There is an ancient culture that very little was known about until recently.
In the last two years archeological sites in Siberia and Alaska have uncovered evidence of an ancient Inuit civilization. Also, excavations in these sites have uncovered remains of dogs that are around 9,500 years old.
After DNA testing, it appears that these ancient dogs are linked to both Greenland and Alaskan malamutes. It is possible that ancient Inuit crossed the land-bridge from Siberia to Alaska, or Beringia, with dogs, the ancestors of Alaskan malamutes and Greenland dogs that are still in existence today. It is clear, for thousands of years, Alaskan Malamutes and ancient civilizations of Arctic Alaska were intertwined like fabric. One couldn't survive without the other. The people relied on their dogs and the dogs depended on the people. They were one cohesive unit that worked toward the same goal to survive in one of the most brutal Arctic environments on earth.
In most remote river valleys of Arctic Alaska ancient people coexisted with their dogs, insomuch, and according to new archeological evidence, their dogs lived in their homes and were buried beside their "owners". Their dogs were family members.
Yet nowadays, there aren't malamutes breaking the nights silence with exuberant howls like they had a century ago. Alaskan malamutes have nearly disappeared from Arctic Alaska. And some of the native villages have disappeared as well.
I believe it's important to preserve these ancient dog-breeds and the attributes that allows them to live and work in the Arctic. Today, many working dog-breeds have deteriorated from breeders not knowing the environment in which they lived and their original work or function.
I have been documenting the essential traits for dogs to live and work in Arctic Alaska for several decades. I have endured the Arctic's brutal environment for 38 years and have made enormous sacrifices including spending large amounts of time and resources in this endeavor. Even though, I do not expect a return on my "investments", I feel it is important to continue this arduous work, so we avoid the unfortunate plight that many dog-breeds have been taken to.
To protect ancient dog-breeds, particularly the Alaskan malamute, we must understand their "home" environment. This is the purpose of my Arctic expedition. However, my work is a "silent" work. It doesn't have bright lights of Hollywood glittering behind it or reality show drama. Knowing that my contributions have inspired folks to be active outdoors, and have enlightened, or educated, people about Alaskan malamutes and the culture they represent is enough for me. By preserving the Alaskan malamute, we preserve the ancient culture they represent. It's believed that dog/wolf domestication occurred 33,000 years ago. Dogs are part of human history. And to lose a dog-breed is like losing a part of our history and our heritage.
In February my dogteam of Alaskan malamutes and I are heading out on a six-week, solo, unsupported (without resupply) expedition to the regions where the first existence of ancient Inuit resided with their dogs. There haven't been any dogteams in these regions, according to historic records, in a century.
The expedition will "close the loop" or take the Alaskan malamute home where they originated. During the expedition I will record snow and weather conditions, and how it correlates directly to the necessary traits for malamutes to live and work in the Arctic. This data will solidify and add more information, or better description and understanding, to the Alaskan malamute breed standard and prevent the breed from deteriorating like many dog-breeds have done. Essentially, it will help preserve the breed for future generations.
Although overall, to be blunt, my expenses are enormous. Any donation, regardless of amount is greatly appreciated. Your contributions will directly serve the expedition with high quality dogfood and fish oil for three months, a total of 3,465lbs that will cost $4,950, satellite phone minutes for providing updates that cost approximately $1 a minute and usually averages $250 per week ($3,000 total) and logistics and personal gear $3,500 and book editing for the upcoming book that will be written about the expedition; approximately $2,500. These are only a few simple yet necessary items that will help launch the expedition and make it a success!
Please join us!! To all contributing members you will be given access to our sponsor Facebook page where you will receive expedition updates, a special THANKS on our website's sponsor's page and receive a signed foam core print, ready to hang, of the Alaskan malamute team. If you are a business and or gear manufacturer, I will promote your business and product in magazine articles, public speaking engagements and an upcoming book about the expedition. All-in-all you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have helped in this historic and worthy cause.
Thank you for your support!!
Please donate and make this historic expedition possible!!
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