Module IX-Alaska Governance and Contemporary Issues

Module IX-Alaska Governance and Contemporary Issues

Describe the major reasons given for statehood and explain how those reasons are reflected in the Alaska State Constitution.

Quite simply, the reason why Alaskans wanted statehood was because they wanted to have the power to make more decisions regarding the area that they resided in. 

Prior to Alaska Statehood in 1959, Alaskan government consisted of a governor appointed by the president and a territorial legislator that had very limited decision making powers.

However, the vast majority of important decisions that affected Alaskan residents, including the passage of laws, management of land and and the ability to impose taxes were made by the Federal government.

Alaska Constitutional Convention

In an effort to further the cause of gaining statehood, the Alaska Territorial Legislature passed an act in 1955 that authorized a constitutional convention.

The Alaska Constitutional convention took place in Fairbanks during the winter of 1955-1956.

In April of 1956, Alaskans voted on and approved the Alaska Constitution.

On January 3, 1959, Alaska became a state.

The Alaska Constitution is full of provisions that grant more control of Alaska to Alaskan residents.

Three of these provisions are of particular importance to Alaska residents.

President Eisenhower signing the Alaska Statehood Document

First, the state was granted the right to choose a percentage of Alaskan land for exclusive state ownership (Article 8, Section 6).  Article 8 further specifies that the state has the power to make decisions about how the land is utilized (Article 8, Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 11, 12).

Second, the state was granted the ability to manage fish and game throughout most of Alaska (Article 8, especially sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 13, 14, 15).

Third, the state was granted the right to impose taxes and receive a large portion of mineral lease sales and royalty payments on state land (Article 8, sections 11, 12; Article 9, sections 1, 5, 6).

Two other more recent aspects of the Alaska Constitution that reflect the state's strong desire for self government are the Alaska Permanent Fund (Article 9, section 15), which provides a dividend check once a year to all residents of Alaska and the Budget Reserve Fund (Article 9, section 17), which is the state's "Rainy Day" fund.

Identify the Alaska Native Regional Corporation in the Area of Alaska where you live.  Examine its website and describe its mission and its current business ventures.

Doyon, Limited is the Native Regional Corporation for Interior Alaska

Shareholders of Doyon, Limited

Mission
  "...to continually enhance our position as a financially strong Native corporation in order to promote the economic and social well-being of our shareholders and future shareholders, to strengthen our Native way of life and to protect and enhance our land and resources" (quoted from Doyon, Limited)

Values

• Financially responsible
• Pride and respect in Native ownership
• Socially and culturally responsible
• Commitment to the long-term
• Honesty and integrity
• Commitment to excellence
• Respect for employees
• (Quoted from Doyon, Limited)

Doyon Plaza

Facts about the corporation

• It is for-profit 
• Composed of more than 18,500 shareholders
• Established in 1971 under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
• Largest private land owner in Alaska
• Has over 12.5 million acres of allocated land
• Headquartered in Fairbanks
• Led by a 13 member board of directors and a team of senior managers
• Currently employs 2,800 individuals in its various businesses
• Businesses include oil and gas services, tourism and government contracting
• Seeks to pursue responsible natural resources development on corporation owned land
• Resource development includes mineral exploration, oil and gas exploration, placer gold, and sand rock and gravel excavation 

Concluding Thoughts


I really enjoyed studying the process that Alaska went through to become a state.  It would have been so exciting to be living in Alaska during this time period.

I must admit that I am not a very political oriented person and most of the information in the government section was new to me.

I also was appalled to find out that the Permanent Fund has significant shares in the Tobacco Industry.  I don't understand why ethical principles are not a bigger aspect of the investment decisions made by the Permanent Fund Board.

There was so much important information crammed into this module.  I feel like it should be split into two modules for future classes.  To compensate, I think that some of the earlier modules from the class could be condensed.

Blog Reviews

Robin gives a nice overview of the pros and cons of World War II on Alaska and a nice overview of the Aleutian Campaign.  She also has wonderful pictures.

Christy gives a nice overview of the Aleut evacuation.  I also related to her comments about blogging being very time consuming.

Marg has a great section on what was happening in Ketchikan during the war.

Module VIII-World War II

Module VIII -World War II

Describe the legacy of World War II for Alaska.  What happened in Alaska after the war that is largely attributed to World War II?  What are Alaskan's living with today that is attributable to WWII?

The greatest legacy of World War II for Alaska are the many military bases that were established throughout the state.

Nearly all of the military bases that are present and operating in Alaska today were built and put into operation during World War II.  These military bases have had and continue to have a profound effect on the culture and economy of the communities that they reside in. 

Coast Guard Helicopter on Kodiak Island

Culture
Kodiak, where I lived for five years, has a large Coast Guard Base (which originally began as a Navy Base).   During my time in Kodiak, many of my friends and associates from school, church and community activities were "coasties".

Although I never had any formal ties with the coast guard I attended many social and recreational events on the base, including weddings, brunches, senior prom, swimming at the recreation center and walking at Jewel Beach. 

In Fairbanks, where I presently live, the school that I work at is located very close to Fort Wainwright Army Base (which originally began as Ladd Airfield).  We have many students at our school who's family are in the military.

This presents unique challenges as many of these families have a deployed member, and our population tends to be very transient.

This also creates opportunities for our school community.  This coming Thursday, our school is hosting a celebration to honor the military families that attend our school.

Fort Wainwright Soldiers completing training exercises

Economical
The military bases have a huge impact on the economy of their surrounding communities by providing employment opportunities and bringing new members of the workforce into the community.

In addition to the enlisted members of the military, many individuals work for the United States Government on and around these bases on a contract capacity.

Spouses and other family members of military personnel often obtain employment in the communities where they are stationed.  At my elementary school we currently have three teachers who are military spouse's.

Beginning of the Alaska Highway

Another major legacy of World War II in Alaska are the many communication and transportation developments that occurred during this time.

Many of the roads that connect the various regions of Alaska were constructed or upgraded during the war.

The Alaska Highway, which connects Alaska with the rest of the continental United States, was built by the military during World War II.

Many modern airstrips were also first built during World War II.

In summary, it is largely because of Alaska's involvement in World War II that we have many large military bases in operation today, and a relatively easy time with transportation both within Alaska and outside of Alaska.  
 
Describe the Major Events in the Aleutian Campaign of World War II.

1942

Dutch Harbor After Japanese Attack, June 3, 1942

June-The Japanese Bomb Dutch Harbor and occupy the Islands of Attu and Kiska in the westernmost Aluetians.

Americans immediately begin bombing raids on Attu and Kiska and air to air fights with Japanese aircraft in an effort to retake Attu and Kiska.  

During this time American submarines also attack Japanese ships carrying supplies and arms to Attu and Kiska.

1943
February-The last air-to-air fight between Japanese and American planes over the Aleutian Islands.

March-United States Navy ships intercept Japanese ships attempting to transport more troops to Kiska.  This "Battle of the Commander Islands" causes the Japanese to retreat.

After this battle the Japanese are isolated and only occasionally able to receive supplies snuck in from destroyers and submarines.

Late April-Invasion force arrives in Alaska and gathers at Cold Bay.

Soldiers hauling supplies on Attu May 1943

May 11-29-United States Attacks and recaptures Attu.

Of the 15,000 American troops sent ashore, over 3,697 were killed or wounded due to battle or weather related injuries.

Only 29 of the 2,400 Japanese troops on the Island survived the battle.

After Attu is retaken the Americans began to plan the recapture of Kiska.  Runways are built on Attu and Shemya Island, troops are assembled and bombing raids on Kiska increase.

During this time the Japanese attempt to remove their troops by submarine.  The Japanese eventually abandon these attempts because American forces sink many of their submarines.

July 28-The Japanese manage a secret escape of Kiska.

Japanese occupation site on Kiska Island

A series of radar contacts are reported 200 miles south of Kiska.  These radar contacts temporarily divert the American Navy away from Kiska, allowing two Japanese cruisers and six destroyers to quickly enter Kiska harbor and carry away the remaining Japanese troops.

Unaware of the Japanese escape, the Americans continue to attack Kiska by air and plan an invasion, thinking that the Japanese might simply have retreated inland.

August 15-A combined invasion force of 144,000 American and Canadian troops go ashore on Kiska and find the Japanese gone.

Summary

This section once again brought back memories of my time spent in Kodiak.  I remember hiking, camping, running, beach combing, picnicking and berry picking at Fort Ambecrombie State Park, which is full of World War II history.  I also remember seeing bunkers on hills and cliffs all over the Island.

This section also made me contemplate the huge impact that the military has on Alaskan Life.  If all of the military bases were shut down, I think Alaska would change drastically.

I found the readings about the Aleutian Campaign fascinating.  It made me so sad to think about the miserable weather conditions that the soldiers had to fight in and how unprepared they were for these conditions.  The readings also made me feel sad for the Japanese soldiers on Attu, who were so outnumbered by the Americans, and who in many cases jumped off of a cliff rather than surrender. 

Three Blogs

Claire gives a nice overview of Sheldon Jackson's influence on education in Alaska.  She also has an interesting section on healthcare in Girdwood.

Kristin has some great pictures.  She also gives a nice overview of factors that have influenced settlement patterns in Alaska.

Chris also has a great picture of a moose and a policeman and a thought provoking section about Sheldon Jackson.

Module VII-American Period: Society

Module VII-American Period: Society

How have the settlement patterns of Alaska been a reflection of the natural landscape, distance, resources and the economy?

Alaska Gold Nugget

Natural Resources ( which are always the result of the natural landscape, and which in turn affect the economy)

The discovery of gold and oil are two examples of this impact.

In the late 1800's and early 1900's, major gold discoveries in several parts of the state spurred new settlements. 

After the discovery of oil at Prudhoe Bay in 1968, many Alaskan towns grew rapidly as people came to build the pipeline and work in the oil fields.

Fort Greely

Distance (which is always related to natural resources and landscapes)

The military and oil discovery are two examples of this impact.

Our state's isolated location, separation from the lower forty-eight and close proximity to Russia are the reasons why the military has had such a strong presence, and thus caused many members of the military and their families to settle in Alaska. 

The reason why the Alyeska Pipeline was built, and thus caused so many people to move to Alaska,  was because the distance between the oilfields and a thawed ocean port was vast.

Alaska Pipeline

Economy (which always relates to natural resources, natural landscape, and distance)

 Throughout American ownership of Alaska, many communities were created or increased as a result of mining, fishing, oil extraction, logging, tourism, military presence and other economic activities.

While many of these communities were abandoned after the economic activity ceased, many of these communities are still in existence today.

In larger communities, such as Anchorage and Fairbanks, hospitals, schools, military bases, universities, stores and other businesses continue to support the local economies.

Villagers Butchering Whale in Kaktovik

Another example of the economy influencing settlement patterns are the many small, rural villages in Alaska.

Because most of the villages have a subsistence lifestyle with no real economic development, many villages have been abandoned or experienced a decline in population as people have moved to places where they could go to school or obtain employment.



Since the 1870's, what are the types of communities that have evolved in Alaska?

Mining Camp at Record City, Alaska 1903

Mining Camp Communities

Many towns developed as a result of the thousands of gold prospectors that flooded to Alaska after the discovery of gold.

The buildings and living quarters for these communities were typically tents or temporary log structures.  Many of these towns only lasted a short time and were considered very "rough" and "wild".

Saloons, gambling houses and dance halls were plentiful in these towns.  In some of these communities, shootouts and brawls were common.

Nome and Circle City began as mining camp towns.

Abandoned Community at Kennecott Mine

Company Towns

After the initial gold stampedes, large mining companies began setting up operations in Alaska.  Many of these companies developed towns on the land that they owned.

These towns typically consisted of boarding houses, offices and other community buildings such as bowling alleys, swimming pools and reading rooms.

Most company towns are no longer in existance.  The Kennecott Copper Mines, Treadwell Gold mines, and Chatanika Gold Fields were three places that had company towns.

Coast Guard Base Kodiak, Alaska

Military Posts

American Alaska has experienced two time periods of major military growth.

During the early gold rush years, seven military posts were established in Alaska.  Sitka was heavily impacted by its military post. 

During World War II, several naval stations, army posts and airfields were established throughout Alaska. Kodiak and Fairbanks are two communities that were and continue to be heavily impacted by their military posts.
 
Military posts in many ways were and are complete communities.  Fort Wainwright here in Fairbanks has a grocery store, hospital, childcare center, recreation facilities and housing.

Traintracks in Nenana, Alaska

Transportation and Communication  Center Towns

Many new Alaskan communities were established along the routes that roads, railroads, cable and telegraph systems were built. 

These communities were often more well-rounded and family oriented than mining camp communities and company towns.  In 1908 the community of Cordova had schools, churches, furniture manufacturers and several types of small shops.

Anchorage, Cordova and Nenana were settled largely as a result of the roads, railroad and waterways that were build and used for transportation.  

Village on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

Alaska Native Communities

Many Alaska Natives have lived and continue to live in small rural communities that were and are still predominately Native.  These communities have a strong subsistence lifestyle.  Kongiganak and Point Hope are two of these types of communities.

The village corporations that were established as part of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971 was created in part to help these small, rural communities continue to survive.

Wasilla, Alaska

Suburbs

Suburbs were established in the 1970's when Alaska's population nearly doubled  as a result of the building of the pipeline, and new roads.  Eagle River and North Pole are examples of these types of communities.








Concluding Paragraph

It was hard for me to clearly separate and explain how natural landscape, resources, distance and economy have contributed to settlement patterns, because all of these factors are very interconnected and each settlement in Alaska has been influenced by all four of these factors.

It is so interesting for me to think of what it would have been like to live in Alaska prior to the oil discovery at Prudhoe Bay and then see the huge increase in population that occurred when the pipeline began to be built.  

I really liked the small changes that were made to this module that make it clearer.  I like how the "required" readings were separated from the "nice to know" readings.  This helped me to see more clearly what the instructors felt was important for me to know, understand and write about.  

I also felt like the questions were a little clearer and easier to understand.
 
Three Blog Reviews

Dianne gives a good overview of communication systems development in Alaska.

Brad makes a lot of good connections between communication development in Alaska and the impacts on Native Culture and the environment.  He also has a nice list of lesson topics related to transportation.

Marg has a very well constructed blog.  She has some great links and a wonderful overview and pictures of ten roads in Alaska.