Interview with Ilarion Merculieff–Filmmaker Robert Lundahl. Ilarion Merculieff (Larry) tells stories from his Pribilof Island homeland of St. Paul and St. George Islands in the middle of the Bering Sea, 250 miles north of the Aleutians.

He expresses concerns about Arctic ecosystems generally, and in specific as related to multiple species of birds, marine mammals, and fish, including the Yukon River and it's salmon. 

He discusses TKW, Traditonal Knowledge and Wisdom, and the role it plays in resource management, and the structural thought process behind it as a science. Update on the Northern Bering Sea Climate Resilience Area.

The erosion of shorelines & the thawing of permafrost in many Alaska Native villages, making them increasingly vulnerable to flooding & landslides. Several villages have had to relocate to higher ground. The exact number of villages that have had to move is not clear, it is estimated that at least 31 villages in Alaska are currently facing the threat of flooding & erosion & many more are at risk in the future.

• What is the public health cost for climate change related trauma & rising subsistence expenses for Alaska natives?
The impacts are significant, such as flooding & erosion can disrupt traditional ways of life & lead to emotional & mental stress, including depression & anxiety. Subsistence hunting & fishing are also affected by changes in weather patterns & the loss of sea ice, leading to food insecurity & malnutrition. These factors can contribute to a range of physical & mental health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, & suicide. 

• What costs for public health can be avoided by early & sufficient federal investments in health, infrastructure energy & food production in Alaska native villages?

Early & sufficient federal investments in health, infrastructure, energy, & food production in Alaska Native villages could help to mitigate many of the public health costs associated with climate change. For example, investments in infrastructure such as sea walls, shoreline protection, & water and sewer systems can help to protect villages from flooding and erosion. Investments in renewable energy sources can help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels & improve air quality, which can have positive health impacts. Investing in local food production through programs such as community gardens & greenhouses can help to improve food security & reduce dependence on expensive, imported foods. Additionally, investing in mental health & counseling services can help to support individuals & families affected by climate change-related trauma.
This help can protect & improve the health & wellbeing of Alaska Native communities, & reduce the long-term public health costs.

• How can Educational Programs help native communities change federal policies benefiting tribes & supporting climate equity?
Here are a few important roles in helping Native communities change federal policies that benefit tribes & support climate equity:

1. Community Engagement & Education: 
Raise awareness & educate community members about the impacts & climate equity. 

2.Leadership development: 
Trainings & leadership development opportunities for community members, helping to build capacity within the community to advocate for policy changes at the local, state & federal level.

3.Research and Data: 
Research that documents the impacts of climate change on native communities, & provide data to support policy changes that benefit tribes & support climate equity.

4.Networking & Coalition Building: 
Connect native communities with other organizations, researchers, & advocacy groups working on climate equity and environmental justice, help build a stronger more cohesive movement for change.

5.Law & Policy Education: 
Training on laws related to climate change & environmental justice, empowering knowledge.

©Copyright Agence RLA, LLC, Robert Lundahl. 2021. All Rights Reserved, All Media, Across the Known Universe.

Larry Merculieff Growing Up Unangan

Larry Merculieff The Bering Sea Report

Emmy® Award winning Filmmaker, Producer, and Radio Show Host, Robert Lundahl, broadcasting weekly Primetime on KPFK 90.7 Los Angeles.

New tracks tagged #Unangan