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.