Polly Andrews Composes New Song

Amidst planning and preparations for activities in late summer and early fall, Polly Andrews graciously offered a new composition and song as a gift to Alaska Wilderness League. In doing so, Polly shared that the song was made possible in part by the support of the 2022 Adam Kolton Alaska Storytelling Grant Award, enabling her to partner with Yup’ik (Ossie Kairaiuak, Chefornak) and Cup’ik (Michael Ulroan, Chevak) artists. Those partnerships will continue thanks to the grant award, in addition to upcoming workshops with the Kuspuk School District (in the Kuskokwim River village of Lower Kalskag) and North Star Behavioral Health center.  

Polly has also graced us with the opportunity to share this song with the Alaska Wilderness League community. We hope that you enjoy “Niitaqama Wii” (“When I Hear”), and can take a moment to reflect on its message. Translated lyrics appear below:  

Niitaqamaa Wii (When I Hear) 

When I hear 

It is so beautiful those ancient things 

It gives me flight 

Any person who follows wisdom 

Will live peacefully 

And strengthen from within 

When I hear 

It is so beautiful those ancient things 

It gives me flight