"The more we limit our options, the more we limit our ability to survive." This quote, taken from the first TD film On the Yukon River, summarizes what I took from the module. Alaska Natives have developed a deep understanding of the natural world around them that allowed them to survive off the land for thousands of years. The understanding is complemented with spiritual reverence for the land and each animal within it. The land and it resources provide for survival but also control survival. All resources of the land were utilized but taken in moderation.
What unique challenges do rural or urban Alaskan students face? Although there are several challenges, one thing really hit me was the lack of understanding that urban and rural students have for their respective environments and cultures. The Alaska Native culture, and Alaska as a state, depend upon the abundance natural resources that Alaska has to offer. Understanding how the resources influence life and culture in rural Alaska, verses how the resources influence urban Alaska is very important. Being able to see the point of view and culture of each unique place in Alaska is essential for developing and protecting Alaska’s future.
Teaching in Anchorage, in a wealth of diversity with many cultures, many students do not know what it is like outside the city. If they represent about half of the student population, how can we increase their awareness of the lifestyles around them?
EXTEND
The website of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, has a page titled
Cultures of Alaska which has links to pages that give a brief and detailed overview of the five general groupings of Alaska Natives. I found this link most helpful when considering how cultures were influenced by their landscape. There are so many ways that the Alaska Native cultures, the way of life, have been shaped by the land. Below is just a few that stuck out to me.
Compare the dwellings of the various groups based upon their locations. If possible visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center because there are traditional housing for each group all set up. The Uanagax & Aluutiq, as well as the Inupiaq had subterranean dwellings. These groups resided in physical locations that made them extremely vulnerable to the elements. Subterranean dwellings were sturdy and offered more protection from the weather. The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian of Southeast had large, cedar, long houses made from the wood of the abundant forest. These structures were permanent and strategically located near freshwater and the ocean. Unlike the dwellings of the Yup'ik, Cup'ik, and Athabascan people, who were often moving in pursuit of their food; traveling with the game, moving to rivers, and harvesting ripe berries. The dwellings were not permanent and differed depending upon the season and location. The geography of the land and the food provided shaped the physical structure that various Alaska Native groups lived in.
Compare the dwellings of the various groups based upon their locations. If possible visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center because there are traditional housing for each group all set up. The Uanagax & Aluutiq, as well as the Inupiaq had subterranean dwellings. These groups resided in physical locations that made them extremely vulnerable to the elements. Subterranean dwellings were sturdy and offered more protection from the weather. The Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian of Southeast had large, cedar, long houses made from the wood of the abundant forest. These structures were permanent and strategically located near freshwater and the ocean. Unlike the dwellings of the Yup'ik, Cup'ik, and Athabascan people, who were often moving in pursuit of their food; traveling with the game, moving to rivers, and harvesting ripe berries. The dwellings were not permanent and differed depending upon the season and location. The geography of the land and the food provided shaped the physical structure that various Alaska Native groups lived in.
Two other resources that are very useful are the Alaska Native Knowledge Network and Alaskool.
EVALUATE
Module III was very informative. I found the TD interactive lessons and videos about landform forces a great combination. I was thinking about how I would use in the classroom and I wonder how do I make the interactive lessons available to all my students for individual navigation?
How are landscapes formed and how, in turn, are cultures shaped by their landscapes? This question is one I have considered when I am traveling. There are similarities between the cultures of places that are very far apart if they have similar landscapes and natural resources. This only emphasizes importance of land on the culture of a people. Pairing that cultural understanding with the scientific understanding of why is the Earth the way it is becomes a powerful tool to understanding the world around us.
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