These long hours of the summer solstice are a time for Alaskans to rejoice in the productivity of light, life, and the abundance of the season. As a mother, artist and subsistence fisherman, filling the day to the brim is just life as usual for Apayuq.

By midnight, Apayuq and Chris reach their fishing grounds and are quick to motor their net into the rushing river. Apayuq calls out in Yup’ik singing the word for red salmon, “Sayak, sayak, sayak,” greeting the tails that begin to flutter in the net.