The Athabascan Woman Blog shares stories about Athabascan culture, Alaska Native life, and the people and communities that inspire me. I write about everything from fish camp, village life, family and traditions to contemporary Alaska Native experiences, community events, and people doing meaningful work.
The blog also features Alaska Native people, artists, entrepreneurs, leaders and others whose stories deserve to be shared. From time to time, guest contributors may share a story, poem, reflection or video.
My goal is to uplift culture, preserve stories, highlight good work, and create a space where Alaska Native voices and experiences can be seen and heard.
About Us
My sister, Tanya Yatlin, is the editor of the Athabascan Woman Blog. She lives in Fairbanks, Alaska, and works in early childhood development. Tanya helps review posts and has been part of the blog behind the scenes.
I’m Angela Gonzalez, a Koyukon Athabascan writer, communications professional, content creator and beader originally from Huslia, Alaska. I now live in Anchorage and enjoy sharing stories and experiences that reflect Alaska Native culture and community.
An Alaska Native Introduction
I’m Angela Yatlin Gonzalez, originally from Huslia, Alaska. My Denaakk’e (Koyukon Athabascan) name is Łot’oydaatlno.
My parents are Al and Eleanor Yatlin. My maternal grandparents were the late Edwin and Lydia Simon. On my father’s side, my grandparents were the late George Frank, Minnie Yatlin and Alda Frank.
Watch my Alaska Native introduction
Cool site Angela!!
PJ
Thanks Paul!
Is this the Angela Yatlin that went to University of Tulsa with me for a while?
Yes, it is. Hi Natalie!
Whats zup Cuz!!!!
Annaa baassee for the holiday card, you have a beautiful family!!! Wishing your warm blessings for the upcoming new year!!!! HUGS!!!!!
Kim
Thank you Kim! Happy New Year to you too!
Hello! What a beautiful site you have here! These are great stories!
I have recently spent a few weeks in the Koyukon, in Allakaket. I tried very hard to write down many words in Koyukon, but I only have the phonetic spelling, not actually how to spell it. Do you know of a book or resource that could help me spell the words correctly? Also, there are many words which I am curious about, but I didn’t catch when I was listening to elders and it seems that the younger generation is beginning to forget the language they learned when they were young.
I hope this message finds you in good spirit and may God Bless you for all your hard work!
Annaa Baassee!
Hollie
Thank you Hollie. You might check the Fairbanks Daily News-miner website periodically for the Athabascan Word of the Week produced by Susan Paskvan (Koyukon Athabascan). Here is a link to one: http://newsminer.com/view/full_story/16950824/article-Celebrating-the-new-year-in-Huslia-with-a-potlatch?. This is also a great resource: http://www.ankn.uaf.edu/ANCR/athabascan.html. I know a lot of words, but don’t know the correct spellings. Maybe I’ll do a post on them sometime. Thank you for your comment!
love ur writings and photos good eye Angie…. amazing heart
Thank you George!
Thank you for working with the young natives in Alaska.
Thanks Budda! I think it is important to support our youth.
Hi! I am very interested in Alaska Native culture and was excited to find your blog!
Great to hear. Thank you for visiting!
Nedaats’e ne’ooze?
Tlod’oydałna se’ooze’. Nedaats’e ne’ooze?
Hi I found your site while looking for information regarding my mother’s heritage. She was adopted and I would like to identify with my culture. She and her adoptive parents have passed on, making it very difficult to pursue the search. Thank you for sharing pieces of yourself through this blog:)
Glad you are finding my blog helpful. Please send me a message if you have any questions or topic suggestions!
Pravina, good wishes to you.
Thank you for making this site. It is wonderful to come here to learn about Alaska Native news and gatherings.
Pleased to meet you both. 🙂
Thanks for visiting Nomzi.
You are most welcome Angela. Feel free to visit my blog when you get the chance. 🙂
love this site, really helped me for my liteture study, two old women by Velma Harris
Great site Angela! Started reading and can’t stop.,,..
Thanks Sezy!
nice site. my wife is adopted and it turns out her mother is Beverly Huhndorf, formerly of Galena. My brother-in-law is Joee Huhndorf, of Galena. My two trips there have been wonderful the past two summers.
Thanks Rod. Awesome that you all are reconnecting!
Hi, Angela. I love your blog logo! One of my students will be attending AFN. She’s a little nervous about speaking, but I’m sure she will do great. Thank you for all the good things you do for Athabascans everywhere. And thanks for revisiting Gwichyaa Zhee.
Thank you Dave! I subscribed to your new site. Thank you too for your stories and photos!