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Town-Village Contrasts In Alaskan Youth Aspirations, Lawrence C. Hamilton, Carole L. Seyfrit

Sociology

ABSTRACT. Recent surveys of high school students in Alaska’s Northwest Arctic and Bristol Bay regions reflect the social changes taking place in rural Native communities. Significant differences exist between the aspirations of young people in small villages and those in the larger towns that constitute regional hubs (Kotzebue and Dillingham). Town students, who attend more complete and varied high schools, express greater confidence in their educations and more interest in attending college. Jobs at Red Dog Mine, recently opened in the Northwest Arctic, appeal particularly to young males with strong ties to village life. This labor pool presents special challenges …