Knowledge of natural systems often answers the "why" of why a cultural system is the way that it is. Aspects of a particular culture vary from traditions to pastimes and mores to social norms. The reason many of these cultural variables are the way that they are is largely due to the natural systems that were in place long before that culture came to be. In the following paragraphs I'll discuss some examples of how knowledge of natural systems informs our understanding of Alaskan culture.
Alaska has been known as "the last frontier" since before it's inception into statehood in 1959. The frontier spirit is a value of Alaskan culture because of how closely Alaskans continue to rely on their own state's natural resources for survival. These resources include fisheries, forestry, mining and oil reserves, among others. Alaska is also a natural habitat for large game animals such as moose and bear and both are still often encountered within even the more urban Alaskan settings. Being located physically separate from the contiguous United States, Alaska's relative isolation adds to a cultural sense of reliance on the land as well as the independent spirit Alaskan's are known for. The frontier qualities of being a hunting and gathering culture also exist today due to a cultural emphasis that is placed on what is needed to subsist and survive in the harshness of Alaska's climate and landscape. Thus, the natural systems of Alaska's natural resources, wildlife, geographical location and climate help us understand why the culture continues to maintain it's sense of being indeed "the last frontier."
Another example of how knowledge of natural systems informs our knowledge of cultural systems is the knowledge of water and it's relationship to Alaska. With 43,877 miles of coastline and 17,243 square miles of inland water it is understandable that water holds an important place in Alaskan culture. From fishing to whaling (see Teachers' Domain: Iñupiaq Whale Hunt) to transportation routes, water is an essential element in Alaskan life and livelihood. At the basis of this understanding is the knowledge of the natural system of Alaska's physical proximity and relationship to water.
A final example of a natural system that helps us better understand a cultural system in Alaska is the natural topography of Alaska and the ruggedness of many of it's regions. The challenging topography of Alaska has lead to a limited number of roads being developed (see Teachers' Domain: How to Build A Road) which adds to a cultural sense of remoteness as well as the cultural importance of community and family. This in turn helps us understand the sense of community that is often observed within an Alaskan village because of the limited access to the world outside that village. In addition, this also helps explain why it is often common for extended family to live together in one home. Multiple generations and extended relatives living together occurs oftentimes out of necessity due to the difficulty and expense associated with building homes in remote parts of Alaska because of the challenges associated with climate and topography.
Examine Question: What are some differences between traditional Native knowledge and Western science?
While there are many similarities that can be found between Native knowledge and Western science, as can be observed in the overlapped portion of the following Venn diagram, there are also many differences. I'll be exploring these differences as I examine both Native and Western ways of knowing.
Venn diagram adapted from Sidney Stephens' Handbook for Culturally Responsive Science Curriculum.
First, Native ways of knowing place importance on "local verification" when determining if something is true. In contrast to this is the "global verification" that is essential to the validity of a subject in Western science. While Native knowledge is developed according to a "tribal reality" Western knowledge is developed with respect to "universality," or how well the truth transcends all regions and cultures across the globe.
Another way in which Native knowledge is different from Western science is that there is a trust for inherited wisdom in Native knowledge while conversely there is an element of skepticism or questioning to the lore of those who came before the current generation in Western science. Thus while Native cultures trust their elders and choose to learn from them, Western science tends to question those who came before them and seeks to empirically accept or reject the past generation's knowledge based on current research and study. Culturally, this has created a sense of respect for Native elders while Western science has yielded a culture that is in many ways marked by irreverence and disrespect for it's elders. Consider this excerpt from the Inupiat Heritage Center's website that describes the impact of the convergence of language barriers on Native culture:
"Elders are highly respected for their knowledge and wisdom in practically every aspect of life. In some Iñupiat communities today, elders are almost the only ones who have knowledge of traditional skills and language. The elders' role has changed dramatically as the changing lifestyle of the Iñupiat move toward the modern age. Language barriers between the older and younger generations make it difficult for elders to pass on knowledge about life, skills and stories known mostly by the elders. Elders have much to contribute toward the education of the young through their life long experiences."
A final way Native knowledge differs from Western science is that it views an idea or concept holistically while western science dichotomizes the parts of a whole to gain understanding. Native cultures look at the whole in order to gain better understanding while Western science endeavors to better understand the parts that make up a whole. This translates directly to the conflicting views of medicinal healing. Native cultures seek to heal the whole of the person; spiritually, emotionally, behaviorally and physically, all with a level of respect to achieve wellness. This is demonstrated within the vision statement of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium's website. Much of Western science is concerned primarily with the physical complaint and targeting the various parts of that complaint to resume a better state of health.
Extend Question: What are some other sources of credible climate information?
Reliable climate information sources include the National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) which has a "climate data online" link that enables the user to select climate themed maps on climate indices, temperature, precipitation, and daily/monthly/annual data. Another related resource is the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Climate Services site which includes articles, mapping services, information on understanding climate and educational resources. A final resource is the Columbia University IRI/LDEO Climate Data Library which contains an online map room with maps on climatology and precipitation.
Crystal
ReplyDeleteI thought I would comment on your blog because the view you have from your back yard is similar to mine. The only difference is that I don't have a lake and that my view of pioneer peak is from 9 miles down KGB. I thought you did a really good job while answering the essential question and describing what it feels like to be an Alaskan and live in "the last frontier.".
Crystal, I really like the audio file of Alaska's Flag in your blog post. It is so reminiscent of the early days of statehood. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I like your description of Alaska's relationship with wather and the interdependence it has with many small villages on the coasts of Alaska.
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