WHITE MAN’S “MAGIC” DESTROYS AGAIN

The Kodiak Perspective became aware of the situation in Adak from reading Alaska Real, a blog by an Alaskan Native. For the Native perspective please read her blog.

Alaska Real also states that she has received many unfeeling comments about the situation. Don’t be a “hater”. Bloggers put time and thought into their postings. You may disagree, but please don’t disrespect.

“I ask these people to look at the history of Adak - the real history. Aleut/Unungax people have lived there for thousands of years.”

The power of white man’s magic to destroy is awesome. Here is a culture that has survived thousands of years, and yet, in a short time, less than 200 years, the natives have become dependant on Diesel Fuel, and have to abandon their homes.

Adak is a remote island in the Aleutian chain. Trees do not grow there, it is volcanic with rough terrain, and is beset by harsh weather conditions. Not a very hospitable place to live, but people choose to live there.

I do not know how the indigenous people survived life on Adak, but I admire that achievement.

When white people come, they change everything. They trade pieces of paper for goods and services. White man’s goods can be bought for cash, things like Ipods, boilers for heat, alcohol, that were not part of society and which change culture. Now you are dependant on white man’s power, electricity or fuel oil. Which cost more money, and now more than you have. Mostly because you do not fit into white man’s economy.

It is sad, but it is very hard to rediscover your original lifestyle, and white man’s magic is so enticing, you may not wish to return to a time before. So the culture dies.

Little pieces survive, like grass basket weaving, but white man has destroyed your way of life.