Final Project

Part I:  Timeline of Craig, Alaska

 (Prince of Wales Island, Southeast Alaska)

1907 
Craig Miller and 8 Haida men established a saltery at Fish Egg Island.  They capitalized on the herring spawn and to this day, the herring run remains a vital part of the economy and an opportunity to celebrate the history of Craig. 

1912 

The Craig Cannery was built and packed 57,501 cases in it's first year.  The first school, post office, and sawmill were also constructed and opened in Craig this same year. 

1920's  
Wireless station, steamer visits, mail and freight shipments were established from Seattle and Ketchikan to transport fish as well as provide residents with basic necessities and communications needs. 

1940's 

After the great depression and the beginning of WWII, the salmon run began to decline and pricing fell.

1956 

The second cannery, the Libby Cannery which was built in 1935 burned down greatly affecting the ability to package and ship salmon.

1959

Alaska gains statehood and the new governor vows to reestablish the salmon fishery providing hope for the current residents of POW island.





1971
ANCSA, or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, was passed in 1971 which established Native corporations such as Shaan Seet, a Craig village coorporation which provided a new economy through the logging industry on Prince of Wales Island.










Part II:  Cause-Effect Statements

Due to the expansion of the fishing industry and cannery, mail, freight, and steamer visits were established to accommodate the shipments of fish from the cannery, and to provide the new residents with life necessities. 

Link:  Economy, Transportation, Population

The declining salmon runs of the 40's, destruction of the Libby cannery, and the WWII draft all contributed to the 50% population decline of Prince of Wales Island.  However, in 1959, when Alaska gained statehood, the new governor vowed to reestablish the salmon fishery of the island. 

Link: Economy, Government, World War II, Population.  

When ANCSA was passed in 1971, the Craig village corporation of Shaan-Seet was established and began to log the areas surrounding Craig.  This provided a huge population and economy jump as many loggers from the lower 48 began migrating to Craig for employment.

Link:  Government, Economy, Population/Settlement

Module 9: Alaska Governance & Contemporary Issues

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 1971 - Discuss two ways that this legislation has impacted Alaska, and two specific ways that it has impacted Alaska Natives.

December 17, 1971 Cover Story Tundra Times:  Courtesy of Google Images

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 impacted Alaska and its Native citizens in many ways.  Some of the impact was beneficial as was seen as opportunistic while other impacts were seen as detrimental to the Native culture.  

The first impact to Alaska was in relation to the oil industry.  Because a pipeline had to be established for the transportation of oil, the question of who would own the land were the pipeline was built became a major concern.  Through ANCSA, the pipeline land was "purchased" by the government and therefore had all control of this industry.  This in turn became a huge revenue for the state of Alaska and controlled much of the economy.  

A second impact that stemmed from the creation of the pipeline was Alaska's natural environment.  With the creation of the pipeline, many worried that much of the land would be uprooted and destroyed changing the unique landscape of Alaska and affective the current Native lands.  In order to compromise, Alaska passed a second act, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act of 1980, which designated a vast amount of acreage as National Parks and protected wilderness areas.   

ANCSA not only impacted Alaska as a whole, but it also had several direct impacts on the Native populations.  Because the Alaska Settlement Act provided the Native corporations with a large upfront monetary compensation as well as access to oil-revenue sharing, the Natives saw this opportunity as a way to better their current standard of living.  They could use this money to develop their communities and villages for future generations.  Many Natives also loved the idea of having Title to their land that they considered theirs for years anyway.  However, not all parts of the bill were completely understood by the Natives corporations and the complexity of the petroleum industry often forced the Natives to compromise on aspects that were not always of their choosing. 

The Native Corporations as delegated by ANCSA:  Google

While the monetary funds and oil share was seen as beneficial, ANCSA clearly changed the scope of the freedom of Alaskan Natives.  Prior to the act, the Natives were all co-owners of a great body of shared land.  After the bill was passed, the scope was changed and the Natives become "shareholders" of corporately owned land which in turn led to the inability of Natives to make their own decisions of how to use the land as they saw best.  Because much land was given back to the government in this act, it led to the fear that the lands would be easily accessible to a governmental takeover and assimilation would take place, destroying the Native cultures that were being held onto for many generations.  Fred Bigjim summed up the potential crisis by stating, "What is happening to Native people in Alaska is not a new story; it is a new chapter in an old story." 

While the Native populations now operate under corporations and a smaller shared body of land, the unique Native cultures of Alaska have stayed strong and present since the settlement act. 

Identify the Alaska Senate and House Districts in which you live.  Identify the name  and political party of your state senator and representative.  Identify the type of local government you have (city? borough? what class?) Identify the tribal government, if any, in your area, and if possible find out if it is an IRA or traditional council.

I live in Craig, AK which is located on Prince of Wales Island and belongs in House District 5 Senate District C.  Our State Senator is Albert Kookesh and our House Representative is William "Bill" Thomas Jr.  

Courtesy of State of Alaska

Senator Kookesh is a member of the Democratic Party and was raised in Angoon since birth.  He is a commercial fisherman/market owner and is married with five children.  

Courtesy of State of Alaska

Representative Bill Thomas is a member of the Republican Party and has lived most of his life in Haines.  He is also a fisherman and is married with five children.  Representative Thomas was a member of our military and a Vietnam Vet receiving multiple awards for his service. 

Craig AK operates under a local city government and is also a part of the Central Council for Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska (CCTHITA).  Other towns on POW island including Kasaan, Klawock, and Hydaburg are also a part of this Tribal governing body.  CCTHITA is one of only two federally recognized regional tribes in Alaska.  

 

How could you use this module in your professional practice? 

Although I currently teach Kindergarten students, I do not feel that this age is too young to begin teaching the local government systems in Alaska.  In order to help students develop into active community members and global citizens, they need to have an understanding of how our governmental system works and how governments work together; for instance how our local city government works along side our tribal government affiliation.  Of course, I would have to break this content down into the correct vocabulary and concepts for these young students but by demonstrating or modelling governmental processes such as voting and elections, students will begin to understand how they fit into a greater body and system.  

Colleague Comments

Nikki provided a wealth of information on the different affects of WWII on the political, social, and economic infrastructures of Alaska.  Very interested to read!

Lane had some wonderful videos imbedded in his blog that I found creative and interesting. 

Tina answered some of the same questions as I did, but had some different information.  It was great to see some sources that I had not found.  

Evaluation

What a wealth of information this week.  Although this module was considerably larger than past ones and took more time, I feel that I have gained a lot of valuable knowledge that I have not previously learned.  Alaska truly is a unique place and to read about the issues and historical government acts, it helps me gain a better understanding of the links and ties of many modules we have been studying. 

Module 8 - World War II 1939-45: A Turning Point for Alaska

Explain how Alaska's location was considered 'strategic' during World War II.  What were the war activities/events that supported the perspective of 'strategic' Alaska?

Alaska was considered strategic during WWII for many reasons.  First of all, it was easy to see that it was the closest distance for the Japanese and Americans to attack each other through what is known at the Great Circle Route.   It was also the closest point for the Americans to supply other countries war efforts when the Lend Lease project was created.   Alaska also had a truly unique landscape with varying weather patterns and constantly changing climate conditions.  Because of this, it was unfamiliar and difficult at times to navigate for those trying to invade. 

There were several war efforts that supported strategic Alaska.  The first was the development of the Alcan highway which is still very significant today.  The Alcan highway provided other means of travel and transportation of materials to Fairbanks where they would be shipped out.  Also, many military bases were created on some of the small islands that would be first contact points such as Dutch Harbor, Kodiak, and Sitka.  This provided strategic locations for a direct defensive position.  

Army officers first to drive on the new Alcan Hwy. (Google)

What was the rationale for the Lend-Lease ALSIB project?

The Lend-Lease ALSIB project was the program which supplied war items and materials to the United Kingdom, Soviet Union, China, France, and other allied nations in exchange for the opportunity to put military bases in these countries.  It was first enacted to help Great Britain fight the axis powers, but expanded throughout other areas.  Approximately 50.1 billion dollars of materials were shipped to these areas.  Some scholars believe that by providing war materials to these other countries, the countries became a buffer which lessened the need for America to become directly involved in fighting Nazi Germany.

The ALSIB Northern Route was created as a result of the Lend Lease project and became the primary way in which planes were transported throughout the lower 48 and up into Alaska.  The military was contracted to build the Alcan Highway, one that is still extensively traveled today.  However, just like today, this road could be treacherous at times and created difficulties for the ferrying of these planes.

Courtesy of Bravo 369 Flight Foundation

 Evaluation

I have always enjoyed learning about the World Wars but have never studied the Alaskan side of the war.  It was interesting to see how much Alaska was involved and the strategic advantages that Alaska held.  I'm surprised that Alaska's involvement in the war is not something typically taught in most school systems.  The links were interesting and has a better flow since the war follows a timeline framework.  

 

Colleague Comments

Kelley shared very clear and concise information on what influenced settlement patterns in many areas of Alaska. 

Peter shared great pictures of early settlements and mines in Alaska. 

Heathers blog is very visually appealing.  I love her placement of pictures and text as it creates an overall great flow. 

 

Module 7: American Period - Society

To what degree is there distinctiveness in the art, literature, science, recreation, and cultural institutions of Alaska?  In what way do these contribute to, or reflect, a unique Alaska identity? 

Art: While many other areas of the United States have native tribes that display beautiful artwork, Alaska has its intricate totem poles that cannot be found elsewhere.  When I think of Alaska Native Culture, totems are the first thing that come to mind.  Each totem tells a unique story, one that has been passed down through oral tradition and permission. 


Totem Park in Klawock, Alaska taken by B. Tigerlily

Literature:  Literature written by Alaskans has personal touches that can only be recognized by residents of Alaska.  For example, I commonly read children's stories to my Kindergarten students about Alaska written by Shelley Gill.  Her stories such as Kiana's Iditarod, Mammoth Magic, and North Country Christmas portray details and illustrations that can truly be appreciated by Alaskan residents and provide a story that all can relate to. 

All three cover art pictures were taken from Shelley Gill's author website.  To visit the site for more books and information, click here.

Science:  Alaska has a little bit of everything.  It has the beautiful snow capped mountains surrounding communities like Valdez, the oceans and inlets of Southeast Alaska, the tundra and arctic areas of the interior, and the unique village communities of western AK.  Within these areas lie unique opportunities to study land formations, glacial recession, topography, and river and ocean life. 

Google Images

Recreation:  Alaska, in its truly diverse landscapes, has amazing opportunities for recreation that sometimes cannot be found elsewhere.  People come from all over the country to experience Alaska's unique fishing opportunities, from reeling in King Salmon and 80 pound halibut to catching pots full of crab and shrimp.  Caribou hunting is also a dream of many avid hunters and can be accomplished by a visit to the interior.  Along with hunting and fishing, cross-country and downhill skiing, kayaking, and canoeing and are popular pastimes that are a way of life for many residents.  The most unique recreational opportunity that is truly Alaska in its finest has to be dog sledding.  Feeling the rush of the cool Alaskan air while trusting a talented dog team to guide your path is an experience that few non residents can understand.

Cultural Institutions:  Alaska has many museums dedicated to preserving the history and cultures of Alaska.  Smaller areas and towns have local museums to showcase their culture such as the Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center in Sitka, as well as larger cultural institutions such as the Native Heritage Center in Anchorage.  Both types provide a wealth of information and artifacts that showcase Alaska.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks is the farthest north public university in the United States.  What are the specialized academic areas at UAF that make it unique among American universities?  

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has many unique opportunities for degrees that directly benefit those that want to stay and work in Alaska.  UAF understands that many students come from very rural communities with a unique economy and situation.  Because of this, UAF has catered to these students by creating programs such as the Rural Development Major and the Rural Human Services Certificate.

Students in the Rural Development Program have the opportunity to concentrate and specialize on one of  the five following areas.

1) community business and economic development
2) community research and indigenous knowledge 
3) land, resources and environmental management
4) rural health and human services management
5) tribal and local government administration.

According tot he UAF Rural Development webpage,  Graduates in the Rural Development Program "typically take positions with tribal and municipal governments, fisheries, tourism and other private businesses, Native corporations, regional health corporations or non-profits, and
state/federal agencies."

Students in the Rural Human Services Certificate Program gain skills to become "natural helpers/healers in village-based public.  The curriculum draws extensively on resource people from the Native community and reflects a strong multicultural orientation that validates, incorporates and builds on Native values and principles."

Along with the Rural programs, UAF also offers many programs such as oceanography, fisheries, and many programs catering to our oil economy in relation to the pipeline.  They also offer majors in Alaskan Native Studies and Languages.  UAF truly wants to help Alaskan residents by providing the opportunity to see the value in their home state and ways to make one's home into a unique career focus.

To learn about UAF's unique programs in detail please visit the Academics Program Page here. 

What are the health care services available in your community?

Peace Health Clinic
Local branch provides basic clinic and testing services with visiting specialists throughout the month. 

Public Health Nursing
Our local branch of public health nursing provides multiple services that include immunizations, well baby exams, family planning, and community education.

Southeast Alaska Dental Centers
Island wide dental clinic that provides all minor and some major dental procedures. 

Alicia Roberts Medical Center SERHC
Native Alaskan medical center that provides emergency services as well as basic clinic work, exams, x-rays, and diagnostics.  

Colleague Reviews

 

Crystal
I like how you relate transportation and communication concepts to your current focus which is healthcare.  You are connecting the dots that will be useful for our final project!

Kristi
Thank you for including the Department of Transportation article.  Very interesting!

Christy
Your blog's format is very eye appealing and you provide a wealth of information that is in an easy to understand format.   

Evaluation 

This weeks module seemed somewhat disconnected throughout the sections.  I felt that I was forced to jump from one topic to another and there weren't always clear connections.  For example, I feel that Education and the history of education in Alaska could be one module on its own as well as information on healthcare.  Although I enjoyed the resources and information in this section, when creating my blog, I felt that there wasn't a flow because of the differentiating topics of the module and varying essential and examine questions. 

Module 6: American Period - Transportation and Communication

What are issues facing Alaskans today related to transportation and communication? 

 Alaska is in a truely unique situation as far as transportation and communication goes.  It is a different way of life, one that can take some adjusting for a new resident.  It is a new way of thinking.  Because there is a very small amount of road systems for how large our state is, residents have to rely on alternative means of travel and communication.  The villages of western and northern Alaska rely heavily on the aviation industry to bring them mail, food, supplies, and any other things not serviced by their communities in the winter months when the water routes are frozen.  However, when planes also do not fly due to the poor weather conditions, families can be left without their needs for survival.  While ferries and barges can service areas in Southeast Alaska all months of the year, the interior areas do not have this "luxury." 

A fuel tanker tries to navigate the ice on its way to Nome:  Google Images

Starband Satellite Internet:  Google Images

For such a remote area, I feel that Alaska has done fairly well in their communication availability in most areas.  Most villages and hubs have some sort of internet access which can connect them to the rest of the world.  However, access can vary greatly and can be expensive.   The installation of satellites have also expanded the communicaiton options for many remote areas.  Villages can now get satellite internet and/or TV which can lead to the opportunity of audio and video conferencing if needed.  

How does aviation affect the lives of Alaskans today?

Aviation is a necessity and way of life for most Alaskans today.   It serves as the main means of travel for people living in the most remote areas of Alaska.  Aviation is not only used for vacation travel or emergency services but also used for sports travel, transportation of goods, mail servicing, and police transportation.  Without aviation, residents would literally be cut off from the rest of the world.  While ferries, boats, and barges can travel through the summer months, it is shut off in the winter months when the ports and rivers are iced over.  In an article put out by the Alaskan Department of Transportation, they claimed that Alaskan residents receive 39 times more freight by air than our counterparts in the lower 48.  

The Tweto Family of Era Alaska:  Courtesy of Google Images

Current Discovery Channel Shows such as Flying Wild Alaska depict the dependence and effects of aviation on the lives of Alaskans today.  

 How dependent is your community on air transportation?  

  
My community of Prince of Wales Island is dependent on air transportation for mail and emergency services.  Because we have a ferry system that operates between our island and Ketchikan (the closest "hub") the dependence on the airplanes isn't quite as much as villages in western Alaska.  However, for any kind of emergency services, the community relies heavily on the planes in order to transport to Ketchikan, Seattle, or Anchorage.  Our supplies and food services are most often barged and so in the case of poor weather conditions, the residents are still able obtain the basic necessitites, but if such items such as medications are mailed, it could take days to receive them if the planes cannot fly.  

 

 

Taquan Air provides mail and passenger services to POW Island

 

 

 

Colleague Comments

Whitney:  I really enjoyed the information you posted on the reindeer herding.  It is something that I am unfamiliar with and it was interesting looking at your resources.  

Kelley:  You always provide great "extra" insight and information that is not found elsewhere in the modules.  Way to expand on the topics! 

Kristin:  I really love the overall layout of your blog.  It is always easy to read and has great pictures to supplement the text.  


Evaluation

I really enjoyed this weeks module.  I think that it is one that everyone living in Alaska can connect with on some level.  Everyone is affected by the aviation and communicaitons systems here in Alaska and it is interesting to know the history behind the developments to make Alaska a little more connected.  The resources were easy to understand and engaging. 

Module 5: American Period: Alaska's Economy

What have been the major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867-present?

My husband panning for gold in waterfall pool.

During the early American period, the economy of Alaska focused on commercial whaling and fur trapping and trading that the Russians had heavily influenced.  As we moved into the 1900 however, a shift started occurring into the collection of other natural resources.  After the end of commercial whaling, commercial fishing began to take over and mining became extremely popular after the several Alaskan gold rushes (to read more about the earliest Alaska gold rushes, click here)

After the gold rushes brought many people into Alaska, cities and towns needed to be developed which is turn led to the logging and timber industry.  This industry continues today and is heavily prominent on Prince of Wales
Island in which I live.

The biggest influence on the Alaskan economy came in the form of the oil boom and the creation of the Alaskan Pipeline. The oil industry of Alaska serves as the largest revenue for the state and greatly impacts the residents of Alaska in the form of the PFD checks. 

   My husband learning the ropes of salmon fishing.

Another great article on the history of the Alaskan oil industry can be read here

The final two components of the Alaskan economy are the Seafood and Tourism markets.  Alaska is one of the largest producers of salmon and most coastal towns rely heavily on commercial fishing and seafood processing as their income.

Because Alaska still seems to be somewhat of an "unknown" land with vast areas left undiscovered, people are flocking to the area.  Alaskan cruises have become wildly popular while fall big game hunting trips have also attracted many tourists from other areas.

These three cruise ships greeted my husband and I in Ketchikan as we arrived on the Alaskan Marine Highway Ferry.

What were the primary motivations for Americans moving to Alaska in the late 1800's?

Every man's hope during the Alaska Klondike Gold Rush

   

The primary motivation for Americans moving to Alaska was the idea of wealth and prosperity when gold was found.  The chance to find a better life and to gain new experiences in an unknown land peaked American's interest.  Others were also moving to Alaska to map out territories and continue the spread of Christianity that was first brought by the Russians.

These motivations are still very similar to some people moving to Alaska today.  For example, unknown and "wild" areas intrigue our natural curiosity as humans.  When contemplating our move, my husband and I were immediately drawn to Alaska for its unique differences and a different pace of life.  Also, as seen with the recent shows on the discovery channel, some are still moving here in hopes of finding the American dream through gold and logging industries.  


Extend:  Describe the economic base for your area of Alaska and share any current issues confronting the local residents.  

An aerial view of Craig on Prince of Wales Island. 

On Prince of Wales Island, the economic base is made up of four key components; federal government projects (forest service etc.), logging, commercial fishing, and tourism.  These four economic areas have remained fairly consistent throughout time here on the island.
A forth component that would affect local residents is the talk of the rehabilitation of an old uranium and rare earth metal mine on the island.  This component
would create more jobs and a shift
in the states revenue and resident life here on the island.
Click here to read more about the current Bokan Mountain Mine Project.


Module 5 Evaluation

Although this week's module contained a wealth of information and numbers based upon the economy, I feel that it was extremely valuable in seeing how the past economy shapes our economy today.  It is interesting to look at the cause effect relationships of different key points in history to determine how we got to where we are now. 

Colleague Reviews

I enjoyed Nikki's blog and the notation of the Russian's legacy in relation to the naming of places in Alaska.  

I loved how Brenda gave multiple examples of contact between the Russians and groups of Alaskans and how they varied in their encounters and attitudes towards each other.  

Lane, I really liked your descriptions and maps of the Spanish peoples quests in Alaska.

Module 4: Russian America

 What is the legacy of the Russian colonization of Alaska?  

The legacy of Russian colonization of Alaska can still be seen today in several different forms.  The most evident is that of the architectural buildings of the prominent Russian cities such as Sitka.  In Sitka, the Russians built Orthodox churches, schools, and medical facilities.  These buildings can still be seen today and are prominent landmarks of the community.  There are also Russian American gift stores and tourist attractions that showcase the influences of the past.  

Courtesy of Google Images

Because many Russians married Alaskan Natives, converted to the Orthodox church, and made a permanent home here, the traditions and cultures continued to stay long after the fur trade industry had left and Alaska was sold to the US.  In the summer, you can see displays of Russian culture through Russian dancing and crafts. 

The legacy also continues through our current economy.  For example, on Prince of Wales Island, many Russian students come to explore and work in the fish processing industry.  With them, they bring many of the same cultures and influences that were brought in by the first explorers in Alaska. 

Why were the Russians interested in Alaska?  

As humans, we have an inherent nature to wonder and a need to explore.  The grass is always greener on the other side and the unknown can create fear and so we strive to find out about unfamiliar surroundings.  

We are also economically based and search for ways to prosper.  The Russians were primarily interested in the resources that the unexplored lands had to offer.  Because the area was "untapped," the Russians saw this as a huge opportunity to adventure into the trade market.  

It was also a way to spread the religion on Christianity to the Native inhabitants of the land.  

Evaluation:

I enjoyed this weeks module very much.  I loved getting to know the history behind the current influences in Alaska.  The most interesting to me was finding out where Alaska got many of its names and the stories behind the explorers who named them.  It helped me draw conclusions and gain a better understand of how much influence the Russians had on the area. 

Colleague Reviews:

Education Exploration in AK:
I love your analysis of culture and the cultural mosaic pictorial model that you included in your blog.  It demonstrates how abstract culture can be and that it has many facets. 

Excited about Alaska:

Kelly, it seems that we have a very similar background, growing up in a small western town, our Irish descent, and our giving nature.  It was very nice to read your own cultural identity and how you define yourself!

Alaska Reflections:

I like your use of multiple visual representations in your blog to make readers gain a better understanding of the facets of culture. 

Module 3: People, Places, and Practices

What is culture?  How can it be defined?

Like stated in the introduction, culture cannot simply be one standard definition.  The word culture has been used and misused to the point that the word itself can mean multiple different things in different contexts.   Upon doing further research, I came across an article that quotes multiple versions and definitions of culture.  I have picked out my favorites to examine.  Please visit the link here to review the other definitions and examples.  

The first definition states that culture is defined as "the shared patterns of behaviors and interactions, cognitive constructs, and affective understanding that are learned through a process of socialization. These shared patterns identify the members of a culture group while also distinguishing those of another group."  

If we focus on this definition, then culture is more socially based and less on ethic groups, environments, and "places."  


After pondering this definition, I began to realize that my own definition of culture was changing.  I had previously said in my life that I do not have a specific "culture;" that my culture is kind of a mesh of many.  However, this definition of mine was more relating to my heritage and ethnic groups.  By looking at this definition, I have realized that culture is much more.  Culture is the process by which we think, act, and react in a society based on our own learned behaviors and morals.  
 
However, culture is also influenced by an environment in which one lives which is where some of the confusion of culture lies.  People often relate culture to a specific group of people in a specific place.  We are all influenced by our environments.  The places in which we live and identify with shape our behaviors, interactions, and cognitive constructs which is turn is our "culture" as stated in the above definition. 


Another definition that makes this more clear and less abstract is one that states that culture is not just "artifacts, tools, or other tangible cultural elements but how the members of the group interpret, use, and perceive them."  I often contributed culture to these tangible elements.  However, when we contribute culture to "artifacts" we lose sight of the people which make up that culture which in an essence is the heart of a culture.

How do you explain your own cultural identity?

As I stated above, in the past I didn't think I really had a "culture."  I identified myself as being a part of the large "melting pot" that the U.S. is typically associated with.  After this lesson and delving more into what culture actually entails, I am beginning to realize my own cultural identity.  

My cultural identity is strongly based on my morals and ethics which affect my interactions and behaviors.  I identify with a society that believes in a strong work ethic and that with hard work, anything can be achieved.  I identify with a society that works through struggles and does not easily give up.   I interact in ways that support this identity and surround myself with other people who share the same values. 

Picture courtesy of Google images

 

Evaluation
I have to say that this has been my favorite module so far.  It encouraged me to think outside of my normal realm and challenged some of my previous assumptions of what a culture entails.  I like that this module was multifaceted in that it included different things that shape a culture such as the contact with other groups of people as well as included resources to research specific Alaska Native Cultures. 

Colleague Comments:

Brenda's Alaska blog has some great pictures to accompany the issues of tectonic forces and volcanoes.

Clair's Blog

I really like how Claire gave practical applications to how we as educators can inform others of Alaska's natural systems.

Miss Mannen's Blog

I like her perspective and examples on how digital technology changes our perception of our "natural systems."

 

Module 2

How does knowledge of natural systems inform our understanding of cultural systems?

Throughout history, our natural systems have been changing and evolving.  It would be ignorant to say that this doesn't affect other systems in our world including the local cultural systems.  People are adaptable and must be in order to keep up with our ever changing world.  When we understand these natural systems, we can directly relate it to the cultural systems of an area and draw some conclusions of why and how people react and relate to their environment.   


In Southeast Alaska, the local cultures rely on our natural systems and subsistence living in order to live and survive.  For example, the Tlingit and Haida tribes of our area have survived for generations living on what the ocean and lands provide.  When our natural systems change such as climate, weather patterns, and rising and lowering water levels, this directly affects the fishing and hunting patterns of the tribes.  


The following website explains the history, culture, and means of living for the Tlingit and Haida tribes here in Southeast Alaska.  It provides a great overview of how the cultures live and how they have evolved throughout their changing environments.  


Tlingit and Haida History

I also found another great essay on how climate change affects the natural and cultural systems of an area. 


Climate Effects on Natural and Cultural Systems

What are some differences between traditional Native knowledge and Western science?

Living in Southeast Alaska has helped me understand the differences between traditional Native knowledge and Western knowledge through the explanations of my students.  My Kindergarteners are extremely honest and give heart felt explanations for why things happen the way they do.  I have had numerous occasions where you can tell the differences in Native thought versus someone who is not Native.  


My Native children explain why some things happen in relation to stories they have heard from their grandparents, elders, community members etc. while some of my non Native students explain it through means of science or learned knowledge.  For example, when studying weather, I asked my students where the rain comes from.  One of my little girls raised her hand and started to explain the process of evaporation in her own words (water from the ocean flows up to the sky and then it comes out as rain again etc.)  This answer was highly scientific for her age, but somewhere she had learned this concept before.  I then asked if anyone else had another explanation.  One of my native students then raised his hand and said that the Earth gives us rain to help things grow.  


This was the absolute clearest difference between Native knowledge and Western science.  Western science demands to know facts, processes, and documented studies and evidence, where Native knowledge sometimes only demands a one or two word answer based on oral traditions and stories passed down throughout generations.  Sometimes, we do not need to know why, but rather accept it as the natural phenomenon that it is.   







             
                Western View

 






            Native View

Evaluation

This weeks Module was quite a bit more extensive than the first.  However, I still feel that the layout was still pretty easy to follow most times.  I did have to revisit the blog pages multiple times to make sure I had been to all of the links and required readings but I still managed!  It was very interesting to review the different natural occurrences that have happened throughout Alaska's history such as all of the volcanic activity and earthquakes.  I always find it interesting to see the interconnectedness of things and this Module clearly led to this type of knowledge and understanding. 

Module 1: Colleague Comments

Claire, I really like how you gave a personal example of how outside factors can influence your own actions in relation to preserving your sense of place. 
It got me thinking of how my native students feel when things around their environment are changing due to outside influences. 

Brenda, I really love how you talk about how an awareness of place is important to establish a rapport within the school and community.  This is extremely true in regards to parents.  In order to have good communication with parents and to help encourage them to become involved in their children's education, having an awareness of their place and being sensitive and accepting of their own home will be of great benefit.

Heather, this last statement of yours is very powerful.
"Place-based education would prepare our students to live and work while sustaining the cultural heritage of the place they inhabit, whether they stay in Wrangell or journey to a knew place."

As teachers, I think we all hope that this is what our students will get out of their education; the ability to function in society, be able to secure jobs for a hopeful future, but at the same time, maintain a sense of pride in their culture and home communities wherever they may end up in life. 

Module 1

Why is an awareness of Place important? 

Place isn't only defined as the natural environment in which we live, but the people and interactions that happen within that environment.  Knowing a community's unique situation can explain a lot of questions that may arrive such as why people act a certain way, the values people hold and why, and an overall

general understanding of an area.  

An awareness of place is important in order to become and active participant in a community and society in general.  

As a teacher, an awareness of place is extremely important so that I can provide the best quality instruction to my students.  For example, if I do not understand the local resources, community structures, and family structures, I will not be able to help students make their own connections to their environments.  

Often times, in my basal reading series, there are stories that talk about city life, taxi cabs, and subway systems. While it is important for students to learn about other ways of living and environments, they are not going to take away as much from these stories as they would from a story talking about boats, ferries, or float planes (our common ways of travel off island).  By using stories that are relevant to our own environment, students will feel more connected with their learning.   

How can an awareness of Place create better learning for Alaska students?

As educators, we are always being told to make learning meaningful for our students.  Any way we can link a topic to a child's environment or situation has been shown to increase comprehension and have a lasting impact for the students.  In order to develop and foster these connections, my students and I both need to have an awareness of place.  

  

An awareness of place helps foster unique connections for the ability to transfer knowledge to several situations.  An awareness of place also helps develop the social skills needed to be an active participant in society such as empathy and compassion.  Being aware of ones surroundings and environment will help students put common knowledge into it's appropriate context.  For example, what may be a social norm in one environment may not even surface in another.  An awareness of place will also help students effectively communicate with multiple different audiences which is a skill that is essential throughout life.

Finally, if students are aware of their unique environment and everything it has to offer, they will begin to take pride in their community and strive to make it a better place for all.  Sometimes, students in small communities get bogged down and can't wait to just "get out."  I admit, I felt the exact same way as a teenager growing up in a small town where the rumor mill seemed to be the only thing that mattered at some times.  However, by leaving and experiencing other environments, I was able to realize that all communities have something unique to offer.  Like in my instance, students will need to experience other places in order to develop their own awareness, and we as teachers can help show them other environments (through media or other learning experiences) to help strengthen their development in order to become lifelong learners.

Evaluation

This module was a great introduction to this course.  Because I am new to Alaska and my school district, it helped me reflect on this specific "place" in which I am currently located.  The community in which I live now has many different dynamics than what I grew up in, and I am gaining a new awareness of place because of this.  Many of my students have never left the small island in which they live and many do not have anything to compare their community to.  By reflecting on how an awareness of place is important for learning, I will continue to strive to help students make connections to their own environments and those environments of others.