Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Climate Change in the Arctic

We had a "Brown Halloween" this year. The last time there was no snow on the ground was back in 1938. Most people would not find this significant, but this really shows how climate change affects the people who live in this region. 

I have to say Climate Change wasn't really on my "radar." I'd heard all the political buzz words, but I think like most people I didn't understand that it is now and not in some distant future. Already there is flora and fauna in this region that wasn't here 20 years ago because it is now warmer and these species are starting to migrate North. The landscape is literally changing and in places like Shishmaref (which I'm learning about through school) Their sandy little island, which was held together by permafrost is literally getting washed away. This village lifestyle is being threatened and these people are about to become refugees in some of Alaska's big cities which are so different than these communities. That's what the big deal is... 


When people preach "Fur is murder", they have not spent time in the Arctic. Hunting & trapping is important for food, using in artwork for warmth (I just bought a pair of beaver mittens because the goretex gloves I had did not keep my fingers warm), and in communities where there are not jobs, a $150 or $300 hide brings in income. 
I have been blessed that the Culture teacher here is teaching me how to do beadwork that the Athabascans are reknown for. Learning to bead has been so great, it gave me appreciation for the beadwork that I see for sale in the stores. I made so many mistakes in my first two attempts and I keep learning the more that I attempt to do it. It really shows how you have to keep trying. Its enjoyable. I'd forgotten what it is like to have a hobby: to do something just for pleasure. 

I am seeing how important this year in the Arctic is for shaping who I am. There are a lot of important lessons that I will take from here. 


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