Rural Alaska's struggle for survival (Anchorage, Bethel: how much, buying, school district)

[stiffnecked]

Originally Posted by warptman

It's not only Nunam Iqua, there is also Emmonak. You can call Emmonak Corporation at 907.949.1129. Emmonak Tribal Council at 907.949.1720 or 1041. City of Emmonak at 907.949.1227 or 1249.

I'm sure a lot of the villages in the Y-K Delta could use help. There's gotta be a way to reach out to more of them.

[Metlakatla]

But still... keep in mind that you don't have timber or oil, and Calista will never be able to sell off natural resources to pay shareholder dividends. Bad luck, but that's life too.

Warpt...just a question about this. You seem a little bitter about Calista.

Would you have rather Calista had destroyed your home for the natural resources that Floyd mentioned in order to give you a big check?

The checks Saan Seet issued as they were slaughtering the Tongass didn't really do the shareholders that much good in the long run.

About sending stuff to the bush---I want to encourage people to think as well about the dogs out there. Some dog food would be good.

[bkyhi]

I may be so off base here that I need to be shut-up. If so someone tell me.

Something that bothers me is the apparent lack of sharing among the native peoples in the form of corporate earnings and resources. How can the North Slope be so rich and the interior be so poor? I assume this may a historical/cultural thing, but I really haven't a clue. I don't believe this should be a governmental issue.

Another thing that bothers me is about the loss of native ways. Yes the lure of modern society is compelling. But recognizing the loss should lead to education to prevent the total loss. I do realize there are a number of programs to prevent this but they appear to be small and regional.
I probably don't know of most of the things going on and I have an outsiders view. One thing I am curious about - is Native Alaskan/Eskimo culture and heritage taught in the schools? I don't mean just in the bush but also in the other cities and towns?
In Hawaii public schools you are educated in Hawaiiana in the 4th and I believe the 7th grades. It's not much but at least you are introduced and educated in a formal manner. I realize in Alaska with a number of different Eskimo cultures this would be more difficult. Also given the sheer size of the state. However this is an excellent application for distance learning.

Another thing I can't understand is the lack of a trust for the furtherance and perpetuation of the Native cultures. This would be a private thing - not the government. Again - I'm ignorant, maybe these things do exist.

I realize I'm bringing in an outsiders view, experiences and values. But these things have proven to work over the decades.

Perhaps it is just too soon, since a great amount of the development in Alaska has been since the 50's.

I will be attending Kivgiq over the next few days. I've practically been ordered to do so by Mrs Kim. I also learned Sam and Lee's Restaurant is one of the sponsers. I assume that most of Alaska is aware of this event.

How about you folks in Anchorage, Fairbanks and elsewares in AK.

[warptman]

Good point Met.

People can call Association of Village Council Presidents here in Bethel, they have 56 villages under their name. You can call toll free at 800.478.3521 and ask for Pat Sampson.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by MovingForward

Thanks so much.

Is this why Palin cut short her attendance at that conference? To go back to Alaska to address this problem? I sure hope so.

Anyway, payday is Friday. Also, have sent emails to colleagues and friends. Wish I could do more--sorry.

Unfortunately....

The Mudflats » A Cry for Help from Rural Alaska. Is Anyone Listening?

So, what is the State of Alaska doing to help its citizens as they face these conditions of scarcity that are beyond what many of us can imagine? The answer is, nothing. According to Mr. Tucker the lack of heating oil and food and the resulting threat to life did not count as an emergency to the State of Alaska.



A question. Where is our Governor? What are her priorities? I have heard her concerns about anonymous bloggers, about media coverage, about the legislature, and the gas line. I have seen press releases come out saying “There you go again” to the Anchorage Daily News. I haves seen lots of time and energy focused on how Sarah Palin feels mistreated by the media. But I have not heard one, single, solitary word about Emmonak. I have seen no press releases about what my state’s government is doing to help its people in harm’s way.

And don't be sorry even if you can only help a little.

[Metlakatla]

There's some good information here, too:


Food and Energy Crisis in Rural Alaska

[Future Trooper]

very interesting links everyone.

I just wish the State of Alaska would do more to help people out in the bush

[stiffnecked]

You can't always rely on the government. Sometimes as citizens we just need to pull up our bootstraps and do things ourselves. This dependency on government to take care of every woe in society isn't a good thing. That is not what made our country the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Gdude, just dive right in and lend a hand. A little helps a lot when a lot give a little.

[Future Trooper]

Originally Posted by stiffnecked

You can't always rely on the government. Sometimes as citizens we just need to pull up our bootstraps and do things ourselves. This dependency on government to take care of every woe in society isn't a good thing. That is not what made our country the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

Gdude, just dive right in and lend a hand. A little helps a lot when a lot give a little.

I would love to help but what can I do to help people in the bush when I live in Indiana? I volunteer and give out good to people at the local churches. It is true a little helps alot when you give a little

[stiffnecked]

If you want you could contact Anna Strongheart in Nunam Iqua and ask her for the name and address of a family that needs some help. PM me and I can give you her email addy. All it takes is a little bit of time, a few flat rate boxes from the post office and a few dollars for groceries. Pack them up and send them out. There are also other links posted in this thread on where you can find info to help out. It doesn't matter if your Indiana, Florida or Arizona, help from anywhere is appreciated.