Yukon Kings

Provided by: Global Oneness Project |Published on: November 24, 2021

Lesson Plans

89101112

Synopsis

In this short film, Yup'ik fisherman Ray Waska explains how life has changed for his family as he teaches his grandchildren how to fish for salmon in the Alaskan Yukon Delta.
An accompanying lesson plan provides background information, instructions for a classroom debate activity, and a number of writing prompts related to the film.

Related Teaching Resources

Subjects: Biology

Authors: Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee

Region: North America, USA - West, United States

Languages: English

View Resource

Teaching Materials

Positives

Students will learn how the Yup'ik way of life persists even though the people have had to make adjustments in recent decades.
Beautiful cinematography will draw students in.

Additional Prerequisites

The lesson plan contains valuable background information that the teacher should share with the students prior to viewing the film.
The film was produced in 2013, so some of the information may not be up to date.

Differentiation

Social studies, geography and history classes could research the history of the Yup'ik people and learn how European colonialism and the United States' purchase of Alaska have impacted their traditional ways of life.
Social studies and economics classes could discuss how the dependence on fossil fuels for transportation has had a negative impact on the Yup'ik people's traditional subsistence economy.
English or art classes could study this watercolor painting by artist Jill Pelto that depicts the decline of the salmon population in the Pacific Northwest and compare the artist's statement to Ray Waska's assessment of the changes in the salmon population.
Other resources on this topic include this video and activity about how the Athabaskan people of Alaska are impacted by climate change, this video on climate change in Barrow, Alaska, and this podcast about the negative effects of the industrial fishing industry on ecosystems.

Scientist Notes

Teaching Tips

Standards

Resource Type and Format

About the Partner Provider

Global Oneness Project

The Global Oneness Project is a free multimedia platform offering multicultural stories and accompanying lesson plans as pedagogical tools to inspire growing minds. Their award-winning collection of films, photo essays, and articles explores cultural, social, and environmental issues from around the world with a humanistic lens. Aligned to National and Common Core Standards, their curriculum content contains an interdisciplinary approach to learning and facilitates the development of critical thinking, inquiry, and empathy.