Module III - People and Places

No matter where you are, we're glad you're here!

Rand McNally & Co. 1895,  Rare Maps Collection,
Alaska and Polar Regions Collection
VILDA UAF-M0170

Essential Questions:

•  What is culture?  How can it be defined?
• 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?

Katrina Cutting Fish at Paimute 1964
VILDA B1990-014-5-AKNative-23-2

ENGAGE

There's No Place Like Home

All of human history occurs in a place. Without a sense of the physical space, one cannot develop an understanding of the cultures which evolve and exist in the space.  

In Module II you began to learn the place of Alaska by becoming more aware of its physiography.  

Keep your knowledge of Alaska's major physical features and the forces which affect climate and geology close at hand as you begin to learn about the cultures of Alaska.

EXPLORE
Read the introductory section about Alaska's Cultures  in the AK History course and examine the historical timeline at the top of each page. Also read the brief descriptions of the Alaska Native groups.  Focus upon the ways that these different groups traditionally made a living.  How are the economies and technologies of each group  a reflection of the physical landscape?  Keep this information in mind as you move through the module.

• Alaska History Course    

• Alaska's Cultures

The People and the Landscape 

Consider these two very different maps of Alaska. Look not only for physical features which could be barriers,  but also consider physical features which serve as corridors and means to cross-cultural contact and exchange.    

What about the border areas between distinct Alaska Native groups (for example, between Athabascans and Yup'ik)?  How do you think the cultures in these areas are similar to or different from cultures deep within a region? 

• First, spend time with the Alaska Native Language Map   
• Then explore the interactive flashmap of Alaska at the World Sites Atlas 
• What sort of relationship do you notice between Alaska's physical features and the location of the traditional homelands?

Alaska Native Language Map 2011, ANLC and ISER

World Sites Atlas Alaska Interactive flashmap

EXAMINE

• Who and where are the indigenous peoples of Alaska? 
• How are cultural regions linked to the physical landscape? 
• How does the physical landscape influence the economy and technology of Alaska Native cultures?

EXPLORE SOME MORE....
Now, let's revisit the AK History Course Alaska's Cultures site. Read either of Paul Ongtooguk's essays in the Alaska's Cultures section: 

•  Building a Context for Stories and Traditions
•  Dynamic Subsistence Societies

EXAMINE

• How does the author connect the culture and the space, the people and the place? 

EXTEND
Teachers' Domain

Now's a good time to access resources from the Teachers' Domain to enhance your knowledge base about Alaska Natives and their relationship to the environment.  Take a look at one of these videos and consider how the connection between people and place is demonstrated. 

 Gwich'in Tribe Protects Caribou and Culture

Inupiaq Whale Hunt

What's Next?

From People & Places, now let's move on the our next segment, People & Practices.