Module III Cultural History

Essential Question: Is there and Alaskan Culure and how can it be described?
Culture can be defined by many different things one of which is:  A group of individuals with shared norms, beliefs and values. If that is the definition we are using than yes there is an Alaskan culture but it is very diverse. There are several cultures within Alaska. To say there is one true Alaskan culture would be false. As mentioned in this module Alaska has become more of a Salad Bowl, as opposed to a melting pot. The Salad Bowl consists of many cultures mixing and  living together, while differing in beliefs.  Some of the cultures that exist in this  Alaska Salad Bowl are: the Native Alaskans, the Military bases,  the outdoor adventurists and the list goes on...  Despite Alaska being a fairly new state, there has been an Alaskan culture since the early 1800s with the Alaska Natives. The maps below show the areas populated by these Alaska Native tribes.


Although Native cultures remain, other Alaskan cultures continue to grow and alter. One of these cultures that I have personally witnessed, is the increasing Outdoor enthusist culture. There is a fascination with this State; which houses a vast land with abundant outdoors activities. I have witnessed this fascination myself and the  uprising of an "Alaskan outdoors Culture". While recently moving back to Alaska, I have met a lot of people rock climbing that are from all around the U.S.
When I asked  the individuals I met, why they moved here? Each concured that they were looking for a great adventure, and each wanted to be part of a State that has amazing outdoor activities and resources. Along with this growing culture, there still remains those "sourdoughs" that have endured the long winters. They do so with pride, in order to get to the amazing summers packed with rivers filled with Salmon and fishing like no other. So, yes I would say there is an Alaskan Culture. However, it is not one set culture; rather it  defined by different subgroups that share space within a large state filled with abundant possibilities!

                                                                         


Examine Question:In addition to the wave of Euroamericans who came to Alaska, what other groups emigrated to Alaska, and why?

There were several other groups outside the Euroamericans that came to Alaska. The Asian groups, and in particular Filipinos started their venture to Alaska  during the 1700's on aboard a crew sent for exploration and fur trade. Then in the 1800's worked on whaling ships. They later helped lay the underwater communication cable that linked Alaska to Seattle. Lastly, in the 1920- and 30's dominated the canneries and today make up 13,000 of population. While Asian groups came in the early 1700's, the Polynesians also came on crews with Captain Cook and currently this is one of the fastest growing populations in Alaska. Latin American groups came to Alaska in late 1700's to assess the Russian acitivity and explore. Explorer Puerto Cordova and Vales left a lasting mark; there are now towns names after them: Cordova and Valdez.

Many other groups followed, such as Black men who were Seafares who participated in Whaling during the Civil War. Groups continued as the Gold Rush began, to work in the Gold mines. World War II brought more military to Alaska and worked on the Alaska highway, which the military still supports a lot of black men and women who have chosen to stay in Alaska. It is clear that some groups emigrated for exploration, the great Gold Rush a means of adventure. Regardless of the reasoning; it is apparant to me that Alaska has a lot of opportunity for different cultures that other states do not offer. It continues to be a State filled with continual exploration, wealth through natural resources and ample possibilities. Lastly,  being away for 13 years I have really recognized how Anchorage's ethnic population has also altered immensly. With each change, it is important to continue to appreciate the Native cultures while embracing the continual transformations.

http://www.akhistorycourse.org/articles/article

                                                                                        

Extend Question:To what degree do you think the concept of culture, and Alaskans' interpretation of that term, affects the public discourse and perspectives on issues such as land ownership and management, resource allocation, resource development, relationships (between Alaskans and with those outside of Alaska), allocation of public  services and environmental stewardship?

I believe that concept of culture is critical when it affects perspectives and issues that a pertinent to our daily life. The debate over the pebble mine is a perfect recent example of Alaskans views and outside perspectives. There are companies that are coming in from out of State trying to start a mine in an area very important to Alaskan Natives and their fishing livelihood. I have sat in and heard both sides and truly believe that "Alaskans" need to have the final say on what occurs on their land.

As far as environmental stewardship I believe that this is an issue bigger and greater than any culture within Alaska. When it comes to enviornmental issues, like we learned in the previous modules what we do in Alaska has a greater global effect. Due to this interconnection, I believe we need the input from outside the state to ensure we are doing our part to reduce the effects on the earth. In the listed Teacher Domain video this young doctoral student is working together to ensure the future of Alaska:    http://www.teachersdomain.org/asset/ean08_vid_dewilde/

I am sure there are those who would dissagree with me and say that what occurs in our State needs to be mandated by us not outsiders. I guess that is the beauty of democracy is taking into account one anothers view points. As an Alaskan born and raised here, my hope regardless of one anothers alignment with a culture we would respect one another and look to what is best for our State as a whole.

Evaluate:

This module was especially interesting to me, because I had always assumed that the Alaska Natives were first, then of course the Russians. I knew about Captain Cooks adventures but was unaware of all the other European groups and African that had come to Alaska in the 1700-1800's.

Although I learned a lot, it was also a bit confusing to distinquish cultures and meaning... to me the term culture is such a nebulous term and like mentioned in the module can me taken out of context or over-used and miss-used. I think the more I become re-acclamated with Alaska the more I am understanding how much it is changing. I look forward to the adventure!

Blogs I have visited:

http://clairepowellalaskanhistoryblog.blogspot.com/

http://investigatealaska.blogspot.com/

http://myalaskanexploration.blogspot.com/

Module II Natural History

Essential Question: How have Alaska's Natural Systems changed over time?

       The natural systems mentioned in this module are: lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and cryosphere all are intereconnected and effect the ever changing geography and environment in Alaska. As mentioned by the Inupiaq elders; everything is interconnected and independent. Each has a role of forming and changing things such as the mountains and ice caps. The St. Elias  and Wrangell range is getting taller at a faster rate every year and some glaciers are getting smaller. I am especially interested in cryosphere; the ice caps and glaciers that have changed over time due to my own witness of this.
     As mentioned in previous blog, growing up in Alaska and moving away for 13 years has showed me how drastically one of my favorite sites has changed  over time. I remember as a small child in the 1980's, taking my grandparents to Portage Glacier and being able to see the Glacier from the parking lot. If one where to visit the parking lot now, he/she would not be able to see the Glacier and would need to venture out futher on a boat since it has receded. This is a definite example of how Alaska's natural systems have changed. As mentioned in the website below Ice and Glaciers come and go.
http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthglacier.html 



The Glaciers are not the only things that have changed. The climate has also changed and thus effecting the sea level. Each of these mentioned changes have made an impact on Alaska and the people who live here.


Examine Question: How active are geologic forces in Alaska? Where?
     Growing up in Alaska, I have always known it as the "ring of fire" meaning active volcanoes and Earthquakes. Alaska's has many geologic forces due to the plate techtonics. The wrangel and St. Elias range are active due to the movement of these plates creating them to continually grow. There are also accounts of still sensing after shocks from the big 1964 Earthquake that occured in Alaska.
     Along with the growing mountains, it is amazing to me how natural systems are interconnected. Along with the mountain ranges changing and moving, there have been more than 40 volcanoes that have been active at sometime in Alaska's history. Currently Alaska has 80% of the active volcanoes. There are four active volcanoes located along the Aleutian Islands : Augustine, Cleveland. Okmok and Veniaminof. These volcanoes are located along the north American and the pacific plate. All of these volcanoes are active due to the increasing pressure of the plates. This link shows the location of the volcanoes and the active geological forces: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/earthglacier.html . Lastly, there have been Tsunamis in Southeast Alaska due to Fairweather Fault. All of these active forces play a significant role in changing Alaska's Natural History.



Extend:What other useful information, insights, and/or resources have you discovered?

     Throughout learning about Alaska's Natural History I have gained more knowledge of how Global Warming is also effecting Alaska and definite effects on Glaciers and sea levels in such a short amount of time. Due to my interest in Portage Glacier I looked into other websites that demonstrated the changes throughout the years.
      I was unaware of how global warming in Alaska has effected the Natives living on subsistence in Alaska.The rising sea levels have definitely effected their way of living and hunting/fishing resouces.  I am lastly enlightened how powerful the Natural Systems in Alaska are and I am constantly amazed by the ever changing Geography due to these systems. It is worth noting that the mere location of Alaska is surrounded by powerful movements that not only effect our State but the Earth as a whole.

 

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Evaluate:

     This module at times was confusing due to the nature of jumping all around. I wasn't sure if we were looking at the world and the natural systems as a whole; and or looking into where Alaska is located and the changes physically throughout? I did enjoy getting familiarized with where the volcanoes are located and the reasoning of why Alaska is a state with so much movement and Natural activity. The maps where very helpful, however the video of Earth as a System was somewhat confusing.
     Overall, I am starting to feel like I am getting to know more and more about a State I love. This module taught me more about where Alaska is located and all the dynamics that are constantly changing it.


Blogs I have visited:

Garys Alaska Blog:
I really liked the maps he put in his blog, I believe they gave a good representation to the size of Alaska in comparison to other states.

Alaska reflections
Her discription of her hike in Waschusett bay made me want to go there and see the changes.

Dancinglight: one path of learning
I enjoyed her font style, it was very pleasing. I also agree with her about it being difficut since I too am new to the blogging world.

Module 1 extend question

How would might you use content from this module In your professional practice?

After reading and viewing some of the videos on the TD, as a School Counselor I would definitely incorporate the importance of knowing where people come from and their culture. In our District we offer "Smart Sessions" which are for Native or Alaska Native students. These sessions enables them to get additional tutoring or graduation credits. I believe its important to help nurture the value of where students live and come from so that they will begin to value it and take pride in their future.

Lastly, this video:( Dustin Madden: Science Teacher." Teachers' Domain. 26 Feb. 2009. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ean08.sci.life.eco.madden/.) really spoke to me as far as appreciating the environment and teaching that through Science and Math. If students understand their environment and can relate I believe they will be more willing to work harder and thus be more successful.

Module I Place and Pedagogy

Essential #1: Why is awareness of place important?

I truly believe that if you don't know where you are, then you wont know where you are going. Without a true understanding of a place its hard to be able to relate to others or have a deeper understanding. Although I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska it is definitely a lot different then living in a remote Alaskan Village. I am now returning to Alaska after being gone for 13 years and am realizing that I have a lot to learn about the cultures within Alaska. After watching the video on "spirit of subsistence living" I again realized that sometimes we enter places/classrooms without having awareness of our students or people involved. Gettting to know a place/people and places is essential to making connections.

In reading this Module, I also realized what am impact global warming is having on Alaska and that awareness is extremely important globally. The videpo below I believe will be beneficially for everyone to recognize what an impact we have on the Earth and how it effects certain places without us even knowing.

"A Subsistence Culture Impacted by Climate Change." Teachers' Domain. 25 Feb. 2009. Web. 13 Feb. 2012. http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ean08.sci.life.eco.athabaskan/.

Finally, I believe that within each place there are many diverse opportunities and if you close yourself off to them, then you will be limited. I know that a lot of people have this "idealist view" of Alaska and the great adventure, however, I think at times we forget about the other dynamic and struggles within the state. If I continue to learn more about Alaska in full I truly believe that this awareness will help me to better serve all students.

Essential #2: How can an awareness of place create better learning for Alaska Students?

As mentioned above, I have recently returned to Alaska where I live and work in  Anchorage. I work at a school that is highly military populated with students from across the United States. I believe that if we empower our students with the awareness of what an amazing State they get to live in, this will enable them to greater grasp opportunities within our State and out. Alaska is a place that houses many resources for students i. e, natural resources, animal life and cultural diversities. A lot of our students are unaware of what a cool State they come from and this at times impedes them from experiencing it to the fullest.

Along with the great resources Alaska is such a new state that an awareness of how it began is very intriging. It is also important to be aware in order to have connections with the natives and the elders in the village communities. The collaboration between the elders and educators is important to keep the history of Alaska Alive. I believe that if we continue to educate our students about awareness of this beautiful state they will become more successful in the long run.

Module 1 Evaluation:

It was interesting to me to read about place and how important it is to value where people are coming from and being aware of your surroundings and respecting that. I have had friends that have taught in the village and had to change some things about the way they taught to incorporate some of the village values as well. I think this is all worth noting and was interesting to me. I am hoping to learn more about Alaska and all of its places not only Anchorage !

explore alaska class one of my favorite places

Hello my name is Tina and I was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. For the last 13 years I lived in Boise Idaho . I have recently returned back to Alaska to enjoy a state I love. One of my all time favorite place is the Seward Hiway. Along the Highway is amazing rock climbing, beautiful view of the Turnagin arm and when the whales are out, there really is nothing else more majestic.