Eskimo to the World

I am Trina Landlord and this is my blog. In a past life, Eskimo to the World documented my adventures in New York – where in minute everything can change. Much like my life changed when I moved from Alaska to the 'city that never sleeps'. From the biggest state in America to the most populous city in the United States. From the immaculate nature of the Chugach Mountains, Yukon River and Bering Sea to the urban tundra of sky scrapers, enclaves of business and cultural capitals and the nation's foremost trendsetters. From 'the great land' to arguably the 'greatest city on earth'. I made a 5,000 mile prodigious leap from Anchorage to New York City – AND BACK TO ALASKA. The determination of Yup’ik peoples to survive in harsh Arctic conditions had given me the foundation to survive on streets of New York, I will continue to chronicle the parallels of both worlds.
March 10

What does it mean to be a Feminist?

My hairstylist, K.J., requested a group of young women to answer a broad question, ‘What does it mean to be a feminist?’ Below is my response which was published in her book for her senior project at UAA:


In Annette Jaimes’s article, “American Indian Women: At the Center of Indigenous Resistance in North America.” She argues that Native women activists, except those who are “assimilated,” do not consider themselves feminists. Feminism, according to Jaimes, is an imperial project that assumes the givenness of U.S. colonial stranglehold on indigenous nations.


In Alaska, in 1971, Congress did away with Native sovereignty with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) which created thirteen large regional corporations, 200 smaller ones, 44 million acres of their choice land and large amounts of continual money in exchange for Aboriginal rights.


Forty years later, there are still arguments about tribal sovereignty and ANCSA, however one thing is for certain, as T.T.P. (Inupiaq) said in a recent magazine interview, “We are making our mark.” Alaska Native regional corporations, non-profit associations and tribal organizations, are being run by Alaska Native women.


Growing up in the city in the 80’s, it was not cool to be “Native.” At school, I was called derogatory names, people threw things at me and if I could pass as another ethnicity, I would welcome it. A couple years ago, my sister wrote on her hand, “N.P.” and I asked her what that meant and she said, “Native Pride.”


Feminism or not, assimilated or not, there is a Native movement and empowerment of women. Not all chiefs are men.