Reflections on Naming Practices and Russian Orthodox Influence

Creators and Contributors Berlin Ethnological Museum (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Chugachmiut (Contributor)
Deborah McMullen (Contributor)
John F.C. Johnson (Contributor)
Raymond Eric Clock (Contributor)
Pamela Smith (Contributor)

Summary Deborah McMullen discusses efforts by some community members to reclaim original names. Raymond Eric Clock shares a family history in which two last names were merged into one. John Johnson recounts his wife’s story that Elders in her community, when they were children, had to choose an English name from a blackboard to be called. He also notes that Orthodox priests kept detailed records of community events such as baptisms. Pam Smith describes asking a bishop why so many Alaska Native people remain Orthodox given the church's violent history. The bishop explained that missionaries had, at times, protected Native communities from harm during conflicts and advocated for them with Russian traders.