A compilation of songs and poetry readings from past episodes of Homegrown Conversations that celebrate the annual FisherPoets gathering in Astoria, Oregon. Featuring Alec McMurren with additional works by Pat Dixon, Geno Leech, and Nicole McMurren.

Norwegian Dance Instructor, Heidi Lee, and former student, Lilith Odegaard, have a conversation about culture in Petersburg. This conversations was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Lily in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at the Petersburg High School.

Stan Hjort talks to Axton Kravitz about growing up in Washington State, his time in the U.S. Coast Guard, and moving to Petersburg. This interview was done in April of 2023 as an assignment for Axton in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at the Petersburg High School.

Brian and Marjorie Paust have committed their lives to serving Alaskan communities as educators  since the early 1970s.  Their dedication and enthusiasm are impressive, as are their tales of life in the Arctic. In this interview, they speak about their early years in Kivalina, a village on the Chukchi sea, where they opened a high school for local children. They also tell of the birth of their son Nathaniel in Kotzebue during a blizzard on Christmas Eve.

Kelly O’Soup talks with her daughter, Meghan, about her work for the USFS. This interview was done in April of 2023 as an assignment for Meghan in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Martin Susort talks to his grandson, Kyle Biggers, about his time in Petersburg, what has changed over the years and what keeps him here.

Malcom Fry talks with his father, Louis “Chris” Fry, about their family history and Chris’s travels in Southeast Alaska prior to making it his home. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Malcom in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at the Petersburg High School.

Novalee Thomas talks to Petersburg High School Teacher, Ioana Ward, about growing up in Romania and how it compares to Petersburg. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Novalee in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History class at Petersburg High School.

Tina Sakamoto tells Alexus Sakamoto-Quezon about her great grandfather, Harry Sakamoto, when he was taken to Japanese internment camp and how it affected their family. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 as an assignment for Alexus in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at the Petersburg High School.

Will Ware talks to Kasiah Lopez about owning a small business and living a Lingít way of life. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 when Kasiah was a senior in High School and was done as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.

Colyn Lyons, grandson of Amy Hallingstad, talks with Owen Anderson about his life growing up with his grandmother and about why she is an important figure in Alaska History. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 when Owen was a senior in High School and was done as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.

Carolyn Hurtt talks to her grandson, Jaren Whitethorn, about what brought her to Petersburg, what has changed in the community over the years, and why she has stayed. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 when Jaren was a senior in High School and was done as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.

Kathy Emmenegger talks to her grandson, Jack Engell, about what brought her to Petersburg and why she has stayed. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 when Jack was a senior in High School and was done as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.

Stacey Eilenberger asks Diane Benson about naming her son, how her work centering on Elizabeth Peratrovich has impacted Diane’s life, teaching at the University level and taking part in writing a new textbook for Alaska History, as well as Diane’s life in theater and film. This is part 2 of a 2-part interview done in April of 2023, and was an assignment for Stacey in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at Petersburg High School.

Diane Benson talks with Stacey Eilenberger about growing up in foster care, attending BIA boarding schools, coming of age, getting her MFA in Creative Writing, and running for political office in the State of Alaska. This is part 1 of a 2-part interview done in April of 2023, and was an assignment for Stacey in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at Petersburg High School.

Debra O’Gara talks with Mikayla Garza about her life’s work and motivations. Debra is an accomplished Tlingít weaver and published author. She is a Lawyer and has been a Judge, Magistrate, and Policy Specialist for the Alaska Women’s Resource Center. Debra is currently teaching Tribal Government at UAF and is also a PhD Candidate in their Indigenous Studies Program. This interview was done in April of 2023, and was an assignment for Mikayla in Mr. Shumway’s Senior Alaska History Class at Petersburg High School.

State Trooper, Cody Litster, talks with his son Wyatt about what brought him to Alaska and how he became a State Trooper. This interview was recorded in April of 2023 when Wyatt was a senior at Petersburg High School and was an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.

Devon Guthrie talks to his dad, Alex Guthrie, about growing up in Petersburg. They discuss Alex’s experience growing up with limited supervision; and the differences Alex sees in Petersburg, from his time as a kid to now raising children. This interview was recorded on April 19, 2023 when Devon was a senior in High School, and was done as an assignment for Mr. Shumway’s Alaska History class.

Rachel Cassandra talks about her Alaskan experiences prior to taking a job as News Reporter for KFSK. She also discusses the current environment of journalism and ethics of the industry.

Mary Katasse-Miller talks about her life, family, and Lingít culture as she prepares to leave Petersburg for South Dakota to be near family.

Mary Katasse-Miller talks about meeting her husband Jay Miller and their life together. Mary also discusses the meanings behind both of her family's Lingít crests.

Jonathan Canek Elias Sosa, a freshman at Petersburg High School talks about growing up in Mexico and immigrating to the US in 2018. He is a member of the library's GOAT Radio Show for teens and discusses an upcoming special radio show he has planned to honor Mexican Independence that will be celebrated on September 15 & 16, 2022.

Marisol Westhoff talks about coming to Petersburg from Mexico to work in the cannery, and how she came to call Petersburg her home with husband, Tom, and their three young girls.

Sue Jensen Paulsen talks with Kari Petersen about the history of Petersburg Public Library. 2022 National Library week will be celebrated with a heartfelt dedication of the Helmi Jensen Community Room.

Two dear friends and sisters by marriage talk about their business ventures in this Listening Project recorded in 2010.

Alec McMurren plays his original “Fisher Folk Songs” and gives poetry readings while discussing his love of the annual FisherPoets Gathering, happening online Feb. 25-26.

Joni Johnson talks about the Petersburg Community Foundation’s mission & grants as well as endowments and support for local non-profits. The library’s Build A Better World Challenge is featured as a way to support local non-profits in January.

Rachel discusses working in the U.S. and abroad before finding home in Petersburg.

Rachel talks about growing up in Israel, coming to the U.S., and returning to Israel to join the Army.