Localizing a just transition: a case study of St. George, Alaska

This paper explores the St. George Economic Development Strategy and strategy development process through a just transitions lens. St. George is a remote island located in Alaska’s Bering Sea, and is home to a small community of Unangan people facing a declining population, infrastructure deficit, a...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ecology and Society
Main Authors: Andreanne Doyon, Emeralde O'Donnell, William J. Trousdale, R. George Pletnikoff
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Resilience Alliance 2023
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-14311-280424
https://doaj.org/article/3c13ce40e0664d809e5d93243dc7dabb
Description
Summary:This paper explores the St. George Economic Development Strategy and strategy development process through a just transitions lens. St. George is a remote island located in Alaska’s Bering Sea, and is home to a small community of Unangan people facing a declining population, infrastructure deficit, and high unemployment. Through a qualitative content analysis and informal interviews, we analyzed how the strategy engaged with four forms of justice (distributive, procedural, recognition, and epistemic) and considered how the development process might have facilitated justice responses. The aim of this research is to share St. George’s efforts to build a more sustainable and just future for their community, as well as highlight key considerations for other communities and researchers engaging in this type of work. The success of St. George’s Economic Development Strategy is due to strong community leaders, a community focused approach to engagement, and respectful consideration and inclusion of the community’s values and beliefs.