Re: [Paddlewise] Teaching Greenland Inuit to Paddle

R. J.  Posted this,
<Don't the Inuit already know how to paddle Sea Kayaks?  At least the ones in
Alaska do, as well as the Tlingits..  In SE AK.
I think it would be the other way around ... since they have been doing this 
for thousand of years.>
 Are Inuit located in Alaska?
 I was under the impression that most were located in the Eastern Canada area 
(Maritime Provinces?) and of course Greenland.
 It is my understanding that the traditional hunting methods of the Inuit 
(kayak) have taken a back seat to more contemporary methods (powerboat).  The 
idea of encouraging kayak
hunting is controversial I am sure.  Some will consider it "cultural elitism" 
to think that the Inuit can be taught kayaking by anyone other than another 
Inuit.  I have no wish to open that big can of worms.  I do believe that 
traditional hunting methods need to be preserved and proliferated.  A very 
large part of traditional hunting methods is the spiritual aspect that is 
quite often neglected when machines become involved in the process.
 I have been told that the bond between a hunter and his boat was so 
important that a potential bride needed to be introduced to and accepted by 
the kayak before the marriage could take place.
 If the Inuit wish to be accept the proposal, that is their choice.
 If they choose to refuse, that is definitely their right.
 As to the "haven't they been doing it for thousands of years" question.
 I don't think that in the grand scheme of things it was that long ago that 
all of our ancestors were hunting with clubs.  This is not to suggest that we 
could secure tonight's
supper with one.
 Bruce
 WEO
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