Essential Question: How are landscapes formed and how, in turn, are cultures shaped by their landscapes?
ENGAGE
Cultural Connections to Landscapes
Cultural Connections to Landscapes
A variety of cultures have inhabited Alaska for varied amounts of time since North America’s first Beringian migrations thousands of years ago. Irrespective of the language, customs or timing of each society, each took root in its place, at least in part, because of the landscape and the resources it provides, as well as adapting to changes in those landscapes.
For example, because of their elevation and the physics of phase change, mountains capture rain and snow and release or store its moisture as glaciers and/or rivers. Forests flank the mountains and rivers drawing water from melting snow and ice, in turn providing critical habitat for wildlife and fish and people.
This interconnectedness of rising mountains and falling water, along with the varied life that thrives in each place, participates in creating the dynamic tapestry of landscapes that help support those living there.
While rivers supply food, water, transportation and other resources, they also flood, erode and meander. Cultures living along rivers and relying on them must also understand their dynamics and how to respond.
The same should be said of all peoples and the places they inhabit. Whether it's the weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding or fire, cultures have either adapted to their landscape's dynamics or migrated or perished.
For example, because of their elevation and the physics of phase change, mountains capture rain and snow and release or store its moisture as glaciers and/or rivers. Forests flank the mountains and rivers drawing water from melting snow and ice, in turn providing critical habitat for wildlife and fish and people.
This interconnectedness of rising mountains and falling water, along with the varied life that thrives in each place, participates in creating the dynamic tapestry of landscapes that help support those living there.
While rivers supply food, water, transportation and other resources, they also flood, erode and meander. Cultures living along rivers and relying on them must also understand their dynamics and how to respond.
The same should be said of all peoples and the places they inhabit. Whether it's the weather, earthquakes, volcanoes, flooding or fire, cultures have either adapted to their landscape's dynamics or migrated or perished.
EXPLORE
TD Resources - Cultural Connections
Let’s take a closer look at the way of life for some of Alaska’s indigenous peoples and others by reviewing these TD resources:
Let’s take a closer look at the way of life for some of Alaska’s indigenous peoples and others by reviewing these TD resources:
ENGAGE
Career Connections
Growing up is challenging enough for any student. Doing so while living in two cultural worlds takes extraordinary effort and support. All students look to adults for cues and examples for their own future possibilities.
Seeing examples of adults who have successfully merged cultures provides encouragement as well as new ideas as students make their own journey into adulthood and vocations.
Enter Richard Glenn who shines two lights on the same path:
EXPLORE
Richard Glenn: Iñupiaq Geologist
Career Connections
Growing up is challenging enough for any student. Doing so while living in two cultural worlds takes extraordinary effort and support. All students look to adults for cues and examples for their own future possibilities.
Seeing examples of adults who have successfully merged cultures provides encouragement as well as new ideas as students make their own journey into adulthood and vocations.
Enter Richard Glenn who shines two lights on the same path:
EXPLORE
EXPLAIN
- What cultures are represented in these TD resources?
- Describe some important cultural connections to physical landscapes.
- Give examples of how people adapt to changes in culture and/or landscape.
EXTEND
- What unique challenges do rural or urban Alaskan students face?
- Compare the teaching roles of the Chevak native teachers to their visitors.
- What local human resources do you know that help connect people to place?
EVALUATE
- How important is a sense of place for an individual or culture?
- What are some of the values of living close to the land that may be overlooked by those living in more urban or developed settings.
Helpful Hint: Be sure to review the background information provided with each TD resource any time you use TD. It’s good stuff and saves you time!
Here’s another Helpful Hint: Did you discover other useful TD resources along your journey? Save your ideas and resources in folders on the TD website. It's easy and it's free!
Here’s another Helpful Hint: Did you discover other useful TD resources along your journey? Save your ideas and resources in folders on the TD website. It's easy and it's free!
