Aulukluki neqkat: centering care of salmon and relational research in Indigenous fisheries in the Kuskokwim River, Alaska

• Published in: Arctic Science
• Main Authors: Janessa Esquible, Avery Hoffman, Danielle Lowrey, Destiny Ropati, Jacqueline Cleveland, Mike Williams, Jonathan Samuelson, Wilson Justin, Freddie Christiansen, Jessica Black, Rachel Donkersloot, Carrie Stevens, Brooke Woods, Dehrich Chya, Courtney Carothers
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English; French
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 2024
• Subjects: Indigenous fisheries; Alaskan salmon; Indigenous stewardship; Indigenous research methodologies; Food sovereignty; Environmental sciences; GE1-350; Environmental engineering; TA170-171; Arctic; Athabascan; Kuskokwim; Yup'ik; Alaska
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1139/as-2023-0039; https://doaj.org/article/d1f5d42332b04ab6a648be4612228d62

This Indigenous-led project aims to better understand historical and contemporary ways in which Alaska Native Peoples steward salmon and the values connected to salmon stewardship. Indigenous Peoples have stewarded Alaska lands and waters for thousands of years yet have been largely excluded from western science and management systems. In this project, we utilize a participatory approach that allows for the equitable valuing of ideas and knowledges to document the breadth and depth of Yup'ik and Athabascan knowledge and governance systems in southwestern Alaska. We reshape research methodologies by centering Indigenous frameworks and methodologies, including circle dialogues and multi-generational interviews led by Indigenous scholars and students in their home communities and regions. In this paper, we share the Yup'ik and Athabascan values, knowledge, management, and governance mechanisms that can improve the long-term sustainability and equity of Alaska salmon systems. This research elevates the voices of Alaska Native salmon stewards and experts from the Kuskokwim Bay and the Kuskokwim River. We elaborate on five key themes that emerged from this research, including traditional Indigenous ways of life, Indigenous stewardship, self-determination, food and livelihood sovereignty, and ecosystem changes, and identify a more equitable and sustainable path forward for salmon and people in Alaska.