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/