Intergenerational Visions: Resilience, Salmon, and Sustainability

The primary methods utilized in this research include Indigenous research methodologies (e.g., talking circles, storytelling), and qualitative research methodologies (e.g., semi-directed interviews). This project will be Indigenous-led, and Tribal engaged. This research will center Indigenous voices, intergenerational learning and increase Tribal capacity by working with and supporting Yukon and Kuskokwim River communities to shape the research objectives, guiding questions, and visions through a phased project approach. We will also utilize funding to bring Alaska Native fishers from across from both rivers together in inspiring spaces where community members can share results from this research, strategize, and unite with other Alaska Native fishers

outside of their communities. This work will culminate in a Regional Planning tool to guide state and federal management bodies with the knowledge and guidance from Alaska Native fishers. This Plan will summarize the circle dialogue content and photos into a report that will be widely distributed and cited, but also into a short English and Yup’ik summary that can be distributed to participants and community leaders

The multi-species collapse of salmon stocks along the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers have resulted in severe salmon fishing restrictions, families spending less time out on the rivers, and detrimental impacts to the physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being and health of our Native communities. Salmon are a cultural keystone species of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region and have sustained our communities and Alaska Native Peoples in the region for millennia. Given the more recent hardships faced in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region, we envision this project bringing together multiple generations across Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers to share their knowledge and wisdom around resilience, adaptation, and strength-based practices in times of salmon scarcity. This project will center and uplift Indigenous voices and stewardship practices pertaining to salmon. More specifically, we will identify primary strengths and opportunities previous generations have used to overcome times of scarcity and low salmon returns in the past, while also identifying any existing barriers to strengthening Tribal resilience and implementing adaptation strategies.