The Economics of Native Subsistence Activities in a Village of Southwestern Alaska

Abstract

It is demonstrated that while it is difficult to arrive directly at values for the products of traditional subsistence activities, such values are necessary for the making of an assessment of actual and potential savings realizable through the use of traditional foods. These savings can account for one-quarter of the total real income of a family, although it is possible that inflation will decrease this amount in the future. The cost of basic equipment required for traditional subsistence activities and the total amount of flesh obtained are the primary determinants of final expense to the hunter.