The definition given in this module states that culture is "all the life-ways of a group of people, as they identify themselves." To me, this provides a working framework from which to begin an examination of culture. It is not too complicated, yet it does not oversimplify the complex nature of culture.
The following illustration depicts just how overt and covert an examination of culture can be. It also shows the wide ranging aspects that can to be included in the description of a particular culture.
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| Examination of Culture |
Also, to begin to understand and appreciate another culture, there must be an element of self reflection.
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| Perspective on Culture |
Examine Question: How does the author connect the culture and the space, the people and the place?
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| Indigenous Storytelling |
This question deals with Paul Ongtooguk's essays Building a Context for Stories and Traditions and Dynamic Subsistence Societies. In both of these articles, he demonstrates how cultures are interwoven with people, place and things. He explains that as part of the culture, information essential to a people, for their livelihood and well being is shared and passed on through dance and storytelling. He also infuses traditions. The utilization of traditional dress, foods, and customs not only teach the younger members of the community, they actually set the stage for the lessons themselves.
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| Suurimmaanitchuat Eskimo Dance Group |
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The author also discusses the importance of place geographically and the impact that has on trade. Items obtained locally were traded for items that were either scarce or nonexistent. This also included advances in technology that either made the acquisition of these items easier or produced additional items.
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| A Yup’ik hunter in a kayak, ready to throw a dart using a throwing board. He wears a hunting hat and gut parka. His equipment also includes a boat sled (rear), paddles, and a float board (front) holding additional line attached to the dart. Nunivak Island, southwest Alaska, c1928. Photo by Edward S. Curtis, courtesy of the Library of Congress |
Extend Question: Have you had personal experiences in Alaska for which culture (in its various manifestations) has been a factor? Describe and explain.
I work at two schools in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. Each school is as different as night and day. Skyview High School is on the outskirts of Soldotna. A town with its accompanying collection of fast food joints, plethora of businesses, and hodgepodge of other "city" offerings. Ninilchik school is right in the heart of Ninilchik, which is right in the middle of a wide spot in the road. Here, at this K-12 school, it is a common activity for a high school student to stop and ask an elementary student how his or her day is going.
One thing that these two schools have in common is Native Youth Leaders. I have worked with students at both schools that are members of Native Youth Leaders. It has been interesting to see the variety of activities that this organization provides for native youth. The following pictures are from a trip that students from our school district took to Juneau last year.
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| Ggugguyni Native Youth Olympics |
Another activity that the Native Youth Leaders are involved with is the Native Youth Olympics. This event is held locally in conjunction with the Peninsula Winter Games each year here in Soldotna.
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Just as in the last module, I learned a lot and found myself lost in a myriad of information about cultures. Probably the most important part of this module was the time I spent reflecting on my own thoughts about culture. (I would assume that this is a big reason why newcomers to Alaska take a course like this. Not just because it is required, but that it is necessary to help understand and appreciate the cultures that make up Alaska.) I have to admit that I did have a few "aha" moments.
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