Subsistence in Alaska

Subsistence in Alaska
By James Gore
1/10/11

The word Agriculture usually brings to mind visions of corn fields and cattle fields. We think of barns, and tractors, and of quaint rural families living a hard, yet rewarding life.

This picture of American agriculture; however, represents the lower 48 far more than it does Alaska – that majestic land of abundant hunting, fishing, oil and gold – where agriculture equals subsistence, it’s tribal communities, not rural America, who harvest nature’s bounty.

I arrived in Anchorage last night at about 3am, and woke up this morning to participate in a forum of tribal consultations. These meetings provide us the opportunity to learn about the lives of Alaskan Native Americans, and to work on ways to adapt our program offerings to fit specific needs. After these first two days here in the Alaskan capital, we will head out to the eastern part of the state and the villages of Chistochina and Mentasta Lake, where I’ve been told to expect temperatures as low as 40 degrees below zero. 40 degrees below zero?! Whoa. I find it already inspiring to know that people are out hunting and fishing in this weather, where any uncovered section of one’s skin will be frostbitten before you can say “I’m freezing.”

Here in Alaska, subsistence is defined as “The use of mammals taken by Alaskan Natives for food, clothing, shelter, heating, transportation, and other uses necessary to maintain the life of the taker or those who depend upon the taker to provide them with such subsistence.”

In this place of beauty and ferocity, I have a true adventure awaiting me. But as is always the case with adventure, it’s striking to realize that my adventure will take place where these Native Americans live each and every day.

In essence, their everyday subsistence existence is my unique Alaskan adventure.

I have to keep that in mind.