Making the most of our last day in Alaska

15 August 2014

I finally get my dog-sled ride, with Oregano mushing the dogs

Our Alaskan adventure was coming to an end, but our long flight back to the east coast didn’t leave until late afternoon. Paprika and Oregano decided to squeeze in a visit to one more museum before heading to the airport.

During our trip through Alaska, we have all been fascinated by how humans have adapted to living in such a harsh climate that is so rich with natural resources. We decided to visit The Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage to learn more about the 11 major cultural groups that are native to Alaska.

They have wonderful exotic-sounding names: the Athabascans (who live in the interior and northeastern areas of Alaska), the Unangax and Alutiiq (Sugpiaq) (mainly along the southern and southwestern coast and islands), the Yup’ik and Cup’ik People (of the southwest), the Inupiaq and the St. Lawrence Island Yupik People (of the north and northwest), and the Eyak, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian (of the southeast).

In the museum, there are displays and information about each of those distinct cultures, as well as example of their homes, tools and art.

Throughout the day, there are demonstrations of native dances, games and storytelling. In the short time we were there, we were able to watch a demonstration of native games. These were games of agility and flexibility that helped indigenous people to develop and hone skills needed for being efficient hunters and fishermen.

Young athletes who participate in the World Eskimo-Indian Olympics demonstrated the toe kick, the seal hop, the one-hand reach and the Alaskan high kick. The strength and skill they exhibited doing these games was astounding! Paprika had to snap the camera very quickly to be able to capture images of these games. You can read more about each of these games here.

Balancing for the one- hand reach

Preparing for the Alaskan high kick

Amazingly, she was able to reach that ball!

The Alaska Native Heritage Center was incredibly interesting. Our only regret was that we didn’t have more time to spend there.

We headed to the airport for our red-eye flights back to New Jersey. What an adventure we had in Alaska! I am so grateful that Paprika and Oregano allowed me to accompany them on their trip.