Eskimo Songs from Alaska

Various Artists

Recorded on St Lawrence Island by Miriam C. Stryker in 1966 this album features songs from the Yup'ik people who have long occupied the Island and who live in two separate villages Savoonga and Gambell. Yup'ik legend tells of the Island’s formation: "The Sea Goddess, picking up a handful of ooze from the bottom of the sea, squeezed it between her fingers, forming mountains that are part of its interesting terrain." This rugged terrain means a hard life for a people who live off the land. The songs relate through subjects such as hunting, fishing, boats, animals and the like. The lyrics are often very sparse and sometimes the song consists solely of chanted syllables. Liner notes include history of the Yup'ik and song information.

*Content Advisory: The Indigenous peoples of the Arctic identify as Inuit or Yup’ik in both personal and international matters. Individuals also refer to themselves with the names of their communities. “Eskimo” is a name imposed on the Inuit by non-Indigenous people and has increasingly come to be viewed as a slur. Smithsonian Folkways has chosen to leave the album as published in its original state to serve as a historical document; however, we encourage the listener to learn more about how the Inuit and Yup’ik prefer to be represented. Please see the Declaration of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Resolution and the University of Alaska Fairbanks Alaska Native Language Center for more information.

- Anna Kate Cannon, 2021–22 Dumbarton Oaks Fellow at SFR, contributed to research and writing for this statement.

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Track Listing

101	Small Owl Nick Wongatilin	00:54
102	How Much Will I Get for the Ivory Carving? Nathan Noonwook	03:08
103	Looking for Someone Who Wants to Eskimo Dance Amos Penayak	04:35
104	Balloon Song Nick Wongatilin	02:02
105	Walking from Savoonga to Gambell Paul Jensen	00:55
106	Cowboy Song John Apongalook	00:53
107	Praise, Praise God Nick Wongatilin	01:18
108	Helicopter Song / Second Helicopter Song Nathan Noonwook	05:17
109	Drum Song Nick Wongatilin	02:05
201	Like a Little Girl Laurence Kulukbon	02:52
202	Little Indian Boy Fred Angi	02:35
203	Indian Exhausted Fred Angi	02:04
204	Rise up Helicopter, like a Bird Fred Angi	01:45
205	Guitar Song John Apongalook	02:33
206	Eskimo Rock 'n' Roll John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska	02:47
207	Little Cowboy John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska	02:12
208	Swing Your Drum John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska	01:43
209	I Couldn't Wait John Apongalook and others at Thomas Apassingok's home, Gambell, Alaska	02:00
210	Old Song John Apongalook	02:12

Catalog

Eskimo Songs from Alaska

Track Listing

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