NANA
Our region , our voice
NANA ’ s role in shaping the dialogue about the Arctic
In December 2023 , the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ( NOAA ) published its Arctic Report Card for the year . Did you know that Alaska is the only region of the United States that is within the Arctic ? That means any policies that are made by the United States about the Arctic can affect NANA shareholders , communities and our corporation .
NANA is actively involved in engaging with state , federal and international agencies , like the Inuit Circumpolar Council ( ICC ), to address issues related to the Arctic , particularly those regarding a changing Arctic climate . We aim to ensure that the concerns of shareholders and communities are heard , and that our region has a place at the table when Arctic issues are being discussed and addressed anywhere in the world .
To better understand how NANA is involved in Arctic policy , we interviewed our Vice President of Lands Qaulluq Cravalho on NANA ' s work in this area .
The Hunter ( H ): Why is it important that NANA is involved in Arctic issues ?
Qaulluq Cravalho ( QC ): The Arctic is the home of our people . It always has been , and it always will be . We must be involved in shaping the future of our lands . Our corporation is the largest Indigenous landowner in the Northwest Arctic
Borough ( NAB ) and NAB is considered part of the Arctic by both the United States and the Arctic Council . Domestic and international government agencies are shaping policies that directly impact the management of our subsistence resources and economic opportunities . They are making decisions that impact our ability to tackle climate change in our region . Even the U . S . Department of Defense ( DOD ) has an Arctic Strategy that emphasizes the importance of engaging with Indigenous organizations like NANA to ensure the safety and security of America .
It ' s critical that our voice is at the table when these discussions are happening . As Iñupiat , we are part of the global population of Inuit , and our homelands cross international borders . Together , we rely on shared subsistence resources to continue our traditional ways of life . We are all affected by international Arctic policies and Arctic issues continue to shape the types of options and opportunities that may be possible in our region . All of this impacts NANA ' s work across a wide variety of areas . We stay engaged on all fronts because , at the end of the day , it is part of the work our corporate mission .
H : How does NANA engage with issues related to climate change and the Arctic ?
QC : There is no doubt we are seeing changes in our seasons , subsistence animals and lands when it comes to climate change . We are also seeing changes in the ability for our communities to continue to exist close to the ocean .
Kivalina , Kotzebue and Deering are all at sea level . NANA is concerned about the impacts on communities and subsistence activities in these areas as sea levels rise . We are working with regional community governments , like the Kivalina Joint City and IRA Council , on planning processes that will help deal with the negative impacts of those changes . We are also making gravel available for community use to manage erosion and assist with new construction .
As climate change poses challenges to the larger international community , NANA recognizes the importance of remaining actively involved in discussions and decision-making processes .
H : ICC is the body that represents all Inuit from Alaska , Canada , Greenland and Chukotka on matters of international importance . What is NANA ' s role within ICC ?
QC : There are more than 180,000 Inuit in the Arctic . That is a huge number and when we work together , we can really impact Arctic policy . ICC ’ s goal is to ensure that the Inuit view is represented when it comes to international policies that affect our peoples and regions .
Earlier , we talked about how the 2.2 million acres of lands NANA stewards on behalf of our shareholders is in the Arctic , and the Arctic is the Indigenous homeland of our people . That ’ s why NANA is a member of ICC Alaska , along with Maniilaq Association ( Maniilaq ), NAB
and other Inuit organizations across the state . Together , we provide input on ICC priorities , which are set every four years at the General Assembly .
For example , NANA collaborated with the ICC Alaska staff and other regional partners to organize a Food Sovereignty and Security Summit . Indigenous knowledge holders from the region were invited to share their input , which was used to create a report that now informs the Arctic Council about what food sovereignty and security means to the region . It ’ s an important document that is often referenced by public and private groups working on issues related to the Arctic food web .
In the future , NANA , Maniilaq and NAB hope to work with ICC Alaska to host a marine resources workshop . The workshop will use the information gathered at the summit to discuss how international groups and governments can better manage shipping traffic in waters that are the habitat of the marine animals we rely on .
H : What is one thing you want shareholders to understand about our work in this area ?
There are many diverse groups interested in the Arctic for a lot of reasons . I want shareholders to understand that NANA is engaged on Arctic issues to protect our lands and foods for today and for future generations . Quyana for asking me to answer questions related to this topic .
More information on the NOAA Arctic Report Card
The Arctic Report Card has been issued annually since 2006 by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Arctic ( NOAA Arctic ). It looks at environmental information on the current state of different parts of the Arctic system over time . The Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub ( AAOKH ) works with a network of coastal Indigenous observers , including in our region , to document their observations of environmental change and impacts . Participating communities include Kaktovik , Kotzebue , Point Hope , Point Lay , Utqiaġvik and Wales . Scan the QR code to view NOAA ' s full 2023 Arctic Report Card from NOAA Arctic .
Apply today for
2024 NANA internships !
The NANA family of companies and partners are accepting applications for our 2024 Internship Program .
Earn money . Learn skills . Gain valuable work experience !
NANA offers internships for shareholders who are 18 or older . There may be additional requirements or preferences depending on the company and the position . 2024 NANA internship opportunities are available this year in Anchorage and Kotzebue .
View and apply for internships at nana . com / shareholders / internships . For more information , you can visit any NANA office , call ( 800 ) 478-3301 or email shareholderrelations @ nana . com .
4 The Hunter | 2024 February