Final Project - Anchorage, Education and Me - Timeline

1. Oct. 18th, 1867: The United States represented by Secretary of State Seward and Russia represented by Edward de Stoeckl work out a purchase agreement ratified by both governments.

• Link: The United States now has official dominion over Alaska.  Colonization and government cannot be far off.

Seward and Seward
 

2. 1884: The first Organic Act was passed by the U.S. Congress. 

• Link: Alaska is given its first formal governmental institutions.  A governor and Oregon state law form the backbone of Alaska's future self determination.  Now that Alaska is for Alaskan's can an educational system be far off?

Organic Act of 1884
  

3. 1884-1908: Sheldon Jackson is appointed by the Secretary of the Interior as an agent to oversee the educationl system in Alaska.

• Link: Alaska has its first formal educational system.  This would eventually lead to the creation of the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development as well as the single largest school system in the state, the Anchorage School District.

   

4. 1889 and 1894: Creation of the Pacific Coast Steamship Company (1889) and Alaska Steamship Company (1894) begin regular service to Juneau from Seattle.

• Link: The beginning of regular freight and passenger transport helped create permanent population centers.  Anchorage and its harbor provide an ideal connection point between the lower 48 and the interior and Canada. 

Pacific Coast Steamship Co.


5. 1915-1923: Anchorage is established as the southern end of the railroad construction.

• Link: Anchorage is born!  From Alaska'a purchase to population growth to establishment.  Now, the only thing we need are government institutions...

Anchorage Today


6. March 6th, 2012: My AP Government students create the debate questions, and host, the Anchorage Rotary Club's 2012 Anchorage Mayoral Debate.

• Link: I made it to Anchorage, as a teacher in the ASD, and didn't bust!  Here's too many years and memories in Anchorage, AK and teaching the students of the Anchorage School District.

AP Government Class - Anchorage Mayoral Debate
 

Module IX - Alaska Governance and Contemporary Issues

Explain -


Source: http://otcwebdesign.com/case-studies-design-n-print/anilca-map.htm

Essential: Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act 1980 has been supported and derided by Alaskans, both in 1980 when it was passed and today. Describe three impacts of this landmark legislation.

1. One initial issue with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) was the divide between urban and native Alaskans;  "Urban Alaska seemed determined to keep Alaska open for development, but village Alaska wanted protection from development."  One of the earliest issues with ANILCA were parallel to those surrounding ANCSA.  The land claims and concerns of indigenous Alaskans clashed with those who saw Alaska not as a native homeland but as a resource rich land mass.  How best to use Alaska, be it for subsistence or resource extraction, provided much of the initial controversy surrounding the passage of legislation such as ANILCA prior to 1980.  The impact of both ANILCA and ANCSA would be one of some animosity between indigenous subsistence and land rights and those who would see Alaska open for development in any area of the state by anyone in the state.  A possible current parallel of this would be the Pebble Mine debate.      

2. Much like the question between subsistence/indigenous land rights and development, environmentalism and development struggled for who would dominate in the crafting of ANILCA.  Many environmental groups such as the Sierra Club and Wilderness Society sought to craft a piece of legislation that would defend lands for future generations.  Seeing Alaska as a place to protect pristine land in state and as example for environmental policy nationally, these groups sought to win as large a chunk of land as possible.  When Rep. Udall of AZ. proposed 115 million acres be protected under H.R. 39, ANILCA eventually provided for 104 million acres upon passage in 1980.  Even though the numbers are large many of the "hands off" demands of the environmental groups were not incorporated into ANILCA.  Float planes and snow machines are just some of the holes in total conservation of the wild resources.  The argument between environmentalists and developers mirrors that of subsistence user and developers.  Today the issue of which is more important, clean, unspoiled air, water and land for future generations or jobs now, still rages.             

3. ANILCA (and Alaska in general) is the poster child for a debate on dual versus cooperative federalism.  What prevails, the 10th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or the Supremacy, Commerce and Necessary and Proper clauses of the U.S. Constitution?  Who benefits more ~700,000 thousand Alaskans or 308 million Americans?  For as much as ANILCA was a fight between indigenous, environmental and development groups it was also a fight between politicians.  In the Modern Alaska: ANILCA reading the story quickly develops between a House Rep. from Arizona named Morris Udall and two Alaska Senators named Stevens and Gravel.  Udall seeks to preserve portions of Alaska for all Americans, where Stevens and Gravel seek to defend lands for in state development.  This is a give-and-take not at all uncommon in American politics and usually develops not from ideological purity but more from political practicality.  Many in Congress feel very magnanimous when dealing with another state's land while becoming their own state's greatest champion when someone tries to return the favor in kind.  The same works for pork spending; federal dollars to your state is money well spent while to another seems simply a waste.  Again, there may be a parallel in the ANILCA discussion, post-passage, in the development of ANWAR.   



Source:https://www.institutenorth.org/programs/alaska-commons/anilca-seminars

Examine: Identify the Alaska Native regional corporation in the area of Alaska where you live. Examine its website and describe its mission and its current business ventures.



Source: http://www.ciri.com/

For the Anchorage/Cook Inlet the regional corporation is CIRI. 

• The mission of this native corporation is:
• "The mission of CIRI is to promote the economic and social well-being and Alaska Native heritage of our shareholders, now and into the future, through prudent stewardship of the company's resources, while furthering self-sufficiency among CIRI shareholders and their families."
• This mission statement is somewhat different than most businesses.  Most businesses claim responsibility for shareholder growth and resource management but would mean it solely for the sake of increasing profit margins.  This mission statement goes beyond being a simple "for profit" motto and comments on the heart of what ANCSA set out to do which is the growth and protection of a people as a resource, not simply resource acquisition. 
• The main projects for CIRI are:
• Cook Inlet Oil and Gas
• Natural gas development and power generation
• Fire Island Wind
• Wind turbine power development
• Tikahtnu Commons
• Commercial/Retail development in Anchorage (Muldoon) 
• Underground Coal Gasification
• Coal converted into synthesis gas

Evaluate -

This module highlights the diversity of interests in Alaska.  James Madison in the Federalist Papers 10 and 51 seeks to find a way to defend the the Constitution and finds his answer in a large republic full of factions.  This is exactly what Alaska has!  This massive land mass of few people but plenty of opinions is the perfect place to see how a robust discussion of republican and federalist virtues plays out in real politic.  This unit highlights all the high points of current political fights today; state rights versus federal regulation and which is best for America's future.  ANCSA and ANILCA capture this perfectly.  Also, Many Alaskans may not realize that their PFD is part of a larger global debate on the role of states and capitalism.  Countries such as Saudi Arabia, Brazil, India and the United Arab Emerates also have their version of PFDs.  These nations are using their PFDs in much the same way as Alaska and also to help fuel the coffers of state sponsored industries.  I read a book on this a couple summers back that I will plug now to hopefully add to the discussion had in this module.  This module provides great classroom insight for students in understanding who actual politics plays out once the standard building blocks have been memorized (435 House reps, 100 senators...).


Don't let the title fool you, the book is in defense of innovative capitalism.

Site Seeing:

• http://myalaskanexploration.blogspot.com/
• http://explorealaskawithwhitney.blogspot.com/
• http://crossingalaska.blogspot.com/

Module VIII - World War II, A Turning Point for Alaska

Essential Question:

Explain how Alaska's location was considered 'strategic' during World War II. What were the war activities/events that supported the perspective of 'strategic' Alaska.

"As Putin rears his head and comes into the air space of the United States of America, where– where do they go? It's Alaska. It's just right over the border." --Sarah Palin, explaining why Alaska's proximity to Russia gives her foreign policy experience, interview with CBS's Katie Couric, Sept. 24, 2008

Sarah Palin may not have been entirely wrong when giving her infamous, 'I can see Russia from my house,' quote.  Alaska was geographically significant during World War II and continues to be now.  During World War II Alaska was a military crossroads.  Three countries found Alaska pivotal in their campaigns, Japan, the U.S. and Russia. 

Japan -
After Japan declared war on the United States it needed to secure a foothold for men and material.  Hawaii, the more well known attack on the U.S., was not an obvious holding.  The Hawaiian islands are grouped in a relatively small part of the Pacific.  An immense oversea supply line would be needed to hold Hawaii.  Also, Hawaii would only serve as a way station in building another lengthy supply line to the mainland of the U.S. terminating in California with multiple U.S. naval and army bases.  The Japanese never intended for Hawaii to be anything more than a single military engagement to wipe out the American naval threat in the Pacific for the next several years.  Alaska would be the real target for waging a prolonged war against the U.S.

Alaska's Aleutian island chain formed  a semblance of an overland route to the United States.  This "overland" route was much more accessible to Japan than Hawaii.  Also, Alaska at this point was underpopulated and underdeveloped militarily.  The combination of location, geography and lack of U.S. infrastructure made Alaska the obvious sustained military target.

Russia -   
Russia was ill prepared for World War II.  Russia's problem in fighting a sustained land war against Germany had not changed a great deal since World War I.  Russian had not solved its problems of lack of infrastructure and shortage of quality civilian or military leadership.  The United States being slow to enter WWII was ill prepared for a fight once the decision was made for us by Japan.  With a two front war to be fought we needed allies that could, at the very least, fight by proxy until we reached full strength.  Russia was that ally against the Germans on the Eastern front.  Using the ALSIB project the U.S. was able to bolster the Russians and their campaign against the Nazis.  Alaska was, and is today, the obvious choice for flying into Russian airspace.         

U.S. -
The U.S. used Alaska as a buffer territory to help defend the lower 48 from Japanese attacks and to help supply our then ally, Russia.

Strategic Alaska

Source: http://www.alaskapublic.org/2012/02/24/addressing-potential-impacts-of-base-realignment-and-closure-act-brac-on-alaskan-communities/

Explain:

Consider the large military presence in Alaska today, and the impact of that population on our Alaska culture.

The presence of the U.S. military on Alaskan culture today cannot be overstated.  Anchorage is a microcosm of how much an impact the military is on Alaska.  Anchorage is home to the largest military base in Alaska.  This means we have the largest number of active military member in Alaska (Alaska having the largest number of veterans per capita of all 50 states).  Having a population built from active and retired service members means Anchorage is culturally sensitive to all aspects of military life, including the most tragic.  Recently, the voters in Anchorage (many active and retired service members) approved a proposition to help military widows.  Proposition 7, as it appeared on the ballot, shows just how significant the military is to the people/culture of Anchorage, and Alaska. 

Prop 7, property tax exemption for widows or widowers of those killed while serving in the U.S. military: This proposition would allow the city to offer an exemption for up to $150,000 of a home's value. This is a tangible way of helping our military families when they most need it.
Source: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/01/2402436/our-view-ballot-propositions.html

Read more here: http://www.adn.com/2012/04/01/2402436/our-view-ballot-propositions.html#storylink=cpy

Consider the impact of the federal spending on the Alaska economy.

Many Alaskans are highly critical of the federal government but without federal dollars Alaska would instantly be vaulted back to pre-WWII territory status.  A study was conducted by UAA in 2006 by Scott Goldsmith.  The study shows that the federal government spent $9.25 billion on Alaska in that year alone, $3 billion of that solely for the military.  The study also points out that if federal spending in Alaska is reduced in what are called vulnerable spending areas, Alaska could see the loss of up to 20,000 jobs.  Oil and mineral wealth could offset the loss of federal dollars in part but the point remains, Alaska and the federal government are intertwined.  Alaska was purchased by the U.S. government, developed by the U.S. government and is in part maintained by the U.S. government today. 

Source: http://iser.uaa.alaska.edu/Publications/webnote/Federal_Spending2008.pdf

Evaluate:   

This unit on its own was interesting.  I have heard bits and pieces of what had happened in Alaska during WWII but did not have a complete picture.  This unit served to combine and flesh out how pivotal Alaska was for the war effort.  The unit is best used in a U.S. History, AK studies or even world History context.  However, the above 'Explain' questions were items that I have brought up in my own Government classroom.  Alaska's state issues are great jumping off points for continued discussion on the U.S. Government.  BRAC closures, Anchorage port, mayoral races, Prop 5 & 7, all segway nicely to full discussions of military spending, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, potential conflict with Iran or North Korea, the commerce clause and equal protection.  Alaska is eight hours away from anywhere in the world by air and just as centrally located in many American debates.  

Site Hopper:

• http://underwoodexploresalaska.blogspot.com/
• http://myalaskanexploration.blogspot.com/
• http://peterbenoitalaskablog.blogspot.com/

Module VII - American Period: Society

Essential -

How have the ways Alaskans have devised education and health care systems been both a reflection of socio-cultural norms of the dominant culture as well as a response to the challenges of providing services in a vast geographic area?

Alaskans have developed ways of dealing with the two most basic community resources, health and education, in ways as unique as the state.  In the early American settlement period the dominate culture of the time used methods that it thought were best and most efficient.  An example of this was in 1881 when Commander Glass attempted to improve school attendance by punishing families through fines and humiliating practices.  Little, if any, care was taken to understand the cultural background or needs of the indigenous community.  Through the questions answered below, more examples of how Alaska's dominate culture coupled with the vastness of geography will be explored.

Unique Health care Challenge
 
Source: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/alaska-hospital-contends-nosey-moose-walking-through-its-doors-video

Examine -

Since the 1870's, what are the types of communities that have evolved in Alaska?

Alaska's development was initiated by two arms, the U.S. Government and extraction based industry.

Government:

The initial U.S. presence in Alaska after 1867 was military and civil service.  This is evident when looking at Ivan Petroff's first census.  33,000 indigenous people versus 400+ Americans.  As the reading points out, this is to be expected for a fledgling territory.  Even though the first colonists were adventure ready individuals some level of government service and protection is needed/expected before fully committing.  The first twenty years would see the building of an initial Alaska territorial infrastructure couched in the U.S. military and Treasury Department.

In 1900 the U.S. government, through the military, created the first Alaskan road and telegraph systems.  Also, the completion the U.S. built rail line in 1923 provided a stable way to transport large amount of goods and people along its route.  Having stable means of communication and trade fueled the creation of settlements along the route.  This pattern continues today when looking at population centers in Alaska.

Industry:

Mining would prove to be the turning point in Alaska's development.  Today's capital of Juneau began as mining camp.  Beyond simple mining camps, Alaska would be an important supply line to the Klondike gold rush of 1898.  Towns such as Valdez started as supply camps.  Alaska would serve as an important supply line of men and material for inland gold rushes.

Like other industrial states at the turn of the last century, Alaska too utilized the model of "company town."  Alaskan canneries would build "towns" for their workers.  Between mining the land and the sea, Alaska was beginning to build small population centers that continue to the present.

What role did Sheldon Jackson play in creating an early education system for Alaska?  

Sheldon Jackson's role in the creation of an Alaskan education system was that of innovator.  Congress' Organic Act gave Alaska the authority and funds to begin an education system.  However, the funds topping out at $40,000 in 1885 could not possibly educate all of Alaska.  The money may have been enough for other territories but the sheer immensity of Alaska and the lack of infrastructure made it woefully inadequate.  Presbyterian Sheldon Jackson was appointed the task of taking these funds and creating a viable education system.

Jackson's innovate solution to spreading thin education dollars across Alaska was both inventive and controversial.  Jackson contracted out the education of Alaska's youth to different church organizations/missions.  By giving each religion a sphere of influence in Alaska the denominations would be provided a group of potential converts without distraction from competing religious interests while a region of Alaska gained a school, a religious school.  This led to the controversial part of Jackson's plan.  

American founder Thomas Jefferson is quoted as warning for a "wall of separation" between church and state.  The schooling of children, outside the private or parochial school, has been the function of government (local, state, federal).  Alaska and Jackson's plan was utilizing federal money in whole or part.  This mixing of one man's religion and another man's taxes provided the controversy.    

Alaskan School Districts

Source: http://alaskateacher.org/alaska_school_districts.php

How have the health care issues impacted Alaska's Native population?

The indigenous populations have been a central focus in Alaska's health care issues. From small pox and measles to TB the indigenous populations have taken the brunt of casualties from infectious disease.  Initially this was do to the lack of exposure to disease bred from large populations in unsanitary urban centers.  More recent outbreaks such as influenza and TB have hit indigenous populations because of immunities but also because of the lack of infrastructure and knowledge. 

The lack of information and access to care have plagued subsistence villages.  The village populations did not have a depth of personnel or resources on hand to deal with outbreaks.  Also, their remoteness did not facilitate immediate care when outbreaks occurred.  Another roadblock to keeping villages protected from outbreak may be the number of agencies that were created over the years, churches, Revenue Service, Bureau of education, Bureau of Indian Affairs.  The multiple agencies/groups all have their own methods and motivations that had to be maneuvered through just to gain access to care and depending on the point of history we are dealing with, the specific agency may have been less than accommodating.

Village Clinic: Diomede

Source:http://www.evlanelli.com/art34.htm

Site Hopper -

• http://clairepowellalaskanhistoryblog.blogspot.com/
• http://dianeisexploringalaska.blogspot.com/
• http://garysalaskablog.blogspot.com/

Module VI - American Period: Transportation and Communication

Essential Questions:

 

Alaska's infrastructure of transportation and communication systems - what is the cause-effect relationships to settlement patterns and to the development of the Alaska economy?

• Boat - Water travel has always been important for Alaska.  The indigenous populations used kayaks for seal and whale hunting and today we see 80% of all goods and services provided by water routes.  Water travel (sail for Russia and steam for the U.S.) initiated settlement in Alaska.  Without water vessels the large amounts of material to support settlement and development could not have come to Alaska.  Anchorage alone sees approximately 90% of the water born goods that enter Alaska with other ports splitting the remaining flow of goods.  It is no wonder why Anchorage is by far the largest city in the state when it holds the largest port (and air-port) in the state.
• Rail - It is no suprise that rail comes in a close second for the initial developement in Alaska.  Even though rails use is arguably limited and takes a back seat to planes and trucking today, originally it was second only to water transport.  Where boats can haul the most cargo of any transportation system, they become limited by the absence of water ways.  Rail can haul the most overland cargo.  Alaska's "rail belt" sees the largest settlement pattern in all of Alaska.  Where boats provide Alaska goods, rail delivers is directly to the multiple population hubs within the state.  That is why you see the largest population areas close to rail lines.  Examples of population centers attached to the rail belt are Anchorage, Fairbanks and the Matsu Valley (these three alone account for most of Alaska's population).  
• Air & Road - Air and road travel go together due to airplanes being as useful as cars in the lower 48.  Air and road developed in the same time range in Alaska.  Today many Alaskans own a private car and private plane.  There are yellow cabs and air taxis that move people and goods across Alaska.  One thing I have always noticed sitting in my brother-in-law's back porch near the airport is the number of small planes zipping around.  Alaska is unique in that so many areas are only accessed via air.  Air picks up where rails leaves off in delivering individuals, mail and personal goods to the many remote locations.  The concept of "bush pilots" is not unique, my home state of Idaho used bush pilots for remote mountain communities, what is unique is the scope of use in Alaska.  Air and gground/road fill the final piece of the population and goods puzzle in Alaska.  Boats haul the most to the state, rail is the next largest getting goods and people to hubs inland and finally roads and air finish the job, macro to micro.    

What have been the impacts on traditional Native cultures and on the environment?

• Trail Systems - Indigenous trading trail systems provided the first roads in Alaska.  When the interior began to be explored for mining purposes, the trading trails were used as a means to gain access inland.  This would lead to the development of settlements and extraction based industries.  An example is the agreement worked out with the Chillkat Tlingits in the Yukon area. 
• Wood Camps - Wood camps provided employment of native Alaskans when steamships began to ply the waterways of Alaska.

Examine Question:

 

What were the factors that prompted the growth of aviation in Alaska?

• The initial growth of aviation in Alaska came after WWI with the "Black Wolf" squadron of bombers (1922).  These planes toured Alaska showing that planes could move enough cargo effectively.  Shortly thereafter (1924) Noel Wien began the first scheduled flights to Fairbanks. 
• Float planes provided the needed diversity of landing for a place as varied as Alaska.  Float planes could take advantage of land and lake landing fields. 
• The Territorial Legislature was instrumental in building up an air-infrastructure.  By providing the Board of Road Commisioners the ability to spend $40,000 on airfield construction the territory signaled its belief in the importance of air in Alaska (1927, 24 fields).  In five years Alaska had fully embraced the airplane for cargo and transport.

A Sample of Alaskan Air Taxi Companies

 

http://www.alaskaairtaxi.com/
http://www.talkeetnaair.com/
http://www.coppervalleyair.com/

 

Alaska Air Route Map

 

Source: http://www.travelalaska.com/Getting%20Around/Travel%20To%20Alaska/By%20Air.aspx?tab=2

 

Extend Question:

 

As you examine the maps again, consider the location of the roads and railroads in Alaska today. Where is the focus of the infrastructure? Why is there not a more extensive infrastructure of roads and rails? What does this mean for the people and the economy of Alaska?

1. Most rail and road in Alaska in focused on South Central Alaska, specifically the Kenia Penninsula and Matsu Valley areas.  There are additional lines the strike out into the interior, primarily Fairbanks and on to the profitable/taxable oil fields. 
2. The reason there are not more roads and rail lines to all parts of Alaska is simple, people.  This is the biggest state in area and one of the tiniest in population.  The rail lines could not opperate profitably to the multitudes of tiny hamlets around the state.  Running the engines, meeting payroll and rail upkeep in the winter would require massive subsidies from the state; this would mean tremendous tax outlays from infrastructure dense areas to help infrastructure light areas.  This is also true for road systems.  There is simply not enough commerce that goes in and out of rural communities to justify the tax outlay for road maintanence and construction, especially in the winter.  The thousands of miles of road that would be lightly travelled would not justify the cost.  I have personally heard in Anchorage the rancor some people have when discussing the subsidies that already go to rural communities.  Some feel that to much is already being spent in taxes to simply allow people to live in areas that are inhospitable to access and commerce.  I have not been here long enough to agree or disagree but if that is a conversation now, I can only imagine what would happen if there was talk of connecting the whole state by road and/or rail.    
3. Private air taxis seem to be the most obvious choice in Alaska.  It is more cost effective to build rugged, rural airstrips and schedule specific travel times.  This helps create build in demand and get goods and people to the places they live in this state.

Source: http://www.rentalaska.com/alaskamcadv_015.htm

Visited Blogs:

• http://myalaskanexploration.blogspot.com/
• http://explorealaskatimes.blogspot.com/
• http://excitedaboutalaska.blogspot.com/

Module V - Minerals; Gold, Black Gold and All the Rest

Essential


What have been the major components of the Alaska economy during the American period of 1867-present?



      1.       Ocean stocks – Fish and sea mammals

2.       Gold – Sitka 1870’s, Juneau 1880’s, Nome 1890-1900, Fairbanks 1900

3.       Mineral – Coal, copper, lead, zinc, platinum, tin (developed after gold)

4.       Oil – Katalla well first in 1902

How is Alaska’s economy a reflection of diverse, and sometimes conflicting, perspectives of the natural landscape?

Alaska’s natural economy is diverse; it has gold, oil, timber, some agriculture and fish stocks of all kinds.  However this does not make for an inherently diverse total economy.  All of the aforementioned products are extraction based.  While it is true that Alaska is blessed with a natural diversity many other states, or nations, could only pine for, it is still all based on extraction.  This means that no matter how diverse the resources, it all still comes down to Alaska makes most of its money by what it can pull out of the ground.  This also means it must be managed in primarily the same way as well.  Each one of these resources is directly dependent on how well they are managed.  Unlike Silicon Valley in California that can pump out as many lucrative ideas as it employs people, if Alaska poorly manages its fisheries they will run the resource into extinction.  Oil, gold and timber (what bit is done now) are all finite.  Once you blow through these resources there is no more, period.  A perfect example of the resource tight-rope that Alaska walks with its diverse natural resources is the argument surrounding the Pebble Partnership project.

The Pebble Mine project seeks to utilize the abundant mineral wealth found in this state.  This could see jobs and revenue into the projected billions.  However, it competes with salmon hatcheries.  Pebble may mean millions for the state but not everyone in the state works for the mine.  If the Pebble Partnership gets it wrong fish lines go extinct, fishermen become unemployed and people who utilize the fish stocks for subsistence in the area go hungry.  All those people will benefit from the mine in the form of government checks to supplement the way of life they have lost.  This is a perfect example of conflicting views on the use of the natural landscape.       

  

Sources: http://www.pebblepartnership.com/ 

Source: http://www.renewableresourcescoalition.org/

Examine

What were the main reasons for the American purchase of Alaska?




     ·         Maintain Russian relations

·         Help in the purchase of B.C.

·         Resources

·         Proximity to Asian Markets

What were the primary motivations for Americans moving to Alaska in the late 1800's?

     ·         Forced relocation – Soldiers, sailors, government officials

 ·         By Choice – Those looking to exploit the land and those looking to exploit them

Extend

Living in Anchorage is unique in because the diversity of its economy comes from the land both directly and indirectly and makes it so the rest of the state can take advantage of its resource wealth.  Two issues that are confronting Anchorage’s economy at the moment are the Port of Anchorage and BRAC looking at ways to streamline the Defense Department. 

 Currently the Port of Anchorage is a political touch point in the Anchorage mayoral race.  The port is no doubt a piece of Alaska’s life blood.  However, how it is managed and how large the expansion should be is a point of contention for Anchorageites specifically and Alaskans in general.

Port Expansion: http://www.muni.org/Departments/budget/utilitiesEnterprise/2012%20ppsd%20Utility/Book%20-%20PORT.pdf

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) is under scrutiny from the Base Re-Alignment Committee (BRAC).  If the base were to close this would mean approximately 1/5 of the Anchorage economy leaving as well.  JBER probably will not be impacted but other cities in Alaska have felt BRAC’s touch such as Fairbanks and Eilmendorf AFB.  

ADN Article on BRAC and Alaska: http://www.adn.com/2012/02/17/2323686/alaska-must-defend-its-military.html

Source: http://www.firerivergold.com/s/NewsReleases.asp?ReportID=372796&_Title=Fire-River-Gold-Announces-10-Million-Brokered-Private-Placement

Sites of Interest:

http://myalaskanexploration.blogspot.com/


http://explorealaskatimes.blogspot.com/

Note: At point of publish only two sites with Module V blog available

Module IV - Imperialism and Colonialism

What is the legacy of Russian colonization on Alaska?

The Russian influence on Alaska may be larger than the initial Russian exploration.  If origonally there were no more than 800 "Russian" colonizers than the legacy of such work touches as many of not more lives today.  The initial Russian exploration legacy gives us many names that are still in use, as well as from other countries, such as the Bering Strait.  Also, the influence of the Russian-Orthodox church still provides a symbolic influence.  Even before I moved to Alaska I had toured parts and the iconic Russian-Orthodox cross has become a symbol of Christiandom in Alaska.  Possibly one of the most notable influences of Russian heritage today is that the language is taught in schools.  No where else I have been has there been a premium placed on learning Russian.  Let's face it, unless you wish to do international business with Russian oil oligarchs there isn't a necessity for it.  But in Alaska it has a cultural significance that cannot be overlooked.

Russian Flag circa 1800

 

Source: http://www.michtoy.com/item-NMX-FT123-Russian_Flag_1800.html

What Other Nation Demonstrated an Interest in Alaska?  Why?

Possinbly the most notable nation to have an interest in Alaska was Great Britain.  Much like the Russians, the British have a lasting impact on Alaska, from geography such as the Cook Inlet, to the dominate language and cultural decendant, the United States.  The British (as well as the Spanish and other European powers) were looking for the fabled "Northwest Passage."  This would hopefully be an all water route to the Indies allowing for trade.  Initially, North America was a stumbling block but parts, like Alaska, would be profitable in their own right.

Captain Cook

    

Source: http://www.captaincooksociety.com/

What was the Nature of Cultural Contact Between Europeans and Native Populations?

Unfortunately, the exchange between Russians and other Europeans and native population followed many of the same tacts as in the lower 48 and South America.  As with each instance disease served as a vangaurd to wiping out the density of the native populations.  Next the earliest explorers sought to capitalize on what they had come for, resources and/or trade opportunities.  Whether it was the search for spices in the indies or fur bearing mammals in Alaska the story plays out the same, it was not a mutual admiration that drove societies together but a cash grab.  However, this was not the only exchange.  Marriages between cultures also occurred which would also in part marry the cultures.  The children of such unions would lead to individuals that would work between cultures and other euro/native ventures.  

Site Seeing -

• http://underwoodexploresalaska.blogspot.com/
• http://explorealaskatimes.blogspot.com/
• http://excitedaboutalaska.blogspot.com/

Module III Cultural History

Why is a study of Alaska Native cultures critical for an understanding of Alaska, past and present?

The study of Alaskan Native culture is important for many reasons.  First, it is simply an interesting topic.  The study of any people leads to many facinating things such as traditional mores, music, dance and religious ceremonies.  However, in Alaska it is important on a deeper level when seeking to appreciate the state.

The indigenious cultures in Alaska are known as the "First People."  This is significant because not only were they the first present but they still hold a significant place in the state today.  One example is the native corprations here in Alaska.  These are powerful political and economic blocks in the state which help the indigenous population from being put into an obscure corner.  The people have learned to use there traditional communal culture in a modern way.

http://www.bbnc.net/



 How do you explain your own cultural identity?

How I explain my own cultural identity is "nomadic."  I am the definition of a modern nomad.  By the time I had reached the age of 10, I had lived in five states and fourteen cities.  Recently I have added Anchorage, Alaska to the belt notches.  This has given me a solidly American sense of identity.  Where many people may consider themselves an Alaskan or a New Yorker, I consider myself tied to no state or city, simply an American.  This entire country has helped formulate the person I am today.  I borrow pieces from everywhere I have lived.  At times this has been diffuclt.  I never know how to exactly answer the question, "where are you from?"  This might be in stark contrast to someone who hasd lived their whole life in Nome, AK.  At times I have used my own ancestry to help feel conected to a time or place.  I have traveled to parts of Spain to see where, at least genetically, I hail from.  

Is there an "Alaskan"culture? How could it be described?

I do believe there is an "Alaskan Culture" but it is formed by three main branches.  The first branch is that of the "First People."  This is the heart of Alaska giving the state a deep sense of tradition, timelessness and art.  The second branch is the other side of "native" Alaska.  This still includes branch one but also these are those folks born and/or raised in Alaska and form the skeleton of the state.  These folks have the frontier spirit and have a sense of rural community culture.   They support the state in its traditional industries such as fishing and take part in it traditional recreation like...fishing!  Finally, you have the people just passing through.  This is the skin of the state.  They are those folks that add their own individual flavor to the state or city but may not be as invested as the first two. 


Source: http://dutchharbordirt.blogspot.com/2011/01/deadliest-catch-update-cornelia-marie.html

Blogs I Visited for Module III:

• http://shayesexplorealaska.blogspot.com/
• http://myalaskanexploration.blogspot.com/2012/02/module-ii-natural-history.html
• http://mycoveandbeyond.blogspot.com/

Module 2 - Natural History

Essential Questions: How Does Knowledge of Natural Systems Relate to the Role of Educators?

The knowledge of natural systems has both direct and indirect roles to educators.  The direct benefit of this knowledge is that it is part of the curriculum when teaching earth/physical sciences or teaching an AK studies course.  For these  teachers, tectonic plate theory is part an parcel of geology and the movement of peoples.

However, this information is of limited value when dealing in the study of modern crime or politics which are my bread and butter.  I have taught small units on plate tectonics as a History teacher.  This is valuable knowledge when giving the whole picture about how people have populated the globe and helping students to understand why certain cultures developed in certain ways.  Having students understand that geography and resource allocation is important in combating Eurocentrict stereotypes as to why some cultures saw technological plateaus.

Examine: How are Tectonic Forces Responsible for Earthquakes and Tsunamis?
Why are they inevitable along the gulf coast of Alaska?

The tectonic plates are moving and forcing energy into the landform and thus creating earthquakes.  There are 7 major plates; which cause the continental sea floor to shift.  The tectonic plates pushe on the landform andcreate mountain ranges; they occur along plate borders. 

Earthquakes and tsunamis are inevitable due to the location of Alaskas gulf coast is in-between the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate. 

Source: http://reocities.com/athens/2231/dfs.html

Evaluate:

This unit was interesting for the sake of getting to know Alaska in a way that my discipline normally neglects.  I have a personal interest in this information.  However, I must admit that it is not directly applicable to the subjects that I teach.  Again, it was still interesting and is information that will lead to appreciating this state in a much deeper way.  Whenever someone looks at the bays, ranges and interior they can now understand the depth of geology and paleolithic history as well as its beauty.

Blog Sites I Visited for Unit II:

• http://alaskacoast.blogspot.com/
• http://investigatealaska.blogspot.com/
• http://explorealaskawithwhitney.blogspot.com/