EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Problem

From moose hunting to berry gathering to salmon fishing, traditional subsistence lifeways are an essential component of Alaska Native identities, history, values, and cultures in the Interior. But this sacred way of life is under threat. Dual state and federal processes that shape subsistence regulations in Alaska systematically fail to ensure Alaska Native voices, values, and ways of knowing/being are reflected in regulatory decisions that disproportionately impact them. As a result, subsistence regulations enacted at the state and federal level threaten Alaska Native food security, economic stability, cultural integrity, and spiritual well-being.

Proposed Solution:

Interior Alaska Subsistence Knowledge Hub (IASKH)

IASKH an interactive, web-based knowledge platform that will serve as a forum and repository for local stories and observations of subsistence impacts. By collecting local subsistence stories and observations, IASKH will provide an Indigenous lens on the changing subsistence conditions and impacts faced by Interior Alaska Natives. Features of the platform include:

• Local data. Tribal members can upload their stories and observations onto the platform.

• Digital archiving. Uploaded stories and observations will be added to a digital archive. After agreeing to ethical and appropriate use guidelines, users will be able to browse and download the archive.

• Interactive mapping. User-uploaded observations will be added to an interactive, web-based map featuring additional data layers to contextualize and enrich stories.

• Accessibility. Stories can be shared in

Native languages and include recordings, photos, etc. • Customization. Users will be able to toggle the individual data layers on and off to customize their map view while exploring the local observations and stories.

• Passcode-protection. To protect sensitive and sacred subsistence information, access restricted to verified Alaska Native users.

Use Cases

Harnessing Alaska Native stories and observations will dramatically advance the credibility and impact of Native views presented during tribal consultations and public involvement processes that affect Alaska Native subsistence lifeways. For example, IASKH will enhance dialogue around regulatory change by equipping Alaska Natives with a tool to appropriately document traditional subsistence practices as seen through the eyes of Native peoples. It could also support legal action by Alaska Natives. IASKH is further intended to support grassroots advocacy and local coordination around these issues.

Next Steps & Partnership Goals

Much work remains to bring IASKH to fruition. Chief among these are determining governance, staffing, and both short-term and long-term financing. Partnerships at the university level present a key opportunity to propel the project forward. In the longer term, we encourage for the platform to be deployed in K-12 contexts as a mode of youth cultural engagement and empowerment.