"Yupiit Yuraryarait: Yup'ik Ways of Dancing," by James H. Barker and Ann Fienup-Riordan with Theresa Arevgaq John, has been selected for the Alaska Library Association's 2011 Alaskana of the Year Award.

The book combines scholarship with iconic photos made by Barker over the years and appears to be the best source of information about the art form ever published. Judges said the book, from UA Press, was "a significant literary contribution to the understanding of Alaska and Alaskan history."

The award will be presented in Juneau tomorrow. John will be present to pick it up on behalf of herself and her colleagues, who will not be able to attend the event.