Who We Are

Ideated and run by Lexi Qass’uq Trainer (Cup’ik/Yup’ik), this is a passion project born of her desire to educate people about the Indigenous history and modern Indigenous influences of the places they visit. Through her business, Yaaruin Consulting, Lexi has worked with clients like the National Park Service, Princess Cruises, Travel Alaska, and more on their cultural tourism initiatives.

At The Cultural Tourism Podcast, we are honored to continue the tradition of oral storytelling through a modern medium. Our podcast serves as a welcoming space for curious minds to discover the stories and traditions of Indigenous peoples in an effort to educate those who visit their spaces.

With a considerate blend of expert insights and heartfelt narratives, we aim to inspire listeners to embark on their own journeys, fostering a deeper understanding of the places they visit. Join us as we navigate through intentional conversations that inspire mindful travel through educated cultural tourism.

A woman stands in front of a sign that says, "Alaska. Today your host is Cup'ik."

Support educated cultural tourism through the podcast!

  • A podcast mic lays against a clay background with a black and white pattern of small diamonds across the top.

    The Branding

    Our logo is a clay red in color for the earth. Clay is an essential piece of Indigenous lives. Clay is used for pottery, building, and so much more. We are thankful to Cillam Cua for everything they have gifted to us and we demonstrate that through our choice of colors in the podcast branding.

    The black and white pattern across the top represents a trim pattern and is often seen on traditional piluguks (boots) and other traditional items made by Cup'ik, Yup'ik, and Inupiaq people throughout Alaska.

  • A white music note on a clay red backdrop.

    The Music

    Podcast music is courtesy of Kituralria (Michael Ulroan) who is Cup'ik from Chevak, Alaska. You can support Kituralria by visiting his website at https://www.mikeulroan.com or by listening to him on Spotify, Apple, Youtube, & Pandora.

    The song, "The Arctic Tern and Loon" is a traditional family song composed by his Apa'urluq (grandfather) Joseph Friday.

    Coming soon: a behind-the-scenes episode with Kituralria and the story behind the music.

  • An illustration of a person reading a book to a small crowd of three people.

    The Storytelling

    Oral storytelling is a traditional way for many Indigenous people to pass down our stories, lessons, and more. We are proud to continue this tradition through a modern medium.

    As part of our commitment to oral storytelling, in each episode we aim to highlight one traditional or relevant modern story from the community we are featuring.

    Interested in being a guest? Fill out this form and we will get back to you! Know someone you think would be a great fit? Send them our way!

  • An illustration of a podcast microphone with two audio waves coming out of it.

    The Format

    Interested in being a guest? Each guest interview is between 40-60 minutes.

    We start with an introduction to the guest and where they're from, what they do in their Indigenous community. Topics range from places in the area whose names have Indigenous ties, a local traditional story. We may talk arts, regalia, celebrations & local museums or historic sites. We also have guests from the tourism/outdoor industry to talk about their thoughts on cultural tourism.

    We end each episode with a traditional value.