Movie Monday: Yakutat World War II Stories

This week’s Movie Monday features Yakutat World War II Stories. Youth filmmakers, Ethan, Xavier, and Chris explore how World War II forever changed the face of Yakutat. Once a small village with few roads, Yakutat transformed into a key military site with runways, docks, and defenses that still shape the community today.

The film also highlights a lesser-known local story: a ship explosion in the bay that sent shockwaves through town and remains a powerful reminder of the war’s lasting impact.

🎬 Yakutat World War II Stories was produced during the 2025 Yakutat Middle School “100 Years From Now” youth film workshop, made possible with funding from the National Park Service, the Alaska Mental Health Trust, and the Alaska State Council on the Arts.

🎥 Watch Yakutat World War II Stories here or click the still below:

Discussion Questions

1. How did World War II change life in Yakutat, both physically and culturally?

2. What lessons can we learn from how Yakutat’s community responded to the challenges of wartime?

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