See Stories is an Alaskan 501(c)3 nonprofit, and our mission is to build inclusive communities with film and story. See Stories works to ensure that diverse Alaskans and youth are given the media skills to craft stories better representing the Alaska they know. We lead documentary film and podcast workshops for teens, empower teachers to lead multimedia projects in their classrooms, and share student-produced media with the public to foster a more inclusive Alaskan story and community.
Testimonials
"In the workshop, I shared my story of immigrating to the US from the Philippines and the discrimination my family and peers felt as Asian-Americans. I gained the courage to use my own experiences to draw parallels between what we were learning about history and what immigrants experience today.
Kyla V.
Former Student
"The workshop only opened up more opportunities for me, and I’m considering studying a form of film or journalism in college.
Marina C.
Former Student
"See Stories does not bring in students, they create a family. The students and the instructors they have nurtured us. See Stories nurtured the network that leveraged itself to help each other out. We're not using them to connect but as a tool to be able to expand ourselves and grow beyond the individual.
Raphael Bitanga
Former Student & Current Instructor
"Whenever we share our stories, that often fosters a connection between two people. See Stories empowers and equips Alaskans to share their true experiences for everyone to see and connect with.
Alice Qannik Glenn
Collaborator and Former Board Member
"Alaska has so many perspectives to share. The more we understand each other’s perspectives, the more we will be able to be a community, and respect each other. [See Stories] gives back to ELL students an ability to express themselves and feel like they are in control. They get back the power they may feel like they have lost.
Mona Grib
West High School Teacher
"In this group, I’ve learned to write a sonnet and a song. I also learned how to express myself better through my words whether it be verbally or lyrically. I have enjoyed the entire process that we went through. I have enjoyed listening and watching my peers express themselves through music and telling their truth.
Former Student
Shakespeare & Hip-Hop Workshop
"It’s like watching someone plant a seed. You water it, and put it under the sun. You watch it grow and bloom, and today it bloomed [in the students]. I’m very proud of the team. This is a lab oriented class. You were very sensitive to all the reactions and you followed through... [The Shakespeare and Hip-Hop workshop] is wonderful and I don’t think anybody could do better than the three of you!
Marie Lillagan
Partner Teacher
Videos
Manaq in Akiak
The film focuses on the significance of Manaqing, a traditional practice deeply rooted in Alaska Native culture. Manaqing, or ice fishing, […]
Podcasts
Madilynn: What is art to you?
Madilynn, a West High School 9th grader, checks in with five friends about their art forms and the art pieces that inspire and […]
Isabel: The Heart of Teaching
Isabel is a senior at West High School, and she wants to know about teaching high schoolers. Isabel interviews a long […]
Efrain: Give Me a Passion
This project funded by the National Endowment for the Arts and created on Dena’ina Land consisted of two podcasting workshops. […]
Daylin: Cultures of the World
Daylin, West High School 9th grader, interviews West High teacher Mr. Berglund about growing up in Morocco. Held at Bettye […]
