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ENGAGE
Alaska Natives were never completely isolated. Extensive trade networks existed that resulted in the introduction of some European goods before the first Russian ever set foot in Alaska.
Engaging in travel both east and west across the Bering Strait, along the Arctic coast, and through the mountain passes of Southeast Alaska to the continental interior ensured that there was a cultural exchange between Natives of not only material goods, but also language, practices, and beliefs.
For example, Athabascans from the Interior and Inupiaq from the Arctic Coast had carefully articulated trade relationships that allowed for an exchange of items available only in each other's regions. Violations of these relationships sometimes resulted in hostilities, as documented in the historical written, oral, and material record.
Culture change is part of cultural survival. For traditional societies, change was a relatively slow process as survival depended both on what was "tried and true" as well as an adaptation to changing circumstances presented by climate issues, natural disasters, or internal disruptions. The group would then adopt practices best suited to the new circumstances.
Dramatic change for Alaska Natives came abruptly after the Russians discovered the wealth to be gained by the exploitation of Alaska's natural resources, especially fur bearing animals.
Look at the historical timeline again to determine not only the start of the Russian interest in Alaska, but also to note other explorations.
Not only were the British interested in expanding their trade and land claims in the North Pacific, but (not on the timeline) so, too, were the French and the Spanish. Then the Americans conducted extensive explorations starting in the late 1800's after the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
The resulting impact for Alaska Natives was profound as culture change accelerated. Cultural change was often imposed by a new political regime, a new economic system, or by religious and educational leaders whose intentions are still debated.
New technologies were often welcomed, but they changed long-held social and economic relationships. Older technologies were displaced, and lost was much of the knowledge associated with them.
As the newcomers became the dominant culture in terms of power asserted, Alaska Natives at various times resisted or subverted/sabotaged efforts of forced change; in other situations they moved toward acculturation or assimilation.
They also adapted and adopted as circumstances warranted, enacting culture change both by choice and other times as a reaction to imposed circumstances (ex. foreign laws, diseases).
Alaska Native cultures today represent an amalgam of the various responses, and there continues to be discussion, debate, research, analysis, and action to reexamine the past and to reinforce a cultural identity.
EXAMINE
EXPLORE SOME MORE....
Teachers' Domain
Visit Teachers' Domain to learn about a traditional subsistence lifestyle that also incorporates elements of contemporary technology.
EXAMINE
Take a Good Look
Respect and tolerance for all cultures remains a crucial goal for humanity. And even though this is important work for all Alaskans, because of our power in the classroom and status in our communities, it is essential work for Alaskan educators.
Observe the cultures around you. Observe the culture(s) of your students. Take note of examples of culture change, and consider whether these are the result of:
Essential Questions:
What is culture? How can it be defined?
Russian School, Sitka 1889VILDA ASL-P91-49- How can an examination of "culture" in Alaska contribute to an understanding of Alaska history?
- Why is a study of Alaska Native cultures critical for an understanding of Alaska, past and present?
- Is there an "Alaskan"culture? How could it be described?
ENGAGE
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| Native Trading on the Whaler, Beledee, Teller, AK ca.1920's VILDA AMRC-b65-18-768 |
Newcomers - Contact, Challenge and Change
Engaging in travel both east and west across the Bering Strait, along the Arctic coast, and through the mountain passes of Southeast Alaska to the continental interior ensured that there was a cultural exchange between Natives of not only material goods, but also language, practices, and beliefs.
For example, Athabascans from the Interior and Inupiaq from the Arctic Coast had carefully articulated trade relationships that allowed for an exchange of items available only in each other's regions. Violations of these relationships sometimes resulted in hostilities, as documented in the historical written, oral, and material record.
Culture change is part of cultural survival. For traditional societies, change was a relatively slow process as survival depended both on what was "tried and true" as well as an adaptation to changing circumstances presented by climate issues, natural disasters, or internal disruptions. The group would then adopt practices best suited to the new circumstances.
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| Rev. Loola, Native Deacon, with Bible Class St. Stephen's Mission, Fort Yukon, AK early 1900's VILDA UAF-1985-72-29 |
Look at the historical timeline again to determine not only the start of the Russian interest in Alaska, but also to note other explorations.
Not only were the British interested in expanding their trade and land claims in the North Pacific, but (not on the timeline) so, too, were the French and the Spanish. Then the Americans conducted extensive explorations starting in the late 1800's after the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
 |
| Sitka Training School, Presbyterian Mission early 1900's VILDA ASL-P33-38 |
New technologies were often welcomed, but they changed long-held social and economic relationships. Older technologies were displaced, and lost was much of the knowledge associated with them.
 |
| Commercial Logging, Yakutat Crew ca. 1920's-30's VILDA ASL-P55-124 |
They also adapted and adopted as circumstances warranted, enacting culture change both by choice and other times as a reaction to imposed circumstances (ex. foreign laws, diseases).
Alaska Native cultures today represent an amalgam of the various responses, and there continues to be discussion, debate, research, analysis, and action to reexamine the past and to reinforce a cultural identity.
EXAMINE
Culture change - Alaska Native groups had contacts with other groups within Alaska and from without. The contacts became more frequent and dramatic over time, with consequences both positive and negative.
EXPLORE
Alaska History and Cultural Studies
Paul Ongtooguk has presented thoughtful and often challenging ideas in his essay series Contact and Change. Let's read two from the series:
- What were some of the most significant of the early contacts with outsiders?
- Give examples of cultural contact that represent: adaptation, adoption, resistance, assimilation, acculturation.
EXPLORE
Alaska History and Cultural Studies
Paul Ongtooguk has presented thoughtful and often challenging ideas in his essay series Contact and Change. Let's read two from the series:II. Then choose either of Ongtooguk's essays: Education and Self-Determination, or Military in Alaska.
EXAMINE
EXAMINE
- How does the author present Maniilaq as an Inupiaq visionary of the culture change to come?
- What insights about the nature of Alaska Native cultural change do you gain from the essays?
EXPLORE SOME MORE....
Teachers' Domain
Visit Teachers' Domain to learn about a traditional subsistence lifestyle that also incorporates elements of contemporary technology.
EXAMINE
Take a Good Look
Respect and tolerance for all cultures remains a crucial goal for humanity. And even though this is important work for all Alaskans, because of our power in the classroom and status in our communities, it is essential work for Alaskan educators.
Observe the cultures around you. Observe the culture(s) of your students. Take note of examples of culture change, and consider whether these are the result of:
- choice, or
- imposition
- adaptation,
- adoption,
- acculturation, or
- assimilation.
Beware of Thin Ice
Be aware that observations and discussions of culture and culture change are often loaded topics. As such, our discussions can venture onto thin ice. There are many perspectives and opinions about historic events related to contact between Alaska Natives and the newcomers to Alaska.
Issues related to culture, cultural identity, cultural integrity, and cultural survival often inflame passions and raise tempers. Help make sure views posted on blogs are well-informed, insightful, and professional.
EXTEND
Cultural Connections
Issues related to culture, cultural identity, cultural integrity, and cultural survival often inflame passions and raise tempers. Help make sure views posted on blogs are well-informed, insightful, and professional.
EXTEND
Cultural Connections
Consider your own culture. If you are newcomer to Alaska, you brought your cultural legacy with you.
What's Next?
Let's move on to our last segment of this module, the delicate dance of Cultures in Alaska.
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Kake Native Band, Salvation Army Alaska Native Congress 1925 VILDA ASL-P87-0089 |
- How has your culture informed your concept of culture and how you approach cross-cultural communication?
- If you are a life-long Alaskan, describe your awareness of the history of your culture and its connection with newcomers.
- What is the legacy of historical contact for your ethnic group?
- After 250 years of contact with outsiders, what is the status of Native cultures in Alaska?
What's Next?
Let's move on to our last segment of this module, the delicate dance of Cultures in Alaska.
