leaders and we led the fight for better living in Alaska.

[@isthatsonotsofast9604]

What made them sick?

[@Jason-hg1pc]

hello- My family's villages are Holy Cross and Nulato, I'm just saying hello.

[@Kiskadee8388]

Pribilof Island another Alaska perspective on natural history. Worthwhile experience.

[@donmcmillan4388]

Natives are the salt of the earth. Loved this conversation just real people telling they’re stories.

[@MoSvivor]

They’re so adorable. ❤❤

[@patriciapalmer1377]

I fell for those two dear, wise souls and was humbled. Thank you Peter. Pat. Florida 🏖️

[@wesleyyoung1082]

2 beautiful peaceful ladies. Loved it

[@Carol-qg2dp]

I love these ladies. Their wealth is in their knowledge. I wish they were my friends/neighbors.

[@jennygoit638]

One of the BEST ❤

[@loritremblay4830]

Loved those ladies! So much fun to hear their stories and their laughter.

[@annaphillion9269]

Enjoying on Vancouver Island, B.C. British Columbia Canada 🧡

[@nunyabidness9286]

Thank You Peter! For showing the native perspective, something I think every American should see, hear, learn, know…

[@apostolia2124]

"...i learned from everything", life's wisdom and sooo true !☺💜

[@lissamarschall4401]

This is one of the most interesting video yet. The two ladies are a treasure, lot's of knowledge about about the history of Alaska and their heritage. Loved it!

[@junebrilly5302]

Also huge thanks to you, Peter. You make such beautiful connections with people. Love that, and you have such respect❤❤❤

[@xxminglexx]

Randomly got recommended your video, and just watched it because I love elders and their jokes. I would recommend talking with the youth as well. I'm 31, my mom speaks fluent Iñupiaq, but she stopped teaching me after preschool. I still have a lot of vocabulary and the right pronunciation, but I've had to learn a lot of culture on my own. Feel free to reach out.

[@24TRUTH1]

These two ladies are such a hoot! Could listen to their stories and giggles all day!❤️😁

[@acmebrainsurgery]

What a treat, I absolutely LOVE this vid, one of my favorites. The two ladies were fabulous. Look forward to seeing more.

[@junebrilly5302]

Wonderful Strong Women!! Full of wisdom and humour, I wish so much I could know them. Much Love and RESPECT!!❤❤❤

[@alexvazquez4226]

Been a fan of you for like 2 years and I glad that you made it up here in Alaska man.

[@beckymeacham1747]

What awesome women..i loved their sense of humor!❤ Again Peter, so interesting. 👍

[@kateverett7869]

Gwen and Julia are amazing! I could listen to their stories for hours!

[@MichaelJimmy-yt6vr]

Thank you Peter and Julia and Gwen from here at Emmonak, very good 😅

[@scottmoyer4461]

The world could learn a lot from these beautiful souls

[@sandyhartman2310]

This was so enjoyable! Love these Ladies! 🙏🤗🙏

[@randybick5278]

We love Alaska! We’ve been blessed to visit 5 times since 2000, and see and learn something new each time. Looking forward to the rest of your visits in this great state.

[@janetsutherland7649]

This is such an interesting video and those ladies are really lovely and fun.

[@TinCc85]

Listening to these 2 wonderful ladies is very enriching. It’s great to learn life from their perspectives. Happy and simple living at its best.

[@bmolloymolloy9]

Love these ladies they look like so much fun 💕

[@elhalconloco]

amazing! we need to learn from indigenous eduction. You should consider doing stories on the indigenous people of Canada (i.e. remote communities in british columbia). They have beautiful and tragic stories to tell.

[@mabelsanchez944]

Love these ladies

[@melodycane1084]

I love watching this. Those two women reminded me of my grandmother and her sister. Special women.

[@TheNails3]

16:11 "Let them talk. They don't know what they're talking about." This wisdom can apply to so many people in different places, it's the best way. These women are wonderful.

[@cathy1944]

I’m here watching. I look forward to these segments every week. Keep up the good work Peter!

[@WayTooSuppish]

I would love to laugh it up and walk with these wonderful ladies and pick berries. Oh gosh so fun.

[@SAPPDllc6737]

I thoroughly enjoyed these two ladies. 😊

[@didashine96]

I love these two ladies 😊

[@benniboop752]

I have no words. Your connection & learning, hearing their experience is completely humbling. Growing up as an 80’s teen in Anchorage, Im actually very ashamed now of what we thought of natives. However, I’m grateful for our & your promoting and growth in our diversity & equity awareness.

[@bernadettecrawford3656]

Thanks for sharing native people who are beautiful and their ways heartwarming love from australia

[@Akforgetmenot]

Gus-uck is how it’s pronounced Peter. I haven’t thought about that word in years. Not only did the churches not want you to dance, they also wanted you to speak English and speaking your native language was often forbidden. 😂Fancy Man! Great video, of course I am biased as a native born and raised in Ak.

[@mayamaeru]

Thanks Mary! Did a search and it says, "Gussaq is a white person. It is a Yup'ik Eskimo word (kinda slangy) for somebody who isn't Eskimo. It comes from "Cossack" since the first Europeans to come in contact with the Native people in Alaska were Russian."

[@alaskanmusher7098]

Im yupik too but it's usually pronouns Kussaq😭 with a K

[@PlaNetART24]

Loved these two girls! ❤️

[@SD_13_]

Thanks Peter. I requested a video on Alaskan native awhile back. I don’t know if it’s just a coincidence but thank you!

[@chops0075]

I grew up in AK in the 1980s & 90s and hearing the Yupik accent/language again really brings me back.

[@sandraammons6672]

How you connect with people Peter! It’s amazing. Love your videos. This one is fantastic.

[@Lecon60]

One of the best stories that is little known. Tyonek is an Alaskan village. "Tyonek" means Little Chief. They fought the government with law and won large settlements that other American Natives followed. Our first settlement was 1966. Later we won rights for Alaskan Subsistence, funded the beginning of the Alaska Federation of Natives and wrote it's bylaws.

[@jacobscrackers98]

Based

[@jamescog9367]

I just moved to St. Lawerence Island Alaska about a month ago! This is fantastic!

[@one_up907]

Huh small world, welcome to Sivuungaq

[@Seisenberg]

Great work…so important to talk to elders now in the world we live. They have so much valuable insight. ❤

[@jeremydiamond8824]

Thanks for the invite love the vlogs!!😎👍🏻🇺🇸🦅

[@mankwediseunane770]

I'm watching it. All the way South Africa. Thanks for sharing with us 📺🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@mitchellsmart5495]

Love your videos!! I hope you do Hawaii sometime and talk with the natives. I lived there and they have a love hate relationship with outsiders.

[@flordeespinart]

Yulia is such an inspiration when she talked about school. English is my second language. I am always so self aware and avoided reading out loud in school because I felt embarrassed of my accent.

[@dorothyrobdau7365]

Peter thank you for these videos about Alaska living, even now it's amazing.

[@dtotheatothevtothee]

I miss Alaska so much...so many awesome folks up there.

[@devodootie]

Fantastic episode Peter!☺️ I’m thoroughly enjoying each one because you’re showing me places that I’ll probably ever get to go. It’s really hard for me to travel because of my disability, so I truly appreciate you taking us along on your journeys! Safe travels!

[@ChrisTian-lf2oh]

Gotta love old ladies! Lots of laughter and lots of wisdom, all combined. Great video, as usual Peter! Cheers from Sweden

[@jamesclement6122]

The information these people have among others has to be preserved.. love hearing from elders