Complex Systems: 'Salmon, Complexity and the Cook Inlet Dena'ina' - Nov. 21, 2014

Friday, Nov. 21, 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. ConocoPhillips Integrated Science Building, Room 105A

Alan Boraas, anthropology faculty at Kenai Peninsula College, and Hannah Johnson, anthropology graduate student at UAA, will deliver a two-part presentation on "Salmon, Complexity and the Cook Inlet Dena'ina."

Abstract: Alan Boraas will talk about the invention of Ełnen T'uh, underground cold storage pits, by the Dena'ina about A.D. 1000. Elegantly simple, underground cold storage solved the problem of effectively storing salmon that come in huge abundance in summer for winter consumption. This triggered cultural complexity, including spiritual complexity, which led to the pre-contact Dena'ina being one of the world's great sustainable cultures. A.D. 1000 coincides with the Medieval Warm Period, so an additional question is, "Did warming trigger cultural complexity?"

Hannah Johnson will then speak on her current research with contemporary Kenaitze Dena'ina asking the question, "How are salmon important in your lives nutritionally, socially and spiritually?" If salmon, particularly king salmon, are impacted, or if access to salmon is impacted, how will the Kenaitze be affected culturally?

All Complex Systems talks are free and open to public. Parking on campus is free on Fridays.

November Archive