Traditional Ecological Knowledge/Environmental Capacity Building Project
The Sun’aq Tribe of Kodiak received a 3-year grant from the Administration for Native Americans (ANA) to increase our capacity to participate in the regulatory processes that impact natural resources on Kodiak Island.
Project Abstract Summary:
1. Document subsistence usage and Traditional Ecological Knowledge of environmental impact through tribal member surveys, interviews and community work sessions by the end of year FY2010.
2. Develope a Comprehensive Environmental Protection Strategic Plan to preserve our traditional use environment and economic viability by end of FY2011.
3. Institutionalize the sustainability of Environmental Protection Strategies by adoption of Tribal Ordinances, trained staff, development of mentoring processes and creation of a Reference Guide by end of FY2012.
In addition, this project generates jobs for tribal members; in the first year the project has provided 15 tribal members with emprloyment as Tribal Researchers and Youth Research Apprentices. Tribal Researchers share and document traditional knowledge so it will not be lost. Youth gain valuable work experience learning research and documentation as well as Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK). This project also offers a foundation for generating revenue within the Tribe through development of new programs. Information will open doors to future projects and tribal employment opportunities.
If you have any suggestions or comments please call Alex Gerber, ANA Project Administrator, at 907-486-4449.
RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE
We are also very happy to announce that we have begun the use of biodegradable cutlery, plates and take-out containers at the Sun’aq office. These items are made of potato and corn starch and sugar cane fiber. These items will break down in our landfill, saving space and nourishing the soil. These products and more can be purchased from Loopy Lupine Recycled Products in Homer, Alaska. You can visit their website at www.loopylupine.com.
Things You Can Do To Take Action Against Global Warming
Walk, bike, ride public transit or carpool; make sure your tires are fully inflated and your car is tuned up; lower your water heater and home thermostats; unplug appliances that are not in use; recycle as much as you can, or reuse products that are not worn out or donate them; cut down on consumerism, how much more ‘stuff’ do we really need?
Some of the current projects we are working on include implementing a portion of the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council’s migratory bird subsistence program, cost sharing for technical support for the Kodiak Geographic Response Strategies designed to protect the environmentally sensitive areas on the Kodiak Road System, have an Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration for the Environmental Impact Statement for the Kodiak Airport Proposed Improvement Project and are currently working on developing an Island-wide village environmental committee as well as environmental education of the tribal members.
The Natural Resources/Environmental Department is always looking for interested persons to join the Environmental Committee. If you are a member of the Sun’aq Tribe and would like to be involved in addressing some of the most important environmental issues facing us today please give us a call or stop by the office. If we all do a little bit, together we can accomplish a great deal!
If you have any concerns, suggestions or comments please contact Rick Rowland by telephone 907-486-4449, 8am – 4:30pm Monday-Friday.