No matter where you are, we're glad you're here.
Essential Questions:
What is culture? How can it be defined?
Anchorage Hmong Lions DancersCama-i Dance Festival 2011 Bethel,AK- 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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| Toksook Bay Dancers Cama-i Festival 2011 Bethel, AK |
Current Demographics
According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau, Alaska Natives constitute 14.8% of Alaska's overall population of 710,231. The Census Bureau does not categorize by culture, but by the crude measure of race.
Race and culture are distinctly different, yet related, and how those distinctions and connections play out are issues which continue to impact nearly all societies. Race includes a focus on physical traits; culture is much broader and embodies the heart, mind, and spirit.
The 2010 census data reported here reveals how the federal government collects information on its citizens and to provide just another way to look at the demographics of Alaska.
By the Numbers
Race and culture are distinctly different, yet related, and how those distinctions and connections play out are issues which continue to impact nearly all societies. Race includes a focus on physical traits; culture is much broader and embodies the heart, mind, and spirit.
The 2010 census data reported here reveals how the federal government collects information on its citizens and to provide just another way to look at the demographics of Alaska.
Click on Table to Enlarge
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| Alaska Population by race as Defined by U.S. Government Alaska Dept. of Labor/2010 U.S. Census |
- 66.7% White
- 3.3% Black
- 5.4% Asian
- 14.8% Amer.Indian/AK Native
- 1.0% Native Hawaiian/Pac.Isl.
- 7.3% Persons 2+ races
- 5.5% Latino/Hispanic
- 64.1% White/not Hispanic
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Filipino Float, Fourth of July, Juneau 1951 VILDA ASL-P421-34 |
This module has been about the nature of culture, indigenous cultures of Alaska, culture contact and change, and cultures in Alaska today.
As in the history of the Lower 48, the earlier concept that the country would prove to be a melting pot where both immigrant groups and Native Americans would blend and evolve into some idealized version of America also did not play out in Alaska.
Cultural roots run deep, and instead of a melting pot, throughout the U.S., including Alaska, there exists something more akin to a salad bowl of cultures, with each maintaining a distinct identity while also sharing and exchanging cultural attributes with those with whom they share living space.
The various flavors enhance the whole, with the balance the result of an ongoing process of give and take, confrontation of difficult issues, and adjustments over time. It is a delicate dance with inevitable missteps, reassessment, and slow progress toward an Alaska which honors all cultures and which holds in special recognition its indigenous population.
EXAMINE
- In addition to the wave of Euroamericans who came to Alaska, what other groups emigrated to Alaska, and why?
- Unlike Native Americans of the "Lower 48", Alaska Natives are still occupy of much of their traditional homelands. How does this influence those cultures today and how does it influence their relationship with the majority culture?
- Alaska today is home to people representing many diverse cultures. How does this play out in rural and urban Alaska? What are the pertinent contemporary issues related to Alaska's cultures?
EXPLORE
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| Impromptu Orchestra from Filipino Men in Steerage 1947 S.S. Simpson VILDA ASL-P4 |
Read the short articles on newer immigrants to Alaska -- African Americans, Asian Americans, Polynesians, and Latin Americans.
These groups represent just a sample of the various ethnic groups now represented in Alaska as the last ten years have seen an increase in Pacific Islanders, Eastern Europeans and Southeast and South Asians.
While many of these people settle in the Anchorage area, a significant number have moved to rural hub communities and are influencing the social and economic dynamics of those places.
EXPLORE SOME MORE...
Paul Ongtooguk raises important issues related to culture and perceptions about culture. He provides critical information which is the backdrop upon which cultural relations continue to be played out.
Please read these two Ongtooguk essays:
EXTEND
There are many online sources related to cultures in Alaska. Only some are listed on the resources page for this course. Many of the Alaska Native corporations have institutes or heritage foundations that support their cultural heritage. Newer immigrant groups have formed socio-cultural organizations to reinforce their heritage.
The Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage is the premier Alaska research organization that has contributed immensely to an examination of cultural, ethnic, and race relations. You are strongly encouraged to examine its online archive of publications and presentations.
Cultural Connections - Photo Assignment
The historic photos included throughout the module have been selected to depict Alaska traditional and contemporary cultures, as well as cultures in transition.
Did you look at them as you read? It's worth taking a few minutes to go back and take a careful look at them. Do the photos reveal any more to you now? What do these photos tell us about cultures in Alaska?
Click on any photo to enlarge.
EXTEND
Teachers' Domain
Both of these videos provide a glimpse to culture change, culture exchange and linkages, and the dance of people, places, and practices. Choose one to view to expand your knowledge of cultures in Alaska.
On the Yukon River
La'ona DeWilde: Environmental Biologist
Whats' Next?
Now that we've explored the delicate dance of people, places and practices, it's time to Blog It!
Please read these two Ongtooguk essays:
EXTEND
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| Alaska Federation of Natives logo |
The Institute of Social and Economic Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage is the premier Alaska research organization that has contributed immensely to an examination of cultural, ethnic, and race relations. You are strongly encouraged to examine its online archive of publications and presentations.
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| Alaska Native Organizations Meet with Secretary of the Interior Walter Hickel 1970 VILDA ASL-P33-05 |
The historic photos included throughout the module have been selected to depict Alaska traditional and contemporary cultures, as well as cultures in transition.
Did you look at them as you read? It's worth taking a few minutes to go back and take a careful look at them. Do the photos reveal any more to you now? What do these photos tell us about cultures in Alaska?
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| Mt. Edgecumbe High School Braves and Sitka City League Champs - 1948 VILDA ASL-P465-10-42 |
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| Senator Ted Stevens with NANA Corp. Pres. Willie Hensley - 1978 VILDA B1990-014-5-Pol-04-31 |
Click on any photo to enlarge.
EXTEND
Teachers' Domain
Both of these videos provide a glimpse to culture change, culture exchange and linkages, and the dance of people, places, and practices. Choose one to view to expand your knowledge of cultures in Alaska.
On the Yukon River La'ona DeWilde: Environmental BiologistWhats' Next?
Now that we've explored the delicate dance of people, places and practices, it's time to Blog It!
