Alaska Native cultures have a rich tradition of oral storytelling, which has been used for centuries to transmit cultural values, beliefs, and histories from one generation to the next. This essay will compare and contrast the presentation of Alaska Native culture through a first-person narrative to the readings and class content received in class. Specifically, it will examine the similarities and differences between the presentation of Alaska Native culture in the "Native Storytelling in Alaska" collection and "The Living Tradition of Yup'ik Masks" book and class content. Additionally, this essay will explore what was learned from each source. Similarities between First-Person Narratives and Class Content Both the first-person narratives in "Native Storytelling in Alaska" and "The Living Tradition of Yup'ik Masks" and class content shared similar themes, motifs, and perspectives about Alaska Native culture. For example, many of the stories presented in both sources highlighted the importance of community and the interconnectedness of all things. The stories demonstrated how the Alaska Native communities view themselves as a part of a larger natural world. In addition, the stories underscored the critical role of …show more content…
The stories presented in these sources illuminated the cultural, spiritual, and social significance of traditional practices, and they demonstrated the deep-rooted connections between Alaska Native communities and the natural world. The importance of community and the role of elders in the preservation of cultural practices was emphasized. Additionally, class content helped expand the understanding of Alaska Native culture beyond the first-person narrative lens. It provided a historical context and presented a broader range of practices and beliefs, beyond the ones presented in the first-person