What do Alaskans in remote villages eat? (Bethel: how much, houses)

[Arcticthaw]

Originally Posted by Woof

Well I do look around my area and ask about what foods could be eaten if outside sources were stopped. Probably not so much different from Alaska other than I'd be eating acorn mush and not so many berries, and deer or jackrabbits rather than moose or caribou. I'm asking about Alaska because it's slightly possible I'd move there, and because I'm interested in such things as a hobby.

Now concerning the gas and heating oil, I thought Alaska shipped most of the crude elsewhere and then imported back the refined stuff ..... I didn't realize you had enough refining capacity to make your own gas and heating oil. In fact I distinctly remember reading that many remote villages couldn't afford to heat as much with oil anymore .... wasn't Chavez going to supply some to them for free as a sort of publicity stunt?

Also, I realize that Anchorage and Fairbanks are on major flyways, but I was asking more about remote villages. What happens if the world price of aviation fuel goes up .... presumably Alaskans won't get a special discount .... the price of food goes up because fuels are needed to farm .... and the cost of shipping even to Anchorage increases. Since most outside foods are flown in to the small villages away from Anchorage .... what happens if local paychecks simply aren't enough to cover more than occasional supplies for wealthier people?

There now, you've managed to give a relevant answer. Now let's see what others think, if anyone here knows about such things.

You just described inflation. Remember the 70s with 22% interest rates, and not just on credit cards. People demand more wages etc.

[warptman]

It is apparent you have no clue about Alaskan Bush. When one family is in need, the whole community lends a hand. Say for instance, a family loses a house from a fire, they won't go hungry because everyone helps each others out here. The help not only comes from the village, but surrounding villages and state wide, and like last year...nationwide. Last summer the village of Hooper Bay lost a whole section of the old village. Help came in from all over the country. The cost of aviation fuel is up through the roof as it is, the carriers just raise the prices to over come that. If it comes to it, I'm sure we'd go back to the old ways of life. Dog teams and row/sailboats. No one goes hungry in rural Alaska.

[forgetwho]

Woof is asking perfectly legitimate questions, and I see nothing in his/her tone that ought to make anyone defensive or sarcastic. Alaska may face food issues before the lower 48, and the lower 48 may face water issues before Alaska (see the NY Times Sunday Magazine article published Oct. 21 titled "The Future is Drying Up.") But the likelihood is that we are all going to face these issues sooner or later, probably sooner, and I'd be interested also in hearing any thoughts people have about what they would do about that.

[Metlakatla]

Every now and then I take a break from the berries and moose stew and dine on nicely broiled lower 48 touron steak, usually with a nice glass of Chianti and a bit of fava beans.

[Xa'at]

They eat each other.

[Woof]

Sure, Metlakatla, but tourist season is over now.

Thanks, forgetwho.

Yes, Warptman, I have no clue ... that's why I'm here asking. But do you know anything about the old ways? Was it mainly meat, fish, and berries .... or were there other traditional foods?

[warptman]

yeeeeeeees

[warptman]

Alaska Native Heritage Center

[warptman]

Modalities

[Metlakatla]

Kinda reminds me of last summer, when a touron accosted me and demanded to know if I grew all my own food. I gave said touron the almost blank Metla glance which contained just an imperceptible amount of something like scorn and didn't answer the question...really, why should I have...the touron then proceeded to inform me that, "You utilize everything!" and then I just kind of walked off, you know.

I eat salmon. Lots of it. I don't catch it, clean it, or pay for it. Quite a few of the meals I eat would cost over $100 in some NYC restaurant.

Woof, I believe I stated that I only dine on touron every now and then, and that's only when the salmon ain't running.

What with them flocking up here to see the aurora though, it could become somewhat less of a seasonal delicacy.