Hi Misty-
Although I signed up for the webinar this morning, I don't know if I will get a question through. So I want to ask you here so I can be sure it is answered, if it can be.
I use the DVD 'Aleutians-Cradle of Storms' to help my students learn more about the Aleut people. It was made by Oregon Public Television with help from New Zealand folk and Alaskans too.
In the DVD, it talks about the people of the Aleutians having superior boating and seafaring skills. That the newest theory says that the peoples of the Aleutians didn't walk over, but skillfully sailed and paddled over from Asia.
So when I look at a globe, I look to the west of the Aleutians and see Russia and Japan. How closely related are the Aleutians and the peoples that used to inhabit the islands where you are doing research right now? Have any DNA studies been done? Mitochondria or otherwise? Language studies?
Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to your answer!
warmly,
Maggie