Northwest History. Alaska. Eskimos.

• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1937
• Subjects: Eskimo; Bethel; Alaska; Nunivak island; Hans Himmelherber; Eskimo customs; kayaks; seal nets; Northwest; Pacific > History > 20th century; Pacific; eskimo*; Nunivak; Nunivak Island
• Online Access: http://content.libraries.wsu.edu/cdm/ref/collection/clipping/id/91045

Eskimo Security Program Ideal. ESKIMO SECURITY PROGRAM IDEAL BETHEL, Alaska, March 31. (/P) —Primitive Nunivak island Eskimos beat the federal and Alaska governments to social security by centuries, said a German scientist today, and provided for their aged and needy through "gift festivals." Dr. Hans Himmelherber, after five months of study among the natives on the isolated island, said he found "the highest form of social responsibility—giving to the old and poor as to their needs— was the main aim of their numerous festivals." "Preserve the old Eskimo customs; it's good business for the government," he urged. "It's a vital necessity, if the Nunivak Islanders remain economically independent of government help. "All festivals are held mainly to exchange gifts, everyone making what he can to give away, even kayaks and hundred-yard long seal nets, thus showing his value to the community," Dr. Himmelherber "The gifts are piled up and then distributed by the most respected man, to the old and poor first."