Antarctic Natives

CONTEXT AND OVERVIEW

This post takes place within a scenario where Antarctica is habitable, being closer to Siberia, Canada or Greenland. Today, the majority of people in Antarctica are white and descended from British settlers who came in the 19th century. However, they weren't the first people to live on the continent. Like the Americas and Australia, Antarctica was already inhabited by various indigenous nations. Antarctic Natives first arrived in Antarctica from South America roughly 5,000 years ago, and are related to the Yaghan and Mapuche. These original inhabitants would become various nations and tribes over the next few millennia. Antarctic Natives aren't identical to each other, but share many traits. They tend to have lighter skin compared to indigenous peoples in the Americas due to the colder climate, have dark hair, brown eyes and are relatively short in stature. Antarctic Natives have been expertly adapted to Antarctica's unique conditions, and excellent hunters. Despite disease, wars, colonization and even genocides, Antarctic Natives still exist, making up four million people out of the Commonwealth's total population of 10 million, and have had major influences on broader Antarctican culture. However, Antarctic Natives also face significant marginalization.

NATIVE FLAG

The flag in the first slide was designed by a teenage indigenous activist in the 1970s, and would gradually become accepted by Antarctic Natives and the rest of Antarctica. The Red circle represents the earth, the people's blood and the land, while the white and blue represent the months of perpetual daylight and darkness during the summer and winter respectively. The flag is commonly used in protests, native cultural events and anything else of that nature.

TRIBAL MAP

The map on the second slide is a VERY simplified map of the historic territory of the seven largest native nations, which include the Anuqa, Kalikta, Owalka, Tuhamara, Nunapiq, Pawakta, and Yuka tribes. The distribution of indigenous peoples has significantly been reduced since the 19th century, and activists have long called for greater recognition of native self-determination and sovereignty.

TRADITIONAL TATTOOS

In Native tradition, both men and women have tattoos which cover their forearms. These tattoos represent maturity, responsibility, and identity, and according to myth, protect from evil spirits. When a boy or girl reaches puberty, they have a small tattoo, with stuff added on annually. The last tattoos are added at 15, which is when a person is given adult responsibilities and obligations to their tribe. The pain during the process of getting the tattoo is thought to prepare a boy for their future responsibilities as warriors and hunters, while preparing girls for childbirth when they're older. And for both, it's thought to prepare youth for the responsibilities they will have once they turn 15 onward.

LAST STUFF

I hope you at least midly liked this post. If you did, feel free to ask questions