As 2023 comes to a close, we’re full of immense gratitude for all of you – our partners in championing a new vision for Alaska rooted in optimism, opportunity and respect for our lands and waters.
Your support and partnership make it possible to build diverse coalitions and shape new opportunities for sustainability in Alaska. As we look ahead to 2024, we’re excited to share a few project-specific highlights that reflect the momentum carrying us into the new year.
Native Nation Building
In 2023, we celebrated the launch of Arctica: Perspectives, Philosophy, and Culture from the North, a podcast from the Aywaa Storyhouse project. The podcast is led by Alaska Native philosopher and AVF Manager of Cross-cultural Collaborations Miaraq, Warren Jones, and brings meaningful discussions on Northern culture and Indigenous perspectives on everything from identity to land stewardship.
As part of our expanding portfolio of place-based projects, Igiugig Tribal Steward Mary Hostetter and AVF Program Manager for Iliamna Sustainable Communities Bill Kane traveled across the state sharing lessons from their work developing an Indigenous eco-monitoring program in the Iliamna region. In Western Alaska, AVF Project Manager Nalikutaar, Jacqueline Cleveland laid the foundations for the Kuinerraq Sustainable Future Project to center Indigenous knowledge and sovereignty in regional fish, land and waterway management.
Climate & Energy Transition
Building on our research into economic opportunities for Alaska in climate solutions, we are mobilizing resources and expertise to realize Alaska’s vast renewable energy potential, and to align stakeholders around a vision of Alaska as a global leader in climate and clean energy. In addition to our policy and coalition work, we are supporting local programs focused on natural climate solutions through mariculture and regional food security, and renewable energy projects developed and led by tribal communities.
Wildfire Resilience and Community Dialogue
In 2023 we launched a statewide program designed to improve community resilience and safety, and ecosystem health in the face of increasingly severe wildfire. Wildfires in Alaska are a growing source of large-scale climate emissions and permafrost thaw. In October, we brought together tribal leaders, scientists, wildfire agency managers and researchers for the first Alaska Wildfire Roundtable. The group will act as thought leaders to help address the most pressing wildfire needs throughout the state.
Our vision for Alaska is ambitious. It requires fostering partnerships that transcend ideological differences and places the needs of Alaskans and our communities first. Thank you for your commitment to lifting up, supporting and making our work better.
