They had some high school aged kids working there (Native Alaskans of course) telling stories and demonstrating some native games. In the picture below is a young guy who was telling some really interesting stories about his tribe and some traditions that they still follow. He was from the yellow area of Alaska on the wall behind him.
These kids were demonstrating a Native wrestling game. They talked about how these games were very old and done a lot in the winter to keep from getting bored and to stay in shape. In the winter it is dark much of the day in Alaska, not to mention VERY COLD...so they have to get real creative to find things to keep them busy and having fun!
The next couple of pictures the kids are demonstrating a kicking game that they said is actually an Olympic game!! In order to qualify to play this game in the Olympics you must be at least 1/8th Native Alaskan! This is a very popular game with the natives! And it takes lots of strength and control.The girl in the picture below is in the starting position. One knee up and the other leg folded with the opposite hand holding the foot.
The object of the game is to push your body up with the one foot on the ground while not letting go of the other foot - and kick or tap the ball hanging from the wooden stand. Each time you are successful the ball is raised higher. The one who is able to raise ball the highest wins. Very, very interesting to watch.
The guy in the picture below is in the midst of his kick. This guy would actually pause, as if doing a one handed, hand stand, and just tap the ball. AMAZING. It takes MO upper body strength to do this!! They made it look easy!
This group came out and did some native dances and singing for us. Again, very interesting. They talked about how this is another way they stay "happy" during the winter - they sing and dance! The songs usually talk about encouraging things and stories of the past. By singing old stories they are able to pass the stories down from generation to generation.
Behind the Native Heritage Center building is a trail that walks you through the four Native tribes' typical living spaces. Very fascinating! Every type of home had specific purposes that were designed especially for the area of Alaska they were from. Some homes were built with the #1 purpose of keeping heat in, others were designed to keep out wild animals that exists in their certain area...
This is bones of a whale...that is only about 2/3rds the size of the average full grown whale...HUGE!!
A totem pole....also designed to tell a story....their family story. These would often stand outside of their homes and serve as their "address" so others could easily tell what family lived there.
After we left there, it was well after lunch. We decided to go eat at the Moose's Tooth again for lunch!! When we got there, we saw one of the guys that had been in our class this week. I felt like a local walking in and seeing someone I knew! ha!! (In my dreams!)After lunch we went to downtown Anchorage where they were having a "flea market" type thing...but it wasn't necessarily craft things....it was just businesses from all over Alaska. We were told they do this every Saturday and Sunday all through the Summer. It was a hot spot even for locals. Very fun to walk through. Everyone was so nice and easy to talk to. Everything is so laid back there...no one is in a rush because there is nothing to rush ABOUT! Such a nice change from the way things are in the lower 48!
Just about everyone there had there dogs with them...little dogs and big dogs. We saw them of every shape and size! These guys were two of the most impressive!!
We headed back to the airport about 5:30 even though our flight didn't leave until 9:00 because we had exhausted our options in Anchorage and didn't want to venture too far away and risk not getting back to the airport in time. It was just as well...we were all exhausted! The three of us stretched out in the chairs at the airport and took a much welcomed nap!!
Good bye, Alaska...you are a GREAT LAND indeed!Until next time (I hope!)
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