> THE ATHABASCAN CIRCLE
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The TCC Logo, "The Athabascan Circle" was
done by James Grant, Sr., a local Athabascan artist.
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ATHABASCAN CIRCLE
The first people to inhabit this great land are now known as
Athabascan Indians. Despite popular anthropological beliefs
that describe man's migration to Alaska via a land bridge or
from the southern hemisphere, Athabascan mythology contains
many stories about man's creation and evolution on this continent.
Throughout history, the Athabascans' respect for the animals
has run through the fiber of their lives. Athabascans paid homage
to the animal spirits to prevent them from leaving the land.
Some animals were considered the masters and creators. of the
universe and were the subject of many legends.
Athabascans led a nomadic lifestyle. They traveled in small
family groups or clans, following the seasons in search of food.
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In late fall and early winter they hunted the migrating caribou.
The caribou were most important for their flesh and hides, which
provided food, clothing and shelter.
Winter days and nights were spent surviving the cold and darkness.
During this time of confinement, the history of the people was
passed from generation to generation through stories and legends.
In early spring the people traveled to spring camps as the
winter's supply of food was depleted. They hunted ducks, geese,
muskrats and beaver on the lakes. The fresh food was a welcome
change of diet. After long winters of separation and hardships
the tribes gathered to celebrate and discuss mutual concerns.
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Summers were busy in the fish camps along the rivers. Once
the salmon runs began, fish were caught, smoked and stored for
winter. The rivers were the lifeblood of the Athabascans, providing
food and transportation.
Each fall the tribes gathered berries and hunted waterfowl.
After the snow had fallen, the men hunted hibernating bears.
As it was with the first Athabascans, the cycle was complete
and began again. Such were the old ways and such are the new.
From season to season, from camp to camp, life is a never-ending
cycle. The integrity of life is in this understanding.
To an Athabascan, the only things that change are the ways
of survival.
