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The Legacy of the Alaska Territorial Guard

This short film explores the crucial role played by the Alaska Territorial Guard in protecting Alaska during World War II. Alaska’s strategic location and vulnerability left it undefended and susceptible to invasion by the Japanese. In response, 600 Alaska Native people, ranging from young kids to Elders, utilized their knowledge of the land to help form the Territorial Guard and defend their homeland. The film highlights the importance of Indigenous people’s contributions in safeguarding Alaska and how their efforts helped secure a vital position on the world stage. Although the Territorial Guard only existed for five years, some of its members went on to serve in the military after World War II.

Lesson Plans

World War II Alaska: Oral Histories

Students will learn about Indigenous scholar, Dr. Holly Miowak Guise and her process in authoring Alaska’s Native Resilience: Voices From […]

Classroom Guide

Essential Questions

What is Equilibrium Restoration (in the context of World War II Alaska: Oral Histories)?
Why is it important to learn about the resilience efforts of Alaska Native Peoples?
How were Alaska Native Communities impacted by World War II and what are the impacts today?

Standards

Grade 9-12 Alaska Social Studies Standards Theme 4: The Myth of the Last Frontier Topic: Resistance and Reform Anchor Standard: Civics Anchor Standard 8: Processes, Rules, and Laws. Content Standard: SS.AKH.4.8.1 Evaluate the efficacy of formal and informal colonial policies, their effects on Sovereign Tribal Nations’ ability to self‐govern, and Alaska Native resistance efforts to preserve Tribal sovereignty.
Alaska Cultural Standards D. Culturally knowledgeable students are able to engage effectively in learning activities that are based on traditional ways of knowing and learning. 4. Gather oral and written history information from the local community and provide an appropriate interpretation of its cultural meaning and significance.

Resources

Workshop Info

In this professional development course, educators received comprehensive support to engage students in documentary filmmaking. Participants learned how to utilize primary sources from the Library of Congress and incorporated local resources such as Elder interviews, artifacts, photos, and documents. This training equipped teachers with the tools to create enriching, historically grounded educational experiences through the art of documentary filmmaking.