his spring Alaska Air Cargo launched a program to carry up to 50,000 pounds of recyclable waste each year out of Nome, Alaska, supporting clean-up efforts in rural communities along the Bering Sea and saving valuable local water resources.

The recyclables — electronic waste items left over from used consumer goods — are collected from 16 communities around the Seward Peninsula Bering Strait region and packed onto pallets by employees of Kawerak, a Native nonprofit corporation in Nome that is partnering with Alaska Air Cargo in the project. Kawerak also supports the region through programs ranging from education to natural resource management to economic development.

Tribal Clean Energy Summit

received a scholarship from The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians (ATNI) to attend their Clean Energy Summit at the Tulalip Resort and Casino. A sculpture of a black dugout canoe with red trim rests on top of a trickling fountain. Inside the gently lit hotel, red, black, and white colors press against the walls. Coast Salish artwork serves as the centerpiece of the interior. In the hallways, curvilinear designs flow along the carpet with interconnected shapes and lines, creating swimming orcas and salmon. The work extends to light fixtures, room doors, and wall hangings, embodying the cultural values and history of the Tulalip Tribes.

The summit was abundant with people, information, and an eagerness to learn about low-carbon energy and new Federal programs like the $1 Trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the $300+ Billion Inflation Reduction Act. Five keynote speakers graced the stage from June 13-15. The summit also hosted three workshops and three general assembly panels—six concurrent sessions such as Energy Planning & Development, Off-shore Wind Development, and Creative Funding Solutions. Five other sessions were conducted pertaining to Workforce Development, Emerging Clean Energy Technologies, and Project Siting.

Taking to the skies

rowing up near the shores of Juneau, Crystal Kaakeeyáa Rose Demientieff Worl was used to seeing Alaska Airlines fly over the mountains into her hometown. She said she dreamed of having her artwork displayed on a plane for years — and [on May 11], that dream became a reality.

“Every time I looked at an Alaska plane, I couldn’t help but visualize the salmon being in formline, or having some sort of design that represents identity. I can’t help but look at things and see how to Indigenize them,” said Crystal.

I had almost no expectations going into this book, and ended up really enjoying it! The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson is a the story of a Métis teen navigating her sexuality and her relationship with those around her, all while grappling with confrontations with her white father who raped her mother. She’s dealing with things that are too big for her to handle on her own, although she tries, and learns the importance of community and relying on them to help you. The story was engaging, and the character development really drove the story for me. It opened up discussions about race and proximity to whiteness. And showed us what healthy relationships can look like.

In her author’s note, Ferguson talks about not having literature growing up that reflected her as an Indigenous or asexual person and wishing she had had that. I think she achieved something great with this book in giving future generations of Native and queer youth a book that might resonate with them. I mourn what I didn’t have growing up, but I celebrate the future for our kids. It gives me hope.

ICWA supporters demonstrate outside the U. S. Supreme Court as justices heard arguments in Haaland v. Brackeen in November 2022. Kenaitze Tribal Council Chair Ronette Stanton and Kenaitze Tribal Member Sam Schimmel hold a Kenaitze flag during the event.

Kenaitze Indian Tribe Applauds Supreme Court Ruling

oday, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed the sovereignty of Alaska Native and American Indian Tribes with its ruling in Haaland v. Brackeen.

In a 7-2 ruling, the court rejected challenges to the Indian Child Welfare Act and upheld the law’s preferences for Alaska Native and American Indian children to be placed in Native foster and adoptive homes. Justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas dissented in the case.

“We are so happy because the case had everything to do with our sovereignty. This will prevent mass removals of our children from their homes and their loved ones. This actually recognizes that Tribes are sovereign entities, sovereign governments and political entities, not racial groups,” said Mary Ann Mills, Tribal Council Member.

New Sign Tells Real Alaskan ‘Discovery’ Story

monument to Captain James Cook in downtown Anchorage hails him as “greatest explorer-navigator the world has ever known.” The plaque under the life-size statue of him highlights Cook’s travels, including Cook Inlet, where Anchorage is located.

The inlet was no discovery, though. For at least a thousand years, the region has been home to the Dena’Ina Athabascan people.

The Eklutna Tribe, Anchorage Park Foundation and Anchorage Museum last week unveiled a Dena’ina place names sign near the Cook monument.

Kawerak Workshop Increases Indigenous Testimony

ttendees took part in a 5-day workshop covering topics such as the structure and operation of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPRMC), the scope of the Council’s management, Tribal issues, bycatch issues, as well as how to testify before the Council.

“The intent of the workshop was to share information with Tribal members about NPFMC including their role in federal fisheries management, and about how to effectively engage in their process through actions like written and oral testimony,” stated Julie Raymond-Yakoubian, Kawerak Social Science Director.

“Often Indigenous voices and the voices of others affected by regulations made at the state and federal level are missing or not heard. These voices are crucial for protection of subsistence resources, which is why Kawerak pursued options to fund this workshop,” said Julie, who applied for the funding. She further reflected, “Indigenous voices and knowledges are underrepresented at the Council and this workshop was an effort to increase the number of people who are knowledgeable about and comfortable navigating and participating in this process.”

Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, Yup’ik, keynote speaker at the National Indian Health Board annual conference held in Anchorage in May.

National Panel Praises Alaska Tribal Health System Successes

However, there is a path to success, said Alaska tribal health leaders.

“When we provide care as close to home as possible, and in the language and the cultural norms of the people that we serve, we know we have much better health outcomes. We see that time and time and time again,” said Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium President and CEO Valerie Nurr’araluk Davidson, Yup’ik.

Interior Department Announces Behavioral Health and Wellness Program for Tribal Schools

he Department of the Interior in June announced the Bureau of Indian Education awarded an additional five-year contract to increase access for behavioral health and wellness support to all students and staff at Bureau-funded schools and programs. Initially designed to increase access to services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program provides virtual counseling and on-site crisis services.

“The Interior Department is committed to creating positive, safe and culturally-relevant learning environments. I am proud of the hard work by the Bureau of Indian Education to ensure that Indigenous youth have the support they need in a culturally-relevant and supportive environment for their physical, mental and emotional well-being,” said Secretary Deb Haaland.

The Anonymous Eskimo Project

n June 28, Ralph Sara announced the launch of his new radio show in a social media post.

“The cat is out of the bag!!! I am excited to announce the launch of my new syndicated radio show: The Anonymous Eskimo Project on Native Voice One (NV1)!!! After launching The Anonymous Eskimo Podcast almost 3 years ago I’m humbled to take this mission to end the stigma surrounding Mental Health, Sobriety and Recovery to the mainstream. I will be producing a weekly 1/2 hour program. New shows will be released every Monday. I want to thank Bob Petersen and Nola Daves Moses for this amazing opportunity and their support and guidance. Quyana!!! So stay tuned for The Anonymous Eskimo Project coming to a radio station near you!!!”

To learn more about this exciting project, visit here.

Ice For Walrus Outlook

eginning in March, information about weather and sea ice conditions relevant to walrus in the northern Bering Sea and southern Chukchi Sea regions of Alaska is available from the Sea Ice for Walrus Outlook (SIWO). This resource is available for Alaska Native subsistence hunters, coastal communities, and others interested in sea ice and walrus. SIWO is managed by the Arctic Research Consortium of the U.S., it is a partnership between the Eskimo Walrus Commission, the National Weather Service, the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and local observers. The forecasts are produced with information on weather and sea ice conditions provided by the National Weather Service–Alaska Region and Alaska Native sea ice experts. For more information, please see the SIWO website or Facebook page.

BSEG Hosts First Summit Since 2019

he Bering Sea Elders Group’s (BSEG) Summit was held May 2-4, 2023, in Anchorage. During the Summit, Elder Representatives listened to presentations and engaged in discussions about BSEG and the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area (NBSCRA). Participants also engaged in strategic planning and celebrated BSEG’s 15-year anniversary. This year, Elder Representatives successfully passed two resolutions. These included:

2023-01. Title: Resolution Expressing Appreciation and Continued Support for the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area Executive Order and Calling for Sustained Funding and Protection of the Northern Bering Sea; and

2023-02. Title: Resolution Declaring a Disaster in Our Traditional Waters of the Bering Sea and Calling for a Holistic Plan to Restore Balance to the Interconnected Bering Sea Web of Life.

This year, elections were also held. Jerry Ivanoff of Unalakleet was elected as BSEG’s Chair. Other officers include John Waghiyi, Jr., Vice-Chair (Savoonga), Richard Slats, Treasurer (Chevak) and Aaron Iworrigan, Secretary (Gambell). “This is the first Summit we’ve been able to hold since 2019,” said BSEG Executive Director Jaylene Wheeler. “We are grateful to the Executive Committee for their diligence in leading us through the pandemic. We’d also like to honor and thank Fred Phillip for his leadership and service as Chair these past several years.”

To read more, visit the Bering Sea Elders Group newsletter here.