Alaska's Native Culture
Two powerful experiences gave me insight into the native culture of Alaska. The first was meeting a pilot, Les Zerbe, who does missionary type work in several remote villages. His insight into the future of Alaskan natives is not very positive. Alcohol, he identifies as the major problem for natives. I appreciated talking to Lez so much while waiting for the restaurant to open, I ended up buying him breakfast so he could tell me more about his knowledge about Alaska. The second experience happened at the Alaskan Heritage Museum. I met a young man, Harold Wilson, who explained his Athabascan, Inupiaq, and Aleut heritage. I learned about ceremonial masks and some of the meaning behind them. He suggested a fun activity I can do with my students! I also watched a demonstration of native dance and a kicking type game played. These teenage kids are athletic!