To increase understanding of culture change in rural Alaska as it specifically pertains to selected policy-related issues outlined by the Federal-State Land Use Planning Commission staff, four general areas are addressed: traditional subsistence use and effects of changing access and availability of those activities, apparent long-range effects of cash and jobs on village life, means of communication among villages and between villages and government, and changes in the social order of village life. Data from questionnaires completed by 80 residents of the village of Old Harbor is analyzed providing insight into commission questions pertaining to population changes--values of the good life, changes in economic organization, restricted access, intra-regional ties, travel and transportation, social organization, intercommunication and cultural contact (government/village), the Alaska Native Land Claims Settlement, and Land Use Planning Commission role. Main policy implications of the study are the need for careful assessment of each village to be directly or indirectly affected by change in land status/access, involvement of villagers on issues/alternatives, and increased awareness by all Alaskans of regional and village differences. It is concluded that anthropological methodologies may be useful for incorporating social and cultural considerations into land use and economic development planning. (RS)