<\/a>Spruce tips picked in Sitka. (Courtesy Photo | Vivian Mork Yeilk)<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t
Springtime means the forest paths and muskegs and shorelines are coming alive, and it’s time to harvest. Already, we’ve been harvesting cottonwood buds, bladderwrack (poppy seaweed) and dandelion greens. A couple weeks ago, the skunk cabbage popped up in both Sitka and its roots are ready to harvest. There’s new growth on the salmonberry bushes.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
What does this mean for us? In Sitka, over the years, Planet Alaska has offered small harvesting classes. We’ve also offered classes in Ketchikan, Kodiak and the Mat-su Valley. Now that we’re in Juneau we’ll be offering classes here as well. Living in Juneau makes it easier for us to access other locations in Southeast Alaska, such as Hoonah and Wrangell, where we’re working on creating harvesting classes there too.<\/p>\n
<\/a>Vivian Mork Yeilk teaches children about labrador tea in Wrangell. (Courtesy Photo | Vivian Mork Yeilk)<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t
In fact, we’re excited to announce we’re opening a brick and mortar location in downtown Juneau on Ferry Way. Planet Alaska is a business with the purpose of perpetuating culture. Proceeds from our new shop will create local knowledge classes. This concept was outlined in my master’s project in the Cross Cultural Studies program at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. As you know, sustainable harvesting and traditional ecological knowledge is one of our many passions. We’ll be offering classes all year round. Of course, with the summer season in full swing, during the day, our shop will be open for sales. In the evening, and in winter, our shop will transform into a classroom. Plus, a portion of sales will support community classes in traditional ecological knowledge, sustainable harvesting, Alaska Native language classes, and more: all our Planet Alaska passions.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t
Over a decade ago, I envisioned this brick and mortar space that perpetuates our culture, and now it’s happening. When you walk into our shop you’ll know everything in there is made or designed or written by Alaskans. You’ll never see a “totem pole” made in Indonesia in our shop. You’ll see modern Native art, traditional Native art, Alaskan artists, Alaskan authors, Alaskan foods and more. And you can check out what classes are happening.<\/p>\n