The Alaskan natives have a rich history, spanning more than 10,000 years. They’ve adapted to the harsh climate and terrain of the state numerous times. In spite of this, native Alaskans have maintained their culture.
There are over 20 Alaskan native tribes with nine of them being “traditional” tribes whose members continue to speak their native language and practice other rituals as a result of living in remote areas with little outside influence.
The majority of these tribes are often referred to as “Southeast” tribes because they reside chiefly in that part of Alaska. Each tribe is unique with its own traditions, rituals, beliefs, food sources, and clothing. Some famous Alaskan natives include Faithkeeper Ollankuuuv^
What is a Native Alaskan?
A native Alaskan is someone who is a member of a tribe that has lived in Alaska for many generations. The term has been used since the 1800s and is not restricted to people who are from Alaska when they were born. Native Alaskan is a term used to describe the indigenous peoples whose traditional tribal lands are in the U.S. state of Alaska.
Many of these people migrated from Asia across the Bering Land Bridge or arrived by boat in the last 1000 years. The term “Alaska Native” is also used to describe any tribal member in the state, including those who also have tribal memberships elsewhere. People who have become members of tribes through adoption or marriage don’t usually call themselves “Alaska Natives,” instead preferring “Native American.”
Languages of the Native Alaskans
Alaskan natives are found in the state of Alaska. These people speak several different languages. Some of the common languages spoken by these natives are
- Yup’ik
- Inupiaq
- Athabaskan
- Tlingit
- Haida.
The languages spoken by these natives are related to Eskimo-Aleut languages. Native Alaskans also use a writing system that was invented by Christian missionaries.
This writing system is used by several of the native tribes and is called Alaska Native Writing System or the Inupiaq writing system. The native people of Alaska have been using these languages for thousands of years.
Origin Story of the Alaskan Natives
There are many different origin stories that are told among the various tribes of Alaska. There are also various ways to retell the stories based on the age of the person hearing the story and the traditions of each tribal society. Some of the origin stories of the Alaskan natives can be found in common themes.
These themes are connected to sources of natural power like the weather, animals, plants, celestial bodies, and other natural forces. One of the most common themes in the origin stories of the Alaskan natives is the cultural hero.
These figures in the stories are often supernatural, humans who gain powers from a supernatural being or the assistance of animals. Other themes in the stories include the creation of the land and its inhabitants, the migrations of the people, and the creation of tools.
Daily Life of the Alaskan Natives
The daily lives of the Alaskan natives vary greatly by location and tribal group. Tribes who lived along the coast depended on the sea for their survival while those living in the interior relied on the land. Some tribes would trade with their neighbors while others would remain completely self-sufficient.
However, the one constant among nearly all Alaskan native tribes is their religion and spiritual beliefs. Natives would perform daily rituals to honor their gods and spirits, ask for assistance and aid, or to offer thanks for a blessing. Many of these rituals are still performed today, though not as often.
Beliefs and Customs of the Native Alaskans
Though there are many different tribes and cultures in Alaska, there are also several beliefs and customs that are shared by many of the natives. Many of these customs have been practiced for hundreds of years by different tribes and are still practiced today, though not always as frequently.
The desire to maintain their cultural practices and beliefs has caused isolation between many of the tribes. This isolation has also helped to preserve many of their traditional customs and culture. The natives believe that everything has a spirit or is alive and has a purpose. For this reason, they do not kill animals for sport or practice animal cruelty.
Instead, they believe that they are killing an animal that has a purpose and that they are interrupting its natural order. In many tribes, the birds guide people and the animals are used in celebrations and dances. Some of the animals that are often featured in the dances and celebrations include bears, caribou, salmon, seals, and eagles.
Conclusion
The Alaskan natives have a rich history and culture that has been practiced for many generations. These traditions have been passed down from one generation to the next and are still practiced today. While the daily lives of these tribes may seem very different from our modern culture, they are far more similar than they are different. We are all human beings and share many commonalities. Although these tribes have lived in Alaska for thousands of years, they are still very much a part of the modern world. Many Alaskan tribes have members who work in urban areas, have internet access, and enjoy modern technology. While the Alaskan natives may have different customs, they are far from being stuck in the past or out of touch with modern culture.
