For the Survival of Future Generations in the Face of Climate Change: Planning for Alaska Village Migration Using Cultural Heritage Based Principles ...

• Main Author: Lewis, Maria
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: Maryland Shared Open Access Repository 2020
• Subjects: Preservation; Cultural Heritage; Nostalgia; Place; Relocation; Migration; Community; Native Alaskans; Mertarvik; Historic preservation > Theses; permafrost; Alaska
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.13016/m2eavb-bqqz; http://mdsoar.org/handle/11603/20247

Climate-induced migration has become the last resort for communities in Alaska whose homes are threatened due to permafrost and shoreline erosion. As the indigenous youth and future leaders of Alaska’s Federation of Natives so powerfully state, the survival of their future generations, ways of life, traditional lands, intact ecosystems, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being are threatened by climate change. Communities in Alaska and around the world are facing loss of places due to a rapidly changing earth climate system. When migration to a new village site becomes a reality, understanding and recognizing the loss of place caused by disrupted routines, disconnection with the natural environment and loss of identity are the impetus for developing successful migration strategies that transfer the intangible aspects of place to a new location. This study posits a new preservation focus, one that services a broader agenda than saving existing places and encompasses a more inclusive social purpose in ...