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Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Were Are We Came From? - Arctic –

Hunter of the Arctic

Two groups of people live in the Arctic – the Eskimos (Inupiat group) and the scientist, thought the later are later arrivals. New – age technology has found its place in the lives many Arctic people, but without the tradition knowledge of subsistence, life in Arctic is near impossible. The Inupiat are a group of Eskimo in Arctic Alaska, living mainly on Point Barrow. They, like other indigenous groups, have strong views on the earth and how it should be utilized.

A whale of a time: All Inupiat believes they have access to supernatural powers, but the Shamans are considered to be specially endowed. With the help of supernatural forces they assist in informing the whaling crew of the whales location are. Whaling is a primary occupation here. Before the whaling season, all hunters under go strict preparation and abstinence. When the four days of hunting elapse, the crew feast and then they set out on the journey.

Outside influence: when the whaling tradition expanded to include the non-Eskimos, beginning in the mid 19th Century, traditional norms were disregarded and there was excessive hunting. The dart and shoulder gun replaced traditional tools like whaling harpoon and lances. With decrease in the bowhead whale population, the walrus wan hunted. The over hunting of sea mammals resulted in starvation and even death for many Eskimos. As the whaling tradition brought more non-native people to Arctic region, Point Barrows population grew considerably, and modernization followed. The Inupiat culture, however, was only moderately influenced.
The wage economy made its presence in 1940, but traditional hunting still held high prestige. The male offered wage-job which they did not accept unless time was given off for hunting and fishing. But, in the late 70s’, restrictions were placed on bowhead whale hunting. This greatly angered the Inupiat. Arguments were made against the restrictions. Whale hunting was a human right, and no constraints should be placed by any national or international organization. The legislation was soon revoked.

Oil resources: Another problem emerged when the outsiders came to know of the rich oil resources in Arctic Alaska. The discovery of petroleum in 1967 was huge for many oil companies. Despite economic advantages there continued to be an increased risk of oil spills. If this happens, the migration course of the bowhead and other mammals would be altered and great amounts of resources would be lost.
Land ownership also heated the debate. The Inupiat strongly believe that land is something to be share and not individually owned. An agreement made in 1971, declared that approximately one-ninth of the state belonged to the natives. After 30 years of legal and political struggle for self-government, the vast Arctic land of the Canadian north has been returned to the sovereignty of the Inupiat. Since April 1999, it has been known as Nunavut, OOur Land.

The combined efforts of native Alaskans had a great impact on the future of the state. With an increasing populations, the Inupiat, in particular, have not ceased any traditional practices. Despite an amalgamation of western culture with their own, the culture identity of the Eskimos is still strong. Whaling has been a basic subsistence for them for thousands of years and continued to be so for many generations.


Sunday, Vijay Times – Bangalore. 02 July 2006



Irwansyah Yahya Student of Economics Agra University, Agra - India

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