Expanding and strengthening an indigenous workforce for climate resilience in alaska

This $2,306,004 Cooperative Agreement award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Sea Grant Support program (CFDA 11.417) aims to expand and strengthen an indigenous workforce for climate resilience in Alaska. The project will engage the Aleut Community of Saint Paul Island's Indigenous Sentinels Network, Bering Sea Research Center, and Ilisagvik College to develop a climate-ready workforce that centers indigenous knowledge and supports climate resilience job force development. Key activities include training, tool development, and building capacity within tribal communities to monitor climate change impacts and implement adaptation strategies. The award, effective from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2027, will leverage existing indigenous-led initiatives and partnerships to address the critical need for climate resilience programs and an indigenous-centered workforce in Alaska.

When envisioning the workforce in alaska, one cannot overlook the profound intertwining of tradition, resilience, and adaptation against the backdrop of a changing climate. Alaska's workforce embodies a unique blend of indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, and a deep connection to the land and sea. In alaska, there is a critical need for training and tools to build resilience in the face of climate change, and developing an indigenous-centered and led climate-ready workforce in our state holds the promise of forging innovative pathways for climate adaptation. This project aims to address the demand for climateresilient monitoring programs and local workforce development by leveraging existing capacity within the tribal government of ST. Paul island's indigenous sentinels network (ISN), the bering sea research center (BSRC), and our partnership with ilisagvik college. Our collaborative efforts will engage a diverse network of climate service practitioners, including indigenous communities leaders, state agencies, academic institutions, and nonprofits, aiming to support climate resilience job force development that center indigenous knowledge in climate research.