A major factor in the increasing partisanship we've seen in recent years is how the

parties select their candidates. Alaska has lately been trying something different,

which is already showing results while facing some resistance.

Judy Woodruff traveled there as part of her ongoing series about divisions in the country,

America at a crossroads.

Alaska is a state like no other.

Part of the Union for just 65 years, it is the largest state by far, and its natural beauty is matched

only by its unique history and independent spirit.

In one move, you come back out and let go with your thumb.

David Nikolai is an Alaska native U-Pik storyteller with deep connections to the state's history

and traditions.

And my favorite part about this one is the sun sets. The epic word for this is Ihuk and it's a storytelling with a

loop of string. Whoa you did it. I learned these string figures from my father and from his mother.

You can try learning this one.

My daughter's Annabelle and Rose are nine and six,

and it is a joy to share these string figures with them and pass on the tradition.

His daughters recently saw another U-Pick Alaska native sharing her culture far across

the country in the U.S. Capitol, Alaska's only

congressional representative Mary Peltola.

Ojana Chuck Nuchbach, that means thank you very much. and with that I yield back.

After she was elected and sworn in during her opening remarks she spoke Yupik on the

house floor and that was the very first time that language was spoke in that chamber

...