Inupiat Parables
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The Inupiat elder was explaining to the young tanic girl how the Eskimo hunters went out on the ocean for whales, how they would take their boats over the solid ice to where the water began. There they would launch their boats and begin to hunt for the whales. When one was spotted they would get close and harpoon the whale, and when it had died it would be pulled through the water to the solid ice and from there it would be dragged over the ice to the village. Then he said, “We have a belief that God instructs some whales to give their lives for the Inupiat so they can eat. It is a phenomenon that happens every season. Several whales will swim right alongside the boat for easy harpooning and certain death.” Her eyes were wide with amazement, but he said that it had happened often. He continued, “When the meat is given to the village, for all share in the feast, there is a blessing when we give thanks to God. We often have the same feeling, of God giving us food when hunting for other animals in the water or on land, when just at the right moment the animal appears and the hunter is successful.”
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About the Book
Alaska is more than the bustling cities, oil pipeline and visiting tour boats of thousands of folk who look up from their ship-board bridge parties to note the passing verdure, who gaze in awe at spectacular peaks and quaint fishing villages. It is also home to many who have survived in a culture that has endured climactic hardship, physical isolation and social seclusion. The Inupiat culture is mature and has provided a livelihood for generations.
Inupiat Parables takes you into the community of Wainwright, the Inupiat name is Olgoonik. The author served for over 30 years in Alaska and has always been and still is concerned with individuals in small communities, people who are less affected by international affairs, but more concerned with small community living. Welcome to Olgoonik.
In a world that has gone-for-crazy in bigness, speed and sophistication, it is good to know that there is a place like Olgoonik where the culture that has sustained the village people for hundreds of years still determines how they shall live. Oh, there are problems living in the Arctic. Weather is always a concern, regardless of how good it gets or how bad it gets. But, human relations are very important and living the basics of life can be a very fulfilling way of life.
About the Author
Ken served small churches working extensively in pastoral ministry preaching, counseling, and Bible study in both Alaska and Hawaii. Biblical scholarship has always been a joy in his preparation, particularly relating the Gospel message to modern-day living.