Arctic culture transition : an overview; The MacKenzie Delta : a case study; A study concerning itself with the human geography of the ancient Arctic generally, and the present environment of the MacKenzie Delta

Abstract

<p>The purpose of this Thesis is twofold. First, Arctic America and Greenland will be discussed in terms of culture history. Four basic questions will be dealt with concerning the Eskimo. They are: where did the Eskimo come from; why did they come; how did they come; and, once here, what happened to them. The final portions of Section I will be concerned with the pre-Dorset, Dorset, and Thule cultures. However, prior to dealing with the Eskimo, a brief overview will be presented of early man in the New World, and the geographic setting of the Arctic.</p> <p>Section II will move from the general to the specific. The Mackenzie Delta in the Western Canadian Arctic will be the area of study. The delta, following a brief discussion of the physical geography will be examined from a human geographic perspective. The main topics to be discussed are: early exploration; the development of settlements; and, the present cultural milieu. Prior to examining culture, and culture change, a few theoretical models dealing with culture will be presented.</p>