From the time of first contact with European missionaries and other settlers, Native Alaskan's were treated as second-class citizens. They did't have basic civil rights and couldn't own land until they adopted European style of dress, learned English, and eschewed the traditional ways of their culture. During these years, it became more difficult to teach and learn traditional cultural ways - tribal languages were forbidden, totem poles and other artifacts were traded or burned, potlatches were outlawed - but the elders of the time kept the embers of their native traditions burning. Thanks to their efforts, the culture is growing and thriving today.