article

Ethnic identity, cultural pride, and generations of baggage: a personal experience

Arctic anthropology29 (2) • Published In 1992 • Pages: 182-191

By: Pullar, Gordon L..

Abstract
Numerous Alaska Native groups have begun movements to preserve and revitalize their cultures. They believe that by bringing back traditional practices and values people will be increasingly proud of their heritage and thus feel better about themselves as Native people. Many feel that this raising of self-esteem, over a period of time, will create healthier individuals and communities. Research has revealed that the destructive symptoms being experienced today in Native communities are the result of several generations of catastrophic events. This paper describes the cultural revitalization movement of the Alutiiq people of Kodiak Island from the personal viewpoint of the author, who was president of the Kodiak Area Native Association during the movement's inception. The author also describes his personal journey in developing cultural pride and his family history research that has revealed generations of alcohol abuse and other trauma (p. 182).
Subjects
Identification
Reviews and critiques
Cultural revitalization and ethnogenesis
Acculturation and culture contact
Cultural identity and pride
Corporate organization
Political movements
Disasters
Alcoholism and drug addiction
Missions
Religious intolerance and martyrs
Ethnosociology
culture
Alutiiq
HRAF PubDate
2005
Region
North America
Sub Region
Arctic and Subarctic
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Types
Ethnologist
Indigenous Person
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 2004
Field Date
1983-1990
Coverage Date
1804-1990
Coverage Place
Kodiak Island, Alaska, United States
Notes
Gordon L. Pullar
Includes bibliographical references (p. 190-191)
LCCN
sf 78000711
LCSH
Koniagmiut Eskimos