Re: [Paddlewise] Teaching Greenland Inuit to Paddle

Of course they are in alaska.. what did you expect?
The ones in Ak, do have power boats, snowmobiles. ect.. But a lot of them take
pride in what their Heritage, and teach it to their children... Much like us
hunting today's with rifle's , and compound Bows..
I know a lot of  the old ways, are still used today..
I have done them, I was married in the Tlingit's native alaskan clan (Raven/
thunder bird, my wife is Eagle/Bear), in S.E. Ak.
Hunted Seal with a Harpoon.. in a large wooden , hand hewn canoe ..
I also speak the language..
hunting is a part of life..
To lose all of these skills, in one's culture is very sad..

R.J.

Outfit3029_at_aol.com wrote:
> 
> 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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