Project: Igiugig Bristol Bay Guardians
Project Description: Striving to emulate thriving Indigenous Guardians networks in Canada, this initiative is focused on building the foundation for a regional Guardians program in Bristol Bay. As community capacity and interest allows, we invite interested communities to join us in efforts to assert Tribal authority over stewardship responsibility as it relates to land and water relationship planning. In the current planning phase, Guardian community liaisons will be responsible for helping to shape community-based environmental monitoring plans, specific to each community and integrated into the broader regional network. As we look towards implementation by 2030, Guardians will be responsible for implementing routine monitoring activities ranging from water quality programs to wildlife and fish monitoring initiatives, weaving in ongoing cultural and language revitalization efforts.
People/Organizations responsible for completing these steps: Igiugig Village Council – Tribal Stewardship Office, The Nature Conservancy, Alaska Venture Fund, Indigenous Sentinels Network
Cost Estimate: TBD
Timeline: Once established, we expect to maintain the network indefinitely.
Funding Partners: The Nature Conservancy, Alaska Venture Fund, Federal Program Opportunities (e.g., National Fish and Wildlife Foundation America the Beautiful Challenge), The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, NOAA
Evaluation Measures:
-Increased protection of our ways of life and the lands and waters upon which they depend
-2–3 positions created within each participating community
-Innumerable opportunities to fill critical data gaps regarding basic environmental monitoring and drastically reduced associated operating costs as compared to reliance on state or federal agencies
Key Project Contact:
Name: Bill Kane
Title: Tribal Steward
Organization: Igiugig Village