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The Gwich'in: A Native Alaskan People with a Rich Culture and Resilience

Fabian Mitchell

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Published in Living On Thin Ice: The Gwich In Natives Of Alaska

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The Gwich'in are a Native Alaskan people who have inhabited the Arctic region for centuries. They are a proud and resilient people with a rich culture and a deep connection to the land.

History

The Gwich'in are descended from the Athabaskan-speaking peoples who migrated to North America from Asia around 10,000 years ago. They settled in the Arctic region and developed a culture based on hunting, fishing, and trapping.

The Gwich'in were first encountered by Europeans in the 18th century. Fur traders and explorers were drawn to the Arctic region by the abundance of fur-bearing animals. The Gwich'in traded with these outsiders, but they also resisted their attempts to control their land and resources.

Living on Thin Ice: The Gwich'in Natives of Alaska

by Steven C. Dinero

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	310 pages

In the 19th century, the Gwich'in were forced to sign a series of treaties with the United States and Canada. These treaties ceded much of their traditional territory and granted them limited rights to hunt and fish.

Culture

The Gwich'in have a rich culture that is based on their relationship with the land. They are a hunting and fishing people, and their traditional diet consists of caribou, moose, fish, and berries.

The Gwich'in also have a strong tradition of storytelling, music, and art. Their stories are passed down from generation to generation, and they often tell of the adventures of their ancestors. Their music is a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, and their art is often inspired by the natural world.

The Gwich'in have a deep respect for the environment, and they believe that all living things are connected. They have a strong sense of community, and they are always willing to help each other out.

Resilience

The Gwich'in have faced many challenges over the centuries, but they have always managed to maintain their culture and way of life. They have survived wars, disease, and famine. They have also faced the challenges of climate change and the loss of their traditional lands.

Despite these challenges, the Gwich'in remain a vibrant and resilient people. They are proud of their culture, and they are determined to protect their way of life.

Current Challenges

The Gwich'in face a number of challenges today. Climate change is causing the Arctic region to warm at an alarming rate, and this is having a devastating impact on their traditional way of life. The caribou, which are the Gwich'in's primary source of food, are declining in numbers due to climate change.

The Gwich'in are also facing the challenges of economic development and globalization. The Arctic region is becoming increasingly industrialized, and this is putting pressure on their traditional lands and resources.

Activism

The Gwich'in are actively fighting to protect their culture and way of life. They are working to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and economic development on the Arctic. They are also working to protect their traditional lands and resources.

The Gwich'in are a resilient people with a deep connection to the land. They are facing a number of challenges, but they are determined to protect their culture and way of life.