The Tundra Drums is a newspaper that has served as a lifeline of information for the people of Alaska for decades. It covers stories that matter most to the rural and Indigenous communities, including tribal governance, subsistence living, climate change, Alaska travel, and cultural preservation. This article explores the history of The Tundra Drums, its purpose, challenges, and the role it plays today in keeping Alaska’s remote communities informed.
The Formation of The Tundra Drums
The Tundra Drums were founded in 1974 in Bethel, Alaska, a hub city for the vast Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. Before this newspaper, residents of rural Alaska had little access to news about their own communities. Most of the available news came from Anchorage or other large cities, which often overlooked issues specific to the Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and other Indigenous groups living in the region.
The creation of The Tundra Drums was an important moment in local journalism. The newspaper provided a space where Native voices could be heard, and important issues such as subsistence rights, land disputes, and education could be discussed. It quickly became an essential part of life for people living in small villages, where getting news was difficult due to the vast distances and harsh weather conditions.
What The Tundra Drums Covers
The Tundra Drums covers a variety of topics, all centered around the people and communities of Western Alaska. Some of its key areas of focus include:
1. Community News
The newspaper reports on events happening in local villages, including celebrations, village meetings, and public announcements. For people living in remote areas, the Tundra Drums acts as a connection between communities, helping them stay informed about what is happening in the region.
2. Tribal Governance and Indigenous Rights
Alaska’s Native communities have their own tribal governments, which work to protect their people, culture, and traditions. The Tundra Drums provides updates on tribal council meetings, legal battles over land and hunting rights, and decisions that affect Native sovereignty.
3. Subsistence Living and Hunting Laws
For many Indigenous Alaskans, hunting and fishing are not just activities; they are a way of life. The Tundra Drums regularly reports on state and federal regulations that impact the ability of local people to hunt, fish, and gather food. It also shares stories of elders passing down traditional knowledge to younger generations.
4. Cultural Preservation
The newspaper highlights efforts to keep Indigenous languages, music, dance, and customs alive. It often features stories about traditional Yup’ik drumming and dancing, as well as interviews with elders who share wisdom about their heritage.
5. Rural Challenges
Living in Western Alaska comes with many difficulties, including high costs of food and fuel, lack of road access, and limited healthcare. The Tundra Drums sheds light on these challenges and the efforts being made to improve life in rural communities.
6. Education and Youth
The newspaper also focuses on education, featuring stories about local schools, student achievements, and programs that help young people stay connected to their culture.
The Symbolism Behind the Name
The name “Tundra Drums” carries deep meaning. In many Native cultures, drumming is more than just music, it is a way to communicate, celebrate, and connect with the spiritual world. Drumming is often used in storytelling, ceremonies, and dances that bring people together.
Just like a drumbeat carries across the tundra, the newspaper’s stories reach people across the vast lands of Alaska. It serves as a modern drum, spreading news and connecting communities.
The Tundra Drums Today
Despite these challenges, The Tundra Drums continues to serve the people of Alaska. The newspaper has embraced digital media while still maintaining its mission of providing important news to rural communities.
Online Presence
Today, The Tundra Drums is available online, allowing readers to access stories from anywhere in the world. It covers the whole life of Alaska. This is especially important for Alaskans who move away but still want to stay connected to their homeland.
Community Engagement
The newspaper also encourages readers to participate by sharing stories, photos, and opinions. This helps ensure that the voices of ordinary people are heard and that important issues affecting Indigenous communities remain in the spotlight.
Focus on Cultural and Environmental Issues
In recent years, The Tundra Drums has placed greater focus on climate change and its impact on Alaska’s Native communities. Rising temperatures, coastal erosion, and changing wildlife patterns threaten traditional ways of life, making these topics more important than ever.
Why The Tundra Drums Matters
The Tundra Drums is more than just a newspaper; it is a record of history, a protector of culture, and a voice for those who might otherwise go unheard. It plays an essential role in keeping remote communities connected and informed about issues that directly impact their lives.
Keeping Traditions Alive
By covering Indigenous traditions, languages, and customs, the newspaper helps ensure that younger generations remain connected to their heritage.
Giving a Voice to Rural Alaska
Mainstream media often focuses on big cities, leaving rural communities out of the conversation. The Tundra Drums ensures that the concerns of people in Western Alaska are heard.
A Community-Driven News Source
Because it is created for and by the people of the region, The Tundra Drums remains one of the most trusted sources of news for many rural Alaskans.
Conclusion
Since its founding in 1974, The Tundra Drums has been an essential part of life in Western Alaska. It started as a way to share news and has grown into a powerful voice for Indigenous communities, subsistence hunters, and rural Alaskans.
Despite financial struggles and the challenges of adapting to the digital age, The Tundra Drums remains committed to its mission: to inform, educate, and connect the people of the tundra. As long as there are stories to tell, the heartbeat of the tundra will continue to echo through its pages, just like the steady rhythm of a drum.
