Parkas are part of a living tradition in southwest Alaska. Some are ornamented with tassels, beads, and elaborate stitching; others are simpler fur or birdskin garments. Although fewer fancy parkas are sewn today, many people still wear those made for them by their mothers and other relatives. "Parka-making" conversations touch on every aspect of Yup'ik life--child rearing, marriage partnerships, ceremonies and masked dances, traditional...