Echoes That Last in Alaska’s Vast Past

Alaska’s heritage begins long before it became a part of the United States. For thousands of years, Alaska’s native people including: Iñupiaq, Yup’ik, Tlingit, Haida, Athabascan, and Aleut communities, built strong cultural traditions, languages and practices closely tied to nature. These traditions form the foundation of Alaska’s heritage today.

In 1867, when the United States purchased Alaska from Russia many Americans doubted the value of the purchase. Alaska’s importance grew over time for the U.S. especially in the 20th century. Its resources and location made it a significant part of World War II. During the Cold War it further transformed it from being a distant part of the country into a crucial site for national defense.

When Alaska officially became the 49th state in 1959, the intense discussions around indigenous land rights increased and led to the Alaska Native Claim Settlement Act of 1971, one of the largest land settlements in U.S. history. This was followed by the Alaska National Interest Land Conservation Act of 1980, which protected millions of acres and recognized native connections to the land.

These acts protect the belief in the animacy of all living things, and recognize intricate art forms like carving, basket weaving, and mask-making. Native Alaskan culture is rooted in nature through hunting, fishing and foraging that are recognized symbolically today. Other parts of Alaskan culture are much less widely recognized, as there are only 24 native speakers of Haida, the language of the Haida people. The language Chinook Jargon of the fur traders only roughly 2,000 people speak in total.

Today Alaska’s heritage reflects a blend of ancient indigenous cultures and American governance, with remnants of Russia’s lingering influence. In the month of November, each year, the US honors American “Indian” and Alaska Native Heritage Month,  with respect to the deep cultural and historical contributions that shape Alaska and the nation as a whole.

–Clio Wachtel