In this file photo, Tlingit author Ernestine Hayes laughs at a September 2015 49 Writers Crosscurrents panel called “Shaped by the North.” Hayes will speak at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff State Library, Archives and Museum on Aug. 4 about deeper meanings behind our heroes. (Mary Catharine Martin | Juneau Empire)

In this file photo, Tlingit author Ernestine Hayes laughs at a September 2015 49 Writers Crosscurrents panel called “Shaped by the North.” Hayes will speak at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff State Library, Archives and Museum on Aug. 4 about deeper meanings behind our heroes. (Mary Catharine Martin | Juneau Empire)

Tlingit author prepares presentation on heroes

As superhero movies dominate the movie theaters this year, the concept of heroes will also be a topic of discussion for one of Juneau’s most heralded writers in August.

Tlingit author Ernestine Hayes will give a presentation at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 at the Father Andrew P. Kashevaroff State Library, Archives, and Museum, taking a look at the deeper meanings behind our heroes. The presentation is entitled “What Shall We Do With Our Heroes?” and will largely focus on prior writings of hers.

Hayes is the current Alaska State Writer Laureate, and has written books including “The Tao of Raven” and “Blonde Indian,” which was a 2007 American Book Award winner. Her presentation in August is part of the Alaska State Library’s Summer Lecture Series. The next presentation is in September, when carver Jackson Polys will talk about his work on the Seward shame pole that was raised in Saxman Totem Park in April.

Prior to her presentation, the museum will be open free of charge from 4:30-7 p.m. The featured exhibit for the summer is “Decolonizing Alaska,” which features artwork from Alaska Native artists expressing themes of cultural survival and adaptation.

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

A person is detained in Anchorage in recent days by officials from the FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (FBI Anchorage Field Office photo)
Trump’s immigration raids arrive in Alaska, while Coast Guard in state help deportations at southern US border

Anchorage arrests touted by FBI, DEA; Coast Guard plane from Kodiak part of “alien expulsion flight operations.”

Two flags with pro-life themes, including the lower one added this week to one that’s been up for more than a year, fly along with the U.S. and Alaska state flags at the Governor’s House on Tuesday. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Doublespeak: Dunleavy adds second flag proclaiming pro-life allegiance at Governor’s House

First flag that’s been up for more than a year joined by second, more declarative banner.

Students play trumpets at the first annual Jazz Fest in 2024. (Photo courtesy of Sandy Fortier)
Join the second annual Juneau Jazz Fest to beat the winter blues

Four-day music festival brings education of students and Southeast community together.

Frank Richards, president of the Alaska Gasline Development Corp., speaks at a Jan. 6, 2025, news conference held in Anchorage by Gov. Mike Dunleavy. Dunleavy and Randy Ruaro, executive director of the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority, are standing behind RIchards. (Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
For fourth consecutive year, gas pipeline boss is Alaska’s top-paid public executive

Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, had the highest compensation among state legislators after all got pay hike.

Juneau Assembly Member Maureen Hall (left) and Mayor Beth Weldon (center) talk to residents during a break in an Assembly meeting Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, about the establishment of a Local Improvement District that would require homeowners in the area to pay nearly $6,300 each for barriers to protect against glacial outburst floods. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Flood district plan charging property owners nearly $6,300 each gets unanimous OK from Assembly

117 objections filed for 466 properties in Mendenhall Valley deemed vulnerable to glacial floods.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Friday, Jan. 31, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read