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Invan Veniaminov, Saint Innocent ca. 1860's VILDA ASL-P01-1983 |
Essential Questions:
How is the experience of Russian America an example of 18th-19th century imperialism and colonialism?
His Grace, the Right Reverend Gregory,
Bishop of Sitka and Alaska
ca. 1970's VILDA ASL-P243-6-434- What was the nature of cultural contact between the Europeans of Russian America and the Natives of Alaska?
- What is the legacy of the Russian colonization of Alaska?
ENGAGE
Life in the Colony
Soon after the return of the survivors of the Bering-Chirikov Expedition, Russian fur-hunters and merchant vessels moved into the Aleutians and continued a move eastward along the coast. Company headquarters were established first at Kodiak and soon after in Sitka.
The first Russian-Orthodox priests arrived in the 1790's, and the 1799 charter for the Russian American Company signaled a new era for the colony. Business expanded and new colonial outposts were established. The Russian colony became an important part of international trade which included China , Hawaii, the Spanish in California, and British and American merchants.
Baranof oversaw this expansion for nearly twenty years. At the same time he was under pressure from the church to improve company policy with regard to treatment of natives. However, the saying "God is high and the tsar far away," illustrates the prevailing modus operandi of the time. After Baranof's departure in 1818, all succeeding governor/managers were naval officers.
A few women arrived in the colony, and the population of company and church staff varied from about 225 in 1799 to a peak of 832 in 1839. While the colony still was rugged by European standards, it continued to develop and mature. Aspects of European domestic life were established in Sitka and Kodiak; Sitka was an international port of trade and the Paris of the Pacific. Libraries, schools, and medical clinics were established.
The Russians classified Alaska Natives with particular status based on the nature of their relationship with them. The use of native labor was extensive and critical to the success of the company; the consequences for Alaska Natives living in the contact areas was profound.
There were conflict situations with various Native groups from the Aleutians along the Gulf coast and through Southeast Alaska. Resulting relations were in part a reflection of when contact was first made, with the Aleuts experiencing the earliest, and often harshest, treatment.
Russian exploration throughout southwest Alaska and into the middle Yukon region expanded the trade networks and opened a path for the establishment of Russian Orthodox churches.
Many company employees married Native women which resulted in a growing population of Creoles who often worked for the company or served in the church.
(This contact resulted in Alaska Natives and Creoles in the contact areas becoming trilingual - speaking the native language, Russian, and the church Slavonic. The later contact with Americans added a fourth language, English.)
Once service to the company was fulfilled, and even after the sale of Alaska to the United States, many of these Russians stayed with their Alaska families.
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| Russian Orthodox Clergy & Residents St. George Island ca. 1890's VILDA ASL-P243-1064 |
Baranof oversaw this expansion for nearly twenty years. At the same time he was under pressure from the church to improve company policy with regard to treatment of natives. However, the saying "God is high and the tsar far away," illustrates the prevailing modus operandi of the time. After Baranof's departure in 1818, all succeeding governor/managers were naval officers.
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| Russian School, Sitka 1889 VILDA ASL-P91-49 |
The Russians classified Alaska Natives with particular status based on the nature of their relationship with them. The use of native labor was extensive and critical to the success of the company; the consequences for Alaska Natives living in the contact areas was profound.
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| Old Church, Atka Island ca. late 1890's VILDA ASL-P243-2-016 |
Russian exploration throughout southwest Alaska and into the middle Yukon region expanded the trade networks and opened a path for the establishment of Russian Orthodox churches.
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| Father Mefodii, Catechizer Simeon Kakviam and Wife ca. late 1800's VILDA ASL-P243-1-081 |
(This contact resulted in Alaska Natives and Creoles in the contact areas becoming trilingual - speaking the native language, Russian, and the church Slavonic. The later contact with Americans added a fourth language, English.)
Once service to the company was fulfilled, and even after the sale of Alaska to the United States, many of these Russians stayed with their Alaska families.
EXPLORE
From the Alaska History course, read the article The Russian Orthodox Mission. (Choose one link from the article to expand the topic.)
From Alaska's Heritage section, read:
- Chapter 3-8: Art, Culture, Education, Recreation and Religion (Focus on the sections about education and religion.)
EXAMINE
EXTEND
Consider these questions:
- How did the establishment of the Russian Orthodox Church in Alaska change both the colony and the indigenous population?
- What was the relationship between the church and the Russian America company, and the church and Alaska Natives?
- Life in the colony - what was the nature of culture exchange and change for the Russians and Alaska Natives?
- Russia sold its colony to the United States in 1867; what was the impact of Alaska's colonial status, and what is the legacy?
EXTEND
Consider these questions:
- What are some examples of culture change and culture exchange that occurred during the Russian America period?
- What evidence of Russian America's legacy do you see in Alaska today?
- Do you live in or have you traveled to an area in Alaska that was influenced by the Russian America Company and/or the Russian Orthodox Church?
- Take note of family names, geographic place names, foods, and cultural rituals and traditions that reflect the legacy of Russian America.
Let's explore how Russian America became a US Territory - Competition and Geo-political Forces - The Sale of Alaska.
