Fields of Fireweed: An Exploration of Alaska

When most people hear the word ‘elder’, they immediately would think of someone old. Maybe a grandparent or an old close family friend. Maybe they were taught to respect their elders when they disrespect a parent or grandparent. To most, the word elder wouldn’t make them bat an eye. In Alaska however, the idea of being an elder has very deep meaning and importance to society. If an Indigenous Alaskan is old, it does not mean they are an elder, as there are distinct differences between them. In Indigenous Alaskan culture, an elder is someone who has lived an extended life, who maintains a healthy lifestyle similar to their ancestors, and they must contain a wealth of knowledge of cultural, geographical, and historical information. An elder in Alaska provides guidance to the community. It’s worth noting that many older adults in Alaska hold the status of elder. Elders are highly respected, but not every adult is able to reach the experience and knowledge levels to become an elder...

Did you know that there is much more than one type of salmon? To most people, a salmon is a salmon, but not in Alaska. In the 49th state, there’s King Salmon, Silver Salmon, Pink Salmon, Red Salmon, and Chum Salmon. Each salmon has its own physical characteristics, but to the untrained eye may look exactly the same. The prized possession is the King Salmon, the largest and best tasting meat. This Salmon is sought out from all over the world, especially the white king. There’s one stream in the entire world in which White King Salmon comes from, and the salmon is a genetic variation of the King Salmon. Silver Salmon are also highly prized for their delicious meat and size, but there are more Silver Salmon than King Salmon during fishing season. The most abundant species is the Pink Salmon, these species are often eaten by people living in the “Lower 48” but Alaskans avoid pinks and they’re often reserved for their pets.  When salmon reach the end of their lives, they run, a...

Kachemak Bay is home to one of the most diverse marine populations in the entire world. Located on the Kenai Peninsula, in Alaska, it attracts attention from all over the world. Home to one of the biggest tides in the world, with often 30 feet moving up and down twice a day, the landscape is rugged and takes beautiful shape. Millions of years ago, a giant glacier tore through Alaska, creating this 576 foot deep behemoth of a bay, and paved the way for millions of people to enjoy this beautiful part of the world. Ocean temperatures reach at the highest 50 degrees, making it possible for many arctic creatures to thrive year round. Surrounding the bay is the Kenai Mountains, which host a whopping 38 glaciers. These glaciers are fed by the massive Harding Icefield, which is 700 square miles. About 10,000 years ago, Native Alaskans started living on the shores of Kachemak Bay, and they arrived on kayaks and umiaks. The marine species created a haven for fishing and surviving on th...