The population in Juneau, Peter K, is quite diverse. Not only do we have the standard issue whites, we are heavily influenced by the native Alaskan culture which has been here for thousands of years. Their symbols of music and art are everywhere and their languages are taught in our schools. They comprise about 16% of our population, I understand.

The influence of their culture manifests itself in numerous ways. One time at a bus stop, two young Native men, both the worse for wear, were being unpleasant to me, jabbing at me with words, emboldening each other.

I had an inspiration and said, mildly, One of the things I admire about the Tlingit culture is their their respect for the elderly.

You should have seen the change. They practically fell over each other to be nice to me. :)

We also have a large community of Filipinos. They've been here almost as long as the white man, since the early 1880s.

And then we draw from all areas of the world, maybe because of the mystique of "Alaska". I personally know Norwegians, Swedes, Africans, Haitians and yes, Russians. The Russian culture, along with family names that date back to before Juneau, the town, was formed, is strong here. Most of the Native Alaskans are affiliated with the Russian Orthodox church. They helped build the church, the oldest original one in southeast Alaska, in 1894.