Rav’n about Sitka

Christmas in Sitka (and Washington DC)

In this special holiday episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn shares the remarkable story of the 2024 White House Christmas tree—a Sitka spruce from Alaska’s Tongass National Forest, marking the first time the official tree came from outside the lower 48 states. Catherine explores the tree’s journey, the forest’s cultural and ecological significance, and Sitka’s unique, community-centered holiday traditions. The episode celebrates themes of patience, quiet strength, and belonging, drawing parallels between the Sitka spruce and the town itself. It concludes with a land acknowledgment honoring the Tlingit people and their enduring connection to the region.

The Disappearance of Virgil ‘Wade’ Tackett

In this episode of "Raven About Sitka," host Kathrynn recounts the mysterious 1986 disappearance of 17-year-old Virgil Wade Tackett, who vanished after taking a small boat out on Sitka Sound. Despite exhaustive searches by authorities and his family, Wade was never found, leaving only rumors and unanswered questions. The episode explores Sitka’s deep connection to the sea, the enduring pain of loss, and how Wade’s story became woven into the town’s collective memory—reminding listeners of the beauty and heartbreak that come with life on Alaska’s edge.

Legacy on the Hill: The Rise and Fall of Sheldon Jackson College

In 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.

A Voice That Echoes Through Sitka: Ellen Hope Hays

In 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.

Peaks and Giggles: The Mountains of Sitka

In 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.