A new documentary being aired on public television stations tells the story of how the United States forced 881 Aleuts in western Alaska into internment camps during World War II.

"Aleut Story" features interviews with Aleuts who were taken from their homes in June 1942. Many spoke publicly for the first time about their ordeal and said they lost family members due to unsanitary and unhealthy conditions in the camps. According to the film, one in 10 people died at the camps from 1942 to 1945.

"It was terrible," said Maria Turnpaugh who is 78. "We lived in little shacks full of holes and no running water. People got sick all the time."

The Aleut Native corporation received $15 million from Congress as part of a compensation deal in 1987.

Get the Story:
WWII Internment of Alaska Aleuts Recounted (AP 12/8)
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Relevant Links:
Aleut Story - http://www.aleutstory.tv