Alaska Natives and the Gold Rush
The
wave of gold seekers coming north impacted Alaska Natives in many ways
For some the stampedes brought illness, alcohol, destruction of forests
and hunting grounds, violations of traditional lifestyles...and prejudice.
For others it brought economic opportunity, introduction to modern inventions,
and exposure to education and religion. Intermarriage left a legacy of
children with mixed heritage. While some Native groups were taken advantage
of, other, more entrepreneurial Natives found a chance to reverse the
role. The Chilkoot Indians were aggressive businessmen, they laid claim
to their trail through the pass, excluding other tribes from its use.
They provided very competent packing services to miners at prices that
ranged from about $5 to $15 per hundred pounds. They often fixed prices
among themselves and held fast to their established fees. Chiefs were
known to demand one dollar per head for every white man passing through
their country.
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Used with
permission.
Gold Rush Centennial Task Force, State of Alaska.
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