What is the American dream? And can one still attain this? It seems that some people are still in search for this, and have ventured to the state of Alaska to attain it.
Inflation in the country, has made it difficult for the average person to afford rentals, and further the purchase of homes. But in Alaska a 3 bedroom home is still within reach. Over the first twenty four hours of arriving, we’ve met several people who have moved from different parts of America due to the affordability, opportunity, and promise of something more.
But there is also something else here that exuded… The kindness that emerged from the locals and the transplants, in offering suggestions of delicious cuisine to eat, stunning natural landscapes to witness, and warnings of what one may encounter during one’s visit.
I visited Anchorage Alaska mid-October, during Indigenous people’s weekend. To honor this, the Anchorage museum waived the $25 entrance fee for all visitors. A volunteer greeted us at the door, a young Indigenous female with a painted red hand over her face. I asked to take her photo, she said “I’d rather you not.” I honored her request, remembering that some people believe that if you take their photos, you are taking their souls. The red hand I observed was familiar, but I couldn’t place it. My friend reminded me that this was a symbol to bring awareness of missing and murdered Indigenous women in North America. They are 10 times more likely to be sexually assaulted or murdered than non-indigenous women. To read more https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_handprint#:~:text=A%20red%20handprint%2C%20usually%20painted,be%20murdered%20or%20sexually%20assaulted.
As I walked through the museum, I couldn’t help but be stunned by the controversial art pieces on display sharing the indigenous people’s stories throughout generations. Through imagery and storytelling, there were reminders of how the indigenous people were robbed of their heritage, appropriation was used as a platform for consumerism and capitalism, and the necessity of the new generations to discover, embrace, and share their heritage in their own native languages to ensure traditions are carried on. In addition, there was homage to other ethnic groups that make up pockets of Alaska, including Black Americans and Latin Americans.
(Nicholas Galanin: The Imaginary Indian, 2009)
Alaska is a complex entity, becoming the 49th state in 1959, but originally was purchased from Russia in 1867. Then came the Gold Rush, subsequently the search for oil.
It became a powerful place for America to own, “In 1935 General Billy Mitchell said to Congress “I believe that in the future, whoever holds Alaska will hold the world. I think it is the most important strategic place in the world.”
But with this cane the wipe out, erase, capitalize, appropriate the indigenous people and their customs. There were so many mixed feelings being here, that I may need to continue to reflect and chew on. The Anchorage museum held controversial conversational pieces, but what about the remnants diversity throughout the land? From what I explored, in the surrounding areas of Anchorage this was minimal. There are high rates of suicide, alcoholism, and ancestral trauma. And how do we serve and honor all those impacted by generations of colonialism?
There is so much to say about this, and I am aware I am only scratching the surface. But I am reminded, as we visit places even in our own country, it’s important to honor the land and the ancestors of the land, even if you are not a direct descendant. How can you be a responsible tourist and leave more than you take? This can be kindness, conversation, exploration, and discussions when one returns to your own neighborhood of the vastness you experienced. It’s an ever evolving reflection, and the more I travel to further vast corners of the world, the more questions arise. Thank you Alaska for what you shared, and I honor you and all that you contain.
It Only Takes A Smile 