ENGAGE
Cultural Connections
Across thousands of miles of water and thousands of years, two Pacific Ocean cultures have developed at the base of island volcanoes. Aleut, the indigenous people of the Aleutian Archipelago call themselves Unangan--or seaside people. Over centuries, they have created their culture and adapted to the conditions of these remote, windswept volcanic islands.
Though dwelling in an arguably more pleasant climate, the indigenous peoples of Hawaii have developed their own stories and culture as they have met the challenges of their dynamic landscapes.
EXPLORE
TD Resources
Let's explore and contrast how Unangan and Hawaiian Islanders have met the physical, geological and cultural challenges of their volcanic island homes in these 3 TD videos:
Living on the CoastMaui and the Creation of the IslandsContemporary Land Issues Regarding Mauna KeaEXPLAIN
- What are some similarities and differences between the cultures presented in the videos?
EXTEND
- What other cultures do you know that live in the shadow of volcanoes?
- How does living on volcanic islands influence culture?
- What other related stories do you know?
EVALUATE
- How does science impact indigenous cultures, for better or worse?
- Why are stories an important part of every culture?
