We Will Not Harbor the Monster (We Will Rise)
This story (song) includes references to many culturally important elements such as body-based healing, using creative voice to release pain, and facing monsters.
This story includes references to oppressive experiences and terms in societies of colonial heritage such as sexual violence (especially with children), suicide and post-traumatic stress. Please see the the “Story + Appendices document downloadable below on this page for resources to support healing and other useful information.
Sovereignty Stories productions are appropriate for all-ages.
Meet the team!
WASABI (SHARLA HAUSMANN)
STORYTELLER/SINGER
Wasabi (born Sharla Aklaatchiaq Susook) is an Alaskan artist born in Utqiagvik and raised in Kalimuit, where she began rapping at age 12.
Chill flows from the North!
Wasabi is Iñupiaq, Koyukon, and Paiute. A mother and wife, she considers the Arctic, the Yukon, and Southcentral Alaska as her home.
NAGAVORAQ
VOCAL ARTIST
Daughter of Wasabi. We are so excited to feature a mother-daughter creative team!!
SIQIÑIQ MAUPIN
CREATIVE PRODUCER
Siqiniq Maupin is Iñupiaq with roots mostly in Nuiqsut and Utqiagvik. Her mother is Harriet Maupin and her grandparents are the late Abe and Lena Simmonds. She grew up in Fairbanks with a love for animals, the outdoors, and her culture. She worked for the oil industry for 4 years before she got into recovery in 2017 and entered social justice work. She is in her senior year of her bachelor’s degree in Alaska Native Studies with a minor in Inupiaq. She has two children and three dogs. Her passions are art in all forms of medium, writing, and being on the land.
AALUK EDWARDSON
CREATIVE ADVISOR
Aaluk, the daughter of George and Debby Edwardson, is a multidisciplinary artist who was born and raised in Utqiaġvik, Alaska. She is a writer (of poems, plays, books and for TV), director (of plays and community performances), actress, singer and producer.
She also teaches a class connecting Iñuit identity, history and creative writing with Alaska’s only tribal college, Iḷisaġvik College. In addition to working on art and teaching, Aaluk advises on creative and cultural projects and facilitates virtual cultural education workshops with people from all walks of life. Learn more on her creative business website: www.creativedecolonization.org.
