Self-Reliance in Alaska

In recent weeks, our team has had the privilege of interviewing a series of modern-day Alaskan Homesteaders throughout the state.

In an era of incredible convenience and technology, vibrant couples and individuals are chopping wood, hauling water, smoking fish, building cabins and planting veggies to be canned in a brief 10-week planting/growing/harvesting window.  All, foregoing many perceived luxuries for an entirely different kind of wealth.

Some of these self-reliant folks have ancestors who have called Alaska Home for generations.  Others responded to the irresistible gravity of Alaska and came from far-flung points across America. Here to make their stand, their way. 

One common point all seem to share is a desire to be liberated from systems and to feel the pleasure of knowing exactly where their breakfast came from.  These people, though impressive, are mortal.  In the winter, the long, cold nights wear on them.  In the summer, every inch of endless daylight seems to be occupied with purpose. They (collectively) seem to possess a degree of joy that modernity has mugged from many.  They do not seem affected by the possibility of downsizing due to inbound A.I.  The weather report seems more important to them than partisan news of the day.  They have plans, and they take creative actions to solve impossible problems.  

I predict these brave Alaska homesteaders are on the vanguard of what might become a larger movement.  Incoming generations of Alaskans looking to fulfill the American Dream are more prone to ask “What’s the cost?”, rather than “What’s the price?”  Many more might know just exactly where their breakfast came from. 

To these brave souls writing the present chapter of Alaska’s self-reliant ways, we salute you.  To those who came before, thank you for the incredible lessons.  

If you would like to watch some of these self-reliant Alaskans in action, check out these YouTube channels, all produced with integrity right here in Alaska.  Give them a follow if you do that sort of thing. These brave folks are not just choosing to live this special way of life, but they are kind enough to share their adventure in 4K, keeping the tradition of sharing incredible lessons.

Blake Messer

Alaska Means Business