Calendar of Events Children's Book on Natural Indicators Newsletter - Fall 2012

When Will the Salmon Come? Advice from Elders

Long before sonars, counting tours, and management agencies, Yukon River Elders predicted the salmon runs. They observed the world around them—wind, birds, insects, fish, plants, water, weather, and even the moon—to determine when the salmon would come and how many would arrive. This knowledge was critical to the survival of families, Tribes, and cultures, and it remains as important as ever. When Will the Salmon Come? Advice from Elders highlights this knowledge from the lower and middle river in a colorful, illustrated children’s book, and the knowledge is re-emphasized through a teacher toolkit.

YRDFA created these resources because the Elders of the Yukon River want this information to be documented, shared with youth, and passed to future generations. In the past, the Elders were the teachers and the scientists. Their knowledge is place-based and has accumulated over thousands of years. Their knowledge is a resource that should not be lost; it should continue to be held by their descendants.

• Children's Book
  This 28-page book is packed with information from Hooper Bay, Emmonak, Mountain Village, St. Mary’s, Grayling, Kaltag, Koyukuk, and Galena. In its pages you can find descriptions of natural indicators, quotes, and vibrant hand-drawn pictures. The book is meant for school-aged children, but can be enjoyed by all people interested in the Yukon River salmon resource and the cultures dependent on it.
  Click here to view the children's book.
• Teacher Toolkit
  This teacher toolkit was created to accompany the children's book in the classroom. This kit offers suggested activities to teach youth about traditional ecological knowledge of salmon, to engage students in place-based education, to provide an opportunity for teachers to invite Elders into their classrooms, and to provide another means for teachers to meet the Alaska Performance Standards.
  Click here to view a list of contents.
  Click here to view a sample activity.
• How to Order
  YRDFA does not make a profit on these materials, but there are printing, production, and mailing costs. Please contact Catherine Moncrieff, Anthropologist, for details.