Tag: Alaska Native Author

Angela Gonzalez with Koyukon Fish Camp book
Alaska Native culture

New Book: Koyukon Fish Camp by Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez

Angela Gonzalez
Koyukon Fish Camp by Angela Łot’oydaatlno Gonzalez (Koyukon Athabascan

I wrote my second children’s book! It is called, Koyukon Fish Camp (ISBN: 978-1-6677-0059-5). It was published by Benchmark Education as a part of their Represent series. It is a first grade leveled book.

The main character’s name is Steven, in honor of my late great uncle Steven Attla of Huslia. Steven visits his Setsoo and Setseye (Grandma and Grandpa in Denaakk’e) to go to fish camp. I got to share some Denaakk’e (language of Koyukon Athabascan people) words. Steven learns how to work on fish and learns about Athabascan values. It is great to see the story come to life with beautiful illustrations by Rhonda Shelford Jansen (Unangax̂/Aleut).

It is meant for educational institutions, so it’s not available for individual purchase. However, it can be purchased in six packs. Please feel free to share with head start programs, day cares, schools and families! Enaa baasee’!

Enaa baasee’ to Benchmark Education for the privilege to share a little bit about Koyukon Athabascan life, culture and language. Thank you to Tricia Brown for connecting me with them and for mentoring me.

Buy 6-pack of Koyukon Fish Camp
Alaska Native/Indigenous People, Athabascan in the Spotlight

Amaya Mishka – Athabascan Author

Angela Gonzalez

I met Amaya Mishka (Athabascan) on Facebook recently. Amaya is Athabascan is from McGrath, and grew up in Haines and Anchorage. She now lives in California. She shared the release of her debut science fiction/fantasy novel, Ascension Warriors Mission 626. It is always exciting to hear about new Alaska Native authors. 

Amaya’s family is from McGrath. Her grandmother is Avis Dunkin, and her mother was Sophie Vanderpool. Amaya has been writing passionately since the age of 15, but has stayed covertly in the shadows writing marketing content, short stories, blogs and poetry. 

Amaya says, “I have written a book with an Athabascan character. The book is best described as a call to raise consciousness and return to traditional values of treating all living creatures including Mother Earth with respect through literary art told through science fiction/fantasy.” 

The model featured on the cover is actress from Canada, Olivia Kate Iatridis (Inuit). Amaya’s goal is to write 10 books in the series, and she plans to feature a new Indigenous role model on each cover. 

“Always make sure that if your heart desires something that you make time to do it.” – Amaya Mishka (Athabascan)

I got a chance to talk with Amaya recently. Find out more about what inspired her, advice to aspiring authors, how she has tied in Athabascan values in her book, and plans for a potential script. 

Find out more about Amaya Mishka at: http://amayamishka.com. Find her book on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08P3JTPVR. Amaya is also a licensed hypnotherapist and owner of Amanda Kay Hypnotherapy.

Congratulations, Amaya, on your new book!

Family of Amaya Mishka
Alaska Native culture

New Book: Button Up! Fall in Alaska by Angela Gonzalez

Angela Gonzalez

Angela Gonzalez wrote BUTTON UP! Fall in Alaska

I wrote a book! Earlier this year, Best Beginnings, Alaska’s Early Childhood Investment, released Seasons of Alaska, four board books highlighting Alaska Native talent. Best Beginnings and editor Tricia Brown collaborated with Alaska Native writers and photographers contributed to four books focused on the seasons for ages 0-3 years old.

Authors include Joni Spiess of Nome/Anchorage, Yaari Toolie-Walker of Savoonga/Anchorage, Angela Y. Gonzalez of Huslia/Anchorage, and Carla Snow of Bethel. Featured photographers include Esther Pederson of Nome, Ian Merculieff of St. Paul Island/Anchorage, Carol Maillelle of Togiak/Anchorage, Taylor Booth of Nome, Greg Lincoln of Bethel, Jacqueline Cleveland of Quinhagak, and Cheryl Kriska of Fairbanks. Congratulations to the photographers and fellow authors!

Best Beginnings Seasons of Alaska Board Book Series

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Alaska Native/Indigenous People

New Book by Athabascan Author

Angela Gonzalez

Shirley Sam and Angela Gonzalez in Huslia
Shirley Sam and Angela Gonzalez in Huslia

A couple of years ago, Shirley Sam of Huslia, came out with her first book, Deadly Summers in Alaska. It was a thriller about a serial killer set in rural Alaska. Shirley published her second book, Deadly Summers in Alaska II: Birdie, in January. It continues with Birdie’s story. See the description below.

I got to visit her a couple months ago in Huslia. Learn more about Shirley from a post on the Athabascan Woman blog. Shirley is an inspiration to many aspiring Alaska Native authors and writers. I’ve added this book to my summer reading list. Congratulations S. A. Sam on your second book!

Deadly Summers in Alaska - Book 2
Deadly Summers in Alaska – Book 2

Description from Amazon.com
Denise “Birdie” Beardtom of the Alaska State Troopers has barely recovered from a case that almost cost her life. A woman used to saving victims almost became one herself, which is why she’s still jumpy when another woman ends up dead under her jurisdiction. The woman was raped and murdered, and there are no clues to lead them to a possible suspect. Birdie enlists the help of her usual team: Trooper Miles, Trooper Masonic, and Lieutenant Steven Lambert, known as “The Loo” Together, they scour rivers and forests for any evidence of a killer who seems to have no conscience. The body count quickly rises, so the FBI sends an agent to help in the search. Despite all the expertise, Birdie finds herself no closer to finding their killer. The Loo does his duty and heads as far away as New York City, where he uncovers startling information about the serial monster that eludes them. Again, Birdie somehow feels personally connected. She can’t shake the feeling that the killer is coming for her. She and her team have to stop him before her life becomes the next he takes.