I understand that within the past few days there was a note on this site which I missed about British paddlers going to Greenland to teach Inuit there about Inuit sea kayaking skills. I would greatly appreciate some one with that message available reposting it to me. Thanks, Chuck Sutherland (skimmer_at_mail.enter.net) http://www.enter.net/~skimmer *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Don't the Inuit already know how to paddle Sea Kayaks?.. At least the ones in Alaska do, as well as the Tlingits.. in S.E. Ak. I think it would be the other way around.... since they have been doing this for thousand of years.. R.J. "skimmer_at_mail.enter.net" wrote: > I understand that within the past few days there was a note on this > site which I missed about British paddlers going to Greenland to > teach Inuit there about Inuit sea kayaking skills. > > I would greatly appreciate some one with that message available > reposting it to me. > > Thanks, > Chuck Sutherland (skimmer_at_mail.enter.net) > > http://www.enter.net/~skimmer > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not > to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
> 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. The Inuit inhabit an area spanning almost 5,150 k. They have a wider geographical range than any other aboriginal people, and are the most sparsely distributed people on earth. There are 8 main separate groups of Inuit: Greenland Inuit, on the eastern and western coasts of southern Greenland Labrador Inuit, occupying the coast from a point opposite Newfoundland to Hudson Bay, with a few settlements on southern Baffin Island Central Inuit, in far northern Greenland, Baffin Island and western Hudson Bay Banks Island Inuit, on Banks Island, Victoria Island and other large islands off the central Arctic coast Western Arctic Inuit or Innuvialuit, along the western Arctic coast of Canada Alaskan Inuit and Alaskan Yuit, occupying parts of Arctic Alaska Siberian Yuit. > It is my understanding that the traditional hunting methods of the Inuit > (kayak) have taken a back seat to more contemporary methods (powerboat). I don't recall seeing kayaks in Kotzebue 25 years ago, nor Chevak six years ago. Of course, I wasn't really tuned into kayaks at that time and may have missed them. But I believe all native peoples in Alaska, being quite practical, have adopted modern hunting methods (rifles, ATV, motorboat for instance) which provide more reliable means of getting food. Karen *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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 *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
In a message dated 10/19/99 11:51:18 AM Central Daylight Time, magpi_at_transport.com writes: The Inuit inhabit an area spanning almost 5,150 k. They have a wider geographical range than any other aboriginal people, and are the most sparsely distributed people on earth. There are 8 main separate groups of Inuit: Greenland Inuit, on the eastern and western coasts of southern Greenland Labrador Inuit, occupying the coast from a point opposite Newfoundland to Hudson Bay, with a few settlements on southern Baffin Island Central Inuit, in far northern Greenland, Baffin Island and western Hudson Bay Banks Island Inuit, on Banks Island, Victoria Island and other large islands off the central Arctic coast Western Arctic Inuit or Innuvialuit, along the western Arctic coast of Canada Alaskan Inuit and Alaskan Yuit, occupying parts of Arctic Alaska Siberian Yuit. << paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >> This brings to mind a question re: the history of the kayak. I recall reading that, given the fact that the kayak was developed in both the North Atlantic and the North Pacific areas, it was considered remarkable that the design was so similar. Could there have been communication spanning such a wide area, or did the designs, as we have evidence of them today evolve and merge as a result of ceturies of drifting? Any guesses as to how long the kayak in some form has been around? Curious Dan *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
According to the video "Amphibious Man" by Ivar Silis, kayak were brought into the American continent by groups coming from Asia. Its use then extended throughout the Artic all the way to Greenland. The same video says that the history of the kayak goes back 4000 years. Some people in Japan think that the kayak have its origins in Japan, and they might be right. But then it would not surprise me if the people from Tahiti started to claim that they brought the kayaks to Japan, and so on so forth. They have as much evidence as those who claim that they were the Irish who taught the Greenlanders how to build skin boats, and then the use of kayaks expanded to the West. One important thing to notice though, is that the statement "that is the way the Greenlanders paddled" is gramatically wrong because it should be in present tense--traditional kayak hunting is still alive and widely practiced in Greenland. Whether the Greenland Kayak League will allow foreigners to participate, and even compete, in the art of traditional Greenland kayaking is to be decided. - Julio Dan wrote: > design was so similar. Could there have been communication spanning such a > wide area, or did the designs, as we have evidence of them today evolve and > merge as a result of ceturies of drifting? > Any guesses as to how long the kayak in some form has been around? > Curious Dan *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
At 04:55 PM 10/19/99 -0700, juliom_at_cisco.com wrote: >Whether the Greenland Kayak League will allow foreigners to participate, >and even compete, in the art of traditional Greenland kayaking is >to be decided. Julio, Actually this was revealed last month at the Delaware Paddler's Retreat in a meeting that included John Heath, Maligiaq Padilla, Kaleraq Beck (president of Qaannat Kattuffiat - the Greenland Kayak Club) his wife Lone, Charlie and Cindy Cole, Chuck Sutherland, Robin Snow and a few other folks including myself. Qaannat Kattuffiat (the Greenland Kayak Club) is looking for ways to help grow and fund the organization. This organization was formed in 1983 after almost an entire generation was brought up with very little knowledge of kayaking. The club brought together the veteran seal-catchers to instruct a band of eager young students. Fortunately the knowledge was passed on to a new generation and the skills narrowly avoided being lost forever. Today many Greenland towns sport their own affiliated kayak clubs that promote the sport and teach not only respect for their ancestors but also technique and kayak building as well. The need for money is very real, the Sisimiut kayaking team (in Maligiaq's hometown) trained for the Greenland National championships but could not even afford the cost of transportation to the event this year. Some of the items that were discussed follows: -The Greenland kayaking championships will be open to kayakers of all nationalities next year! There will be a separate class for fiberglass boats. The details are being drafted. -Kaleraq favored creating associate memberships that will allow non-Greenlanders to become non-voting members of Qaannat Kattuffiat. Although it is still sketchy, membership will probably include a newsletter with articles concerning the club, the championships and technique as well as club accessories such as pins, patches and stickers. Kaleraq handed out a few of the patches at the meeting. They are very well done, with the shape patterned after the sealskin float (which vaguely resembles the shape of a nautilus shell), with a tuilik clad kayaker in a skinboat as the center of interest. Other accessories that were made available at the symposium included a wonderful white (or green) anorak ($100.00) adorned with the club logo, that is modeled after the garment worn by Palos in Knud Rasmussens old Greenland film "Palos Brudefaerd". This jacket is not designed for immersion and thus does not have waterproof wrist or face seals but is warm and very comfortable. The jacket is nylon with Thinsulate insulation. Lone Bech said that the Greenlanders wear it kayaking in the summer with their short spray skirts and the white color helps them blend with floating ice for seal hunting. -The Qaannat Kattuffiat, which is composed of kayakers in Southwest Greenland will work actively with the East Greenlanders to help preserve their unique kayaking traditions. The challenges of this include funding transportation costs and dealing with different dialects that makes communication difficult. Regarding the recent news of the British expedition to East Greenland to reintroduce kayaking skills, John Heath will draft a letter and document the plans of Qaannat Kattuffiat to the writer of the Times article. I will forward John's letter to this list. -Instructors who teach "Greenland-style" technique will be encouraged to support Qaannat Kattuffiat. -Kaleraq Beck will write a regular technique/news article to be targeted to the North American audience. There was also talk of creating a Qaannat Kattuffiat web page (I assume in English) to help spread the word. -The creation of a Greenland-supported training program was discussed. This program would strive to teach truly authentic Greenland technique to the outside world. The details of this are still being discussed. Kaleraq was jubilant after seeing so many Delmarva Retreat paddlers using Greenland-style paddles and demonstrating various rolls. On one trip where students had the opportunity to paddle alongside both Kaleraq and Maligiaq there were over 30 kayakers with Greenland-style paddles on the water. Kaleraq had no idea that the popularity of Greenland techniques had become so popular outside of this homeland. Kaleraq struck me as a very honest man who does not wish to push his organization down other people's throats. Rather, I believe that he would like to build an organization that respects and preserves the Greenland paddling traditions, openly shares this information and builds enough support that it can actively continue its goals into the future. I will pass along more information as it becomes available. Greg Stamer *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Here is some helpful links to answer that question..... http://www.cdkayak.com/history.htm http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/faq/toc.html http://www.the-kayak-store.com/tkswph2a.htm http://www.phcompany.co.uk/choose.htm http://www.viewit.com/WesternFoldingKayak/ In florida.. very interesting things to consider, you think you got it bad? http://www.jacksonville.net/~dldecker/fska5.htm a Screen saver.. http://www.rapidshooters.com/ind6.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Warm regards! R.J. Baynum DANJW_at_aol.com wrote: > > In a message dated 10/19/99 11:51:18 AM Central Daylight Time, > magpi_at_transport.com writes: > > The Inuit inhabit an area spanning almost 5,150 k. They have a wider > geographical range than any other aboriginal people, and are the most > sparsely distributed people on earth. There are 8 main separate groups of > Inuit: > > Greenland Inuit, on the eastern and western coasts of southern Greenland > Labrador Inuit, occupying the coast from a point opposite Newfoundland to > Hudson Bay, with a few settlements on southern Baffin Island > Central Inuit, in far northern Greenland, Baffin Island and western Hudson > Bay > Banks Island Inuit, on Banks Island, Victoria Island and other large islands > off the central Arctic coast > Western Arctic Inuit or Innuvialuit, along the western Arctic coast of > Canada > Alaskan Inuit and Alaskan Yuit, occupying parts of Arctic Alaska > Siberian Yuit. > << paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net >> > > This brings to mind a question re: the history of the kayak. I recall > reading that, given the fact that the kayak was developed in both the North > Atlantic and the North Pacific areas, it was considered remarkable that the > design was so similar. Could there have been communication spanning such a > wide area, or did the designs, as we have evidence of them today evolve and > merge as a result of ceturies of drifting? > Any guesses as to how long the kayak in some form has been around? > > Curious Dan > *************************************************************************** > PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not > to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission > Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net > Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net > Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ > *************************************************************************** *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
<< I believe all native peoples in Alaska, being quite practical, have adopted modern hunting methods (rifles, ATV, motorboat for instance) which provide more reliable means of getting food. >> Quite true, from my very limited observation in Alaska several years ago. Friends who have occasion to visit Alaska and Siberia fairly often, support this observation. But sadly, they have also adopted alcohol, which is destroying them and their culture. Possibly, for a few, a return to their cultural roots through kayaking may provide a path to "salvation" - by which I mean cultural pride and salvation from the horrible hydrycarbon. This has worked for some of the Tlingit in Ketchikan (by no meeans all of them), and is the only reason I'm not completely against the "whale hunts" of the Macah tribe. When you're out there training and hunting, you're probably not out there drinking. Very controversial, I know. Bill Hansen *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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