Possible Winter Visit - Want Opinions (Point Hope, Savoonga: teaching, building, interior)

[Frostnip]

Originally Posted by ArcticState

FYI, although it's frequently found in the books you've read, the term "cheechako" hasn't been used widely since the days of Gov. Hammond.

Except maybe ironically

[ShipOfFools42]

Good to know. I could see how it has fallen out of regular speech, but it does work well to get the message across when used in text.

[SityData]

I've heard natives use that term frequently; along with Taniiq, Naulagmi, & Paubillypak. (white man, white man, black man) Sourdough & Cheechako

[blueflames50]

Originally Posted by ShipOfFools42

Good to know. I could see how it has fallen out of regular speech, but it does work well to get the message across when used in text.

yes but it is still an insulting comment just like any other nasty terms used here....show one's level of social class and lack of being able to use any other words to communicate!

[ShipOfFools42]

It's insulting? I thought it was just basically an Alaskan "greenhorn", if you will. Didn't realize it was meant to be nasty or derogatory.

[ArcticState]

Originally Posted by ShipOfFools42

It's insulting? I thought it was just basically an Alaskan "greenhorn", if you will. Didn't realize it was meant to be nasty or derogatory.

"Cheechako" comes from a Chinook term meaning "just now come". It's not usually taken as a huge insult but usually carries a derogatory connotation.

The last time I used it was cross-country skiing with a buddy of mine who showed up looking so ridiculous and that was the best put-down I could think of. He was not amused and muttered several words calling into question my genetic heritage.

[SityData]

I had a friend of mine fly up to Barrow - we paid all expenses. He simply refused to take his hood down or off and exprience the crisp refreshing air.

It was - 40 below - Mark is very comfortable dressed as he is... Notice the huge difference between a new person and someone who lives here.

Huge parky's are going to restrict you too much. My friend is basiclly 'blind' he cannot see anything approaching him from either side.



In fact when we returned home and he took off that huge parka and sweater and small jacket. He was so over dressed. I said to him once he got all his gear off - come here.. and I opened the outside door and stepped outside wearing jeans & t-shirt.. I said come on out here. He had a flannel shirt & sweater on.. He refused to come near the door.!!

I stayed there for a good minute before it became necessary for me to jump back inside. Standing still - not moving - it won't take long. The point is.. Too many people overdress and incorrectly for sure!

Once inside - that 'sting' on my arms and face quicky disappeared in seconds.

[ShipOfFools42]

Yeah, I definitely understand that people walk around in extreme cold without heavy clothes on. However, I do plan to buy a nice, very warm parka because I have the opportunity now to go out on a trapline in the interior, and I'm not about to go out there dressed in jeans and a T-shirt! But yeah, I get your point.

[SityData]

The point I am trying to make is this.. Mark is dressed for the weather! He is comfortable and he isn't even wearing gloves. I went three winters in Point Hope walking about the village in very cold weather without ever using gloves. My hands were very warm using a 'trick' that everyone uses... it works.

I kept my hands just inside the cuffs. I learned that by; watching the children. they never wear gloves -There are lots and lots of tricks - tried and true.. Heavy expensive clothing is not necessary. You can get a very light pull over parky made so easily. They make them all over this state. from Bethel to Barrow & Beyond

[naturesdreams]

Originally Posted by SityData

The point I am trying to make is this.. Mark is dressed for the weather! He is comfortable and he isn't even wearing gloves. I went three winters in Point Hope walking about the village in very cold weather without ever using gloves. My hands were very warm using a 'trick' that everyone uses... it works.

I kept my hands just inside the cuffs. I learned that by; watching the children. they never wear gloves -There are lots and lots of tricks - tried and true.. Heavy expensive clothing is not necessary. You can get a very light pull over parky made so easily. They make them all over this state. from Bethel to Barrow & Beyond

Sity... great that you enjoy the weather. I'm use to cold but not constant -47 or colder. The cold is fine with me but it is the high winds that will show you what mother nature can do pretty quickly. I've experienced -47 with wind chill in North Dakota in January... a little place called Devils Lake.. wide open spaces for the wind to really kick it up a notch LOL

I've got to visit sometime.. looks like he's smiling though...