Eskimo Songs from Alaska

Recorded on St Lawrence Island by Miriam C. Stryker in 1966 this album features songs from the "Yupik" Eskimos that have long occupied the Island and who live in two separate villages Savoonga and Gambell. Eskimo 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 Yupik Eskimos and song information.
Track Listing
Small Owl
Nick Wongatilin
0:54
How Much Will I Get for the Ivory Carving?
Nathan Noonwook
3:08
Looking for Someone Who Wants to Eskimo Dance
Amos Penayak
4:35
Balloon Song
Nick Wongatilin
2:02
Walking from Savoonga to Gambell
Paul Jensen
0:55
Cowboy Song
John Apongalook
0:53
Praise, Praise God
Nick Wongatilin
1:18
Helicopter Song / Second Helicopter Song
Nathan Noonwook
5:17
Drum Song
Nick Wongatilin
2:05
Like a Little Girl
Laurence Kulukbon
2:52
Little Indian Boy
Fred Angi
2:35
Indian Exhausted
Fred Angi
2:04
Rise Up Helicopter, Like a Bird
Gambell village Eskimo singers
1:45
Guitar Song
John Apongalook
2:33
Eskimo Rock 'n' Roll
Gambell village Eskimo singers
2:47
Little Cowboy
Gambell village Eskimo singers
2:12
Swing Your Drum
Gambell village Eskimo singers
1:43
I Couldn't Wait
Gambell village Eskimo singers
2:00
Old Song
John Apongalook
2:12