Indigenous Sentinels Network Traditional Foods Program
To address stewardship needs for traditional, or “subsistence”, foods and associated habitat in Alaska we're building upon the Indigenous Sentinels Network, a successful community-driven data collection program developed by Aleut Community of Saint Paul. In 2017 we began a collaboration with Tanana Chiefs Conference to modify the ISN platform so that local communities could collect data on the subsistence species and their habitats important to interior Alaska. This effort will similarly expand the ISN technology and approach to Tribal Conservation Districts (TCDs) by establishing five new “Sentinel” programs. TCDs are tribal-led entities that work with government agencies to ensure sustainable use of natural resources for subsistence, economic opportunity, resource development, and cultural preservation. This project will provide the means for five TCDs in Alaska to address priority management needs unique to the production of subsistence foods, which are critical for sustaining rural communities in Alaska. Though we expect priorities for data collection and conservation activities to be prioritized at regional scoping workshops, a few emerging priorities have already been identified by participating TCDs, particularly around salmon and moose.
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Our Role
Project Co-Lead Project Leaders Northwest Boreal Partnership, Indigenous Sentinels Network, Aleut Community of Saint Paul Island, Tanana Chiefs Conference Contact Leanna Heffner: lheffner@alaskaconservation.org |
