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.