There are a whole host of social issues in the villages, no one will deny that. The solution is not easy or palatable, but subsistence/traditional hunting and fishing is IMHO the most important part of healing and moving forward. Abuse of the resources is related to the social problems which to a large degree fall at the feet of the well intentioned government and social justice folks.
Not to be distracted by the wisdom of a certain wise elder among us and his proverbs.....
But I agree with you entire post, Paul.
I was in contact with a neighbor the day I came home, a fellow a few years more limber than me, a fellow who I’ve shared many miles of trail with, and one who would and has risked health and wealth for my own. I was wondering how the spring hunt had gone and of his freezer was full. (Waterfowl). He said, “oh, not much” and then proceeded to tell me how he had “probably” killed 30-50 geese... “not much” being what went in his freezer; the rest went to partners who don’t shoot so well and widows/elders in town. He’s the same guy who will ride 400/500 miles for caribou, at no small expense in fuel and equipment, give all or most of it away, and then want to do it all again. And that, among all the waste and abuse that is often more ‘newsworthy’, is not an unusual thing.
Kilkitarik,
Thanks for writing this post, this story.
I have read every word of this thread several times over. It is perhaps the most informative piece of literature I have come across in educating myself concerning the dynamics of survival, life, and lifestyle of today's Alaska, previously unknown to me.
I wouldn't mind if you folks continued the discussion. I'd like to learn more on the subject. If you've got little inspiration to pick it up, I understand. And if that is the case perhaps you folks could point me in a direction that would further educate me about subsistance, it's purpose, history, intent, it's successes and it's failures. I'd like to learn more about this life of $16.00 per gallon milk and scrap nets. As well as the motovaters and detractors within the remotes and villages. Too, I would like to learn about the culture, the Bush villages and mindset perspectives of the people shared therein.
I'm currently far removed from many of you and the places that you speak of where folks are living a life I know little to nothing about. I have it easy. I get up, go pound nails, collect a paycheck budget for my food, clothing, and shelter (heat, water, and power included), drive to wal mart, cabela's, or costco for necessities. And although I have worked hard and sacrificed a bit to be here, I realize I really don't have a clue what others are experiencing. There is a great chaism between myself and many of you... I'd like to cross over it, or at least take a few steps closer.
