Differential adaptation to northern town life by the Eskimos and Indians of Great Whale River.

Adaptation to town life by Alaska Natives and Cree Indians was studied during the summer of 1969 in Great Whale River, Quebec, Canada. Type and duration of employment and residence and types of possessions are compared. For these criteria, Alaska Natives were found to be more acculturated to town life than the Cree. Differential town opportunities as well as psycho-cultural factors are introduced as explanation. Government programs in training and housing have favored Alaska Natives, who seem to learn readily technical skills. The Cree are reluctant to give up hunting life; segregated conditions and menial employment are not satisfying alternatives to life on the land.