A Thriving Community: How Old Believers in Alaska Make Their Living

A lot of people don’t know much about these small settlements in Alaska, particularly the Old Believers, a subgroup of the Russian Orthodox Church that values traditional practices and values. First encountered in 1981, these communities have evolved significantly over the years, growing from isolated enclaves shunning outsiders to vibrant hubs of entrepreneurship and community life.

Entrepreneurial Success in Natural Resources

Old Believers have proven adept at leveraging their natural resources for economic success. They have become successful entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors related to natural resources, such as commercial fishing, boat building, and timber industries. Beyond these pioneering ventures, self-employment is a cornerstone of their economic strategy, allowing them to operate in areas like traditional subsistence lifestyles.

Subsistence Lifestyles and Environmental Integration

While maintaining their entrepreneurial ventures, Old Believers also have a strong connection to the land, adhering to traditional subsistence lifestyles. Their self-sufficiency is evident in their reliance on raising their own gardens, farming, and hunting. These practices ensure a sustainable and holistic approach to living that connects them deeply with the natural environment.

A History of Resilience and Migration

The Old Believers are a result of the raskol schism of the Russian Orthodox Church that occurred in the mid-17th century. Led by individuals who rejected Patriarch Nikon’s reforms, the Old Believers were officially divorced from the Russian Orthodox Church. Over the years, they have migrated to new lands, from Mongolia to Brazil, and now form small communities in Alaska.

Settlements and Cultural Dynamics

Alaska is home to four Russian Old Believer communities: Nikolaevsk, Kachemak-Selo, Voznesenka, and Razdolna. These communities, often mistakenly perceived as having the most traditional social organization and customs, are actually the newest. Their origins date back to the mid-17th century when Old Believers resisted the reforms of the Russian Orthodox Church. Despite facing persecution, poverty, and dislocation, they have managed to maintain their traditions and culture.

Educational Structures and Community Services

The Old Believers in Alaska, like in Nikolaevsk, Kachemak-Selo, Voznesenka, and Razdolna, have established elementary schools to ensure the continuation of their cultural and religious traditions. Although Nikolaevsk provides high school classes, students from other villages must travel to neighboring towns for their secondary education. The total population of these communities is over 800, forming a strong and cohesive network within the Alaskan landscape.

Resilience and Cultural Survival

The Old Believers’ journey from Russia to Mongolia, Brazil, and now Alaska is one of resilience and adaptability. They have not only survived but thrived, maintaining their religious and cultural identity. Their history of migration and settlement highlights their determination to preserve what they believe to be the true form of Christianity, a testament to their enduring spirit.

Conclusion

While the Old Believers may have originated as a small and persecuted group, they have evolved into a resilient and economically successful community in Alaska. Their balance of entrepreneurial ventures and traditional subsistence lifestyles reflects a deep-rooted connection to both nature and their unique cultural heritage.

References

Acknowledgements and references to the work of scholars and authors who provided background information include Harry Bader, Stephen Boles, Hans Geier, and Coowe Moss-Walker.