Robert “RJ” Miller & Son RJ Jr. – Life Below Zero Stars, Alaska Furrier, and Tlingit Heritage Keepers

Robert “RJ” Miller isn’t the kind of television personality you’d expect to become a household name—yet that’s exactly what happened. With a weatherworn face, a seal-hunting rifle, and a sewing machine powered by ancestral memory, Robert stepped into the national spotlight on Life Below Zero: Next Generation and instantly captured hearts. But what truly set his story apart wasn’t just the rugged lifestyle—it was the presence of his son, RJ Miller Jr., standing beside him. Together, they brought a raw, emotionally grounded narrative to the screen: one of fatherhood, heritage, and surviving Alaska not just with grit, but with soul.

This article takes you beyond the frame—deep into the legacy of Robert Miller, from his roots in Sitka and his cultural reawakening, to his dual lives as a fisheries biologist and master furrier. And it doesn’t stop there. With a dedicated section on his son, RJ Jr.—a rising voice in Alaska’s subsistence culture and co-star in every sense—we trace the passing of knowledge, land, and purpose from one generation to the next. This is more than biography. It’s a story about the power of staying, of returning, and of building a future on the bedrock of tradition.

Early Life and Background

Robert Miller was born in May 1972 in Sitka, Alaska, where he continues to live and work. His family has deep generational roots in the region, with ancestry that includes his great-great-grandparents Peter and Elizabeth John, who lived in Sitka in the early 1950s—before Alaska achieved statehood in 1959. The legacy of these elders, who upheld subsistence values and lived off the land, is central to Robert’s identity and the values he seeks to pass on. One of his relatives, Paul Edwards, was a commercial fisherman and military veteran who owned several properties and fishing boats in Sitka, contributing further to the family’s legacy of resilience and resourcefulness.

Though raised amidst the wilderness of Southeast Alaska, Robert’s immersion in Tlingit culture came later in life. Inspired by stories of his great-grandmother, who crafted moccasins from marine mammal fur, he felt compelled in adulthood to reconnect with his Native heritage and preserve its practices. This desire to honor the past and secure a cultural future for his children was the spark for a deeply personal transformation.

His cultural journey began in December 2013, when he harvested his first sea otters with the intention of learning the traditional craft of brain tanning. From that point forward, he taught himself ancestral techniques through hands-on experimentation, mentorship from fellow Alaska Natives, and historical research. The experience marked a turning point, blending tradition with newfound creativity.

Career and Professional Evolution

While widely known for his fur craftsmanship, Miller has led a distinguished career outside the spotlight. Since 1996, he has worked as a Fisheries Biologist and Region 10 Blaster Examiner with the U.S. Forest Service. His responsibilities include the construction of fish passes—critical structures that help salmon navigate natural barriers and reach spawning grounds. He has spent years living in field camps, leading crews in some of the most remote terrain in Alaska, and has mentored more than 90 student volunteers throughout his career.

Miller’s approach to conservation blends his scientific background with Indigenous knowledge. He is a strong advocate for managing sea otter populations in Southeast Alaska, recognizing their impact on local ecosystems and subsistence resources. His fieldwork reflects a dual commitment to habitat restoration and cultural responsibility.

Sea Fur Sewing and Cultural Preservation

In parallel with his work in biology, Miller founded Sea Fur Sewing, a business dedicated to creating garments and accessories from legally harvested sea otter and seal furs. His designs—ranging from gloves and hats to scarves, ruffs, and home décor—combine traditional methods with modern craftsmanship. One of his earliest breakthroughs was a pair of hand-stitched fur-trimmed gloves that sold to a local store, igniting the idea that cultural preservation could also become a livelihood.

He is self-taught in sewing, having learned via YouTube and experimentation. He uses a vintage Bonis Never Stop Fur Sewing Machine, a tool he mastered after hundreds of broken needles. His commitment to understanding traditional tanning methods—including the use of animal brains, hand scraping, cold smoking, and pattern design—adds authenticity to every piece.

In one year alone, Miller donated over 1,600 pounds of seal meat and fat to Sitka elders, fulfilling the community obligation that is central to subsistence life. His hunting is deliberate, respectful, and always in service to the larger ecosystem.

Peril Sky LLC and Community Engagement

Miller also owns Peril Sky LLC, a business offering wilderness guiding, fishing excursions, and wildlife tours. Based out of Sitka, it provides locals and tourists alike with a hands-on introduction to Southeast Alaska’s land, sea, and culture—guided by someone who lives the traditions he shares.

Life Below Zero: Next Generation

Robert Miller and his son RJ were discovered by the show’s producers after a feature article in Modern Huntsman magazine, written by Bethany Goodrich of the Sitka Conservation Society, caught their attention. When contacted by a scouting team in 2021, Robert insisted that his son be part of the show as well, explaining,

“I said I can do this show, but I’ve got a partner in crime who doesn’t work in the winters because he’s a charter fisherman and he would love to be on it with me.”

The producers agreed, and both were interviewed and cast. Filming began in fall 2021, and they debuted together in Season 4 of the series in 2022, returning again in Season 5 in 2023.

While the show follows multiple individuals and families living off the grid throughout Alaska, the Miller family’s segments quickly stood out for their authenticity and cultural depth. Their storyline documents their subsistence lifestyle in Southeast Alaska—hunting, fishing, and tanning furs in alignment with Tlingit values. The father-son relationship provides an intergenerational lens on resilience, adaptation, and the transmission of traditional knowledge.

Season 4 (2022)

Their debut season emphasized a strong generational narrative. In Episode 6, Zombie Fish, they were seen deer hunting upriver, demonstrating their willingness to push deeper into the terrain for critical resources. In Episode 9, Priceless, the entire Miller family ventured deep into the woods to hunt deer and moose, underscoring their collective effort to prepare for winter.

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A post shared by Robert Miller (@akrj907)

Their seal hunt in Episode 11, Going Rogue, carried cultural significance as the meat was meant for local Elders. In Episode 12, Call of the Mountain, RJ Jr. embarked on a solo mountain goat hunt, a milestone that emphasized his growing independence. Episodes 13 and 14 further showcased their teamwork in setting crab, beaver, and duck traps to adapt to seasonal changes.

Season 5 (2023)

This season brought a sharper focus on RJ Jr.’s development as a capable provider. In Episode 2, Bridge to the Unknown, the pair resumed deer hunting to replenish winter stores. Episode 4, Smoke and Fire, saw them gather clams to smoke, highlighting traditional food preservation techniques. RJ collaborated with fellow cast member Johnny on an otter hunt in Episode 5, The Pursuit, showcasing his growing connection to the broader off-grid community.

In Episode 6, Power Under Pressure, Robert, RJ, and Ashlyne teamed up for a fishing expedition, reinforcing family cohesion. RJ’s self-reliance stood out in Episode 7, Dog Cabin, where he free-dived for underwater delicacies. In Episode 8, Deep Roots, Robert and RJ crafted halibut hooks by hand, blending tradition with practical utility. Their adaptability was again on display in Episode 9, Ghost Forest, when they pivoted to crab fishing.

Through these seasons, the Millers have helped elevate public awareness of Indigenous knowledge systems, the modern realities of subsistence living, and the enduring strength of Native family traditions. Their presence on the show is more than entertainment—it’s a continuing education in respect for land, heritage, and community.

Personal Life: Wife and Kids

Robert Miller is married to Alycia Miller, a Telehealth Registered Nurse Case Manager based in Sitka, Alaska. She works for the SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), where she specializes in patient advocacy, prenatal telehealth services, and remote case management systems that have greatly improved access to care in rural communities. Her leadership during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic helped establish virtual healthcare programs for high-risk patients across Alaska.

Together, Robert and Alycia have three children: RJ Jr., Ashlyne, and Eva.

RJ Miller Jr.

Born in 1996, RJ Miller Jr. is the eldest son of Robert and Alycia Miller. As of 2025, he is 28 years old and works as a charter fishing captain in Sitka, Alaska during the summer months. Raised on Baranof Island in Southeast Alaska and attended Sitka High School, RJ grew up surrounded by towering peaks, dense forests, and the cold waters of the Pacific—experiences that shaped both his identity and his livelihood. He began fishing with his father at a young age and officially entered the profession as a deckhand around age 19. By 2023, he had accumulated over eight years of combined experience between deckhanding and guiding tours, using his deep local knowledge to offer guests meaningful, unforgettable excursions.

In addition to his work in the outdoors, RJ is a devoted family man. He and his partner, Kamilia, welcomed their first daughter in early 2022 and are expecting a second child—a baby boy—in 2025. RJ frequently shares heartfelt tributes to Kamilia Katherine and their family life, underscoring the importance of partnership and parenting in their shared journey. Together, they are raising a new generation connected to the land, waters, and values of their heritage.

RJ co-starred with his father in Life Below Zero: Next Generation, where their father-son dynamic highlights the transmission of traditional Tlingit knowledge from one generation to the next. From solo mountain goat hunts to collaborative efforts in crab trapping, free diving, and crafting traditional tools, RJ has shown exceptional growth as a cultural practitioner and subsistence provider. His evolving leadership was a key narrative throughout Seasons 4 and 5 of the show, solidifying his role as a prominent figure in Alaska’s modern off-grid storytelling.

Beyond the show, RJ helps manage Peril Sky LLC, the family’s wilderness and marine guiding business. He actively promotes tours through social media, offering visitors an opportunity to connect with Southeast Alaska’s rugged landscape through his eyes. Whether leading a fishing expedition or sharing stories from Sitka’s waters, RJ Jr. brings together experience, heritage, and a calm, confident presence that continues to deepen his family’s legacy. In a reflective post from late 2022, RJ shared that although he once left Alaska seeking purpose elsewhere, his journey ultimately brought him back home. That return reaffirmed his deep connection to Sitka, his community, and the land that raised him. He wrote, “Being Alaskan born and raised hasn’t always been the easiest… all the searching brought me right back to home! I love this town and this state!”—a statement that captures his enduring commitment to his roots and to living a life of meaning on his ancestral land.

RJ Miller Jr. – Quick Facts

Field	Information
Full Name	RJ Miller Jr.
Date of Birth	1996
Age (as of 2025)	28 years old
Birthplace	Sitka, Alaska, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Tlingit (Alaska Native)
Education	Attended Sitka High School
Occupation	Charter Fishing Captain, Wilderness Guide, TV Personality
Known For	Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Seasons 4 & 5)
Years Active (TV)	2022–2023
Father	Robert “RJ” Miller
Mother	Alycia Miller
Partner	Kamilia
Children	One daughter (b. 2022), expecting a son (due in 2025)
Business	Peril Sky LLC (marine/wilderness guiding)
Residence	Sitka, Alaska

Robert “RJ” Miller – Quick Facts

Field	Information
Full Name	Robert “RJ” Miller
Date of Birth	May 1972
Age (as of 2025)	52 years old
Birthplace	Sitka, Alaska, United States
Nationality	American
Ethnicity	Tlingit (Alaska Native)
Education	Self-taught in traditional Tlingit tanning and sewing
Occupation	Fisheries Biologist, Furrier, TV Personality, Guide
Known For	Life Below Zero: Next Generation (Seasons 4 & 5)
Years Active (TV)	2022–2023
Spouse	Alycia Miller (Registered Nurse)
Children	RJ Miller Jr., Ashlyne, and Eva
Business Ventures	Sea Fur Sewing, Peril Sky LLC
Residence	Sitka, Alaska
Notable Work	Sea otter tanning, subsistence advocacy, cultural mentoring