Daisy-Mae ( DM ): What is subsistence mapping and what is your role in this position ?

Robbie Kirk ( RK ): Subsistence mapping is a way to capture data about how our people use the land for gathering resources . Some of these resources are caribou , berries , plants , fish and other wildlife that we use to feed our families . This mapping also shows us where our people go to harvest resources . We need to know where our people use the land so we can help protect the areas for future generations . By mapping the areas , we document our history of use . My role in mapping is to make sure that we have the right people documenting this information and ensuring that we capture as much information from our shareholders who utilize the land as possible . We can take the

mapping data and use the information to show what our people are harvesting and at what time of the year .

DM : How would you describe the importance of subsistence to someone who hasn ’ t had to depend on it before ?

RK : Subsistence is the way that we ( people of the NANA region ) gather food and resources to stay alive . As an example , the people of Noatak rely on the caribou migration as a main source of protein . We also depend on the fish in the rivers to feed our families when the caribou are not around to harvest . Gathering berries and roots also helps our people obtain essential vitamins and minerals . Many people in Noatak rely on wood stoves to warm their homes during the cold winter months , this is another way to subsist off the land to keep yourself alive and comfortable . In our hometown of Noatak , another important source of food are sea mammals , including beluga whales , bearded seals and walrus . Our ancestors traveled great distances to harvest these valuable resources to help sustain their families and their communities . This cultural knowledge has been passed down from generation to generation , and these traditions and resources are still strong today .

DM : How has the process of subsistence mapping changed over the years ?

RK : Mapping the regions ’ resources is a fairly new process . The Northwest Arctic Borough did the original mapping project . They created some booklets and have digital versions of the maps that are available to our people throughout the borough . While mapping resources is a bit new , our people have been “ mapping ” for generations . Historically , we have done this through storytelling , dancing , singing , hunting and gathering . This has allowed our people to share important information by showing the lands and teaching

NANA shareholder Noah Penn explores the tundra for subsistence resources near Noatak .

sustainable practices to the next generation of resource users .

DM : How do the surrounding communities participate in this process ?

RK : The whole region will be invited to be involved in the mapping of resources in their areas . NANA employees travel out to the villages and hold public listening sessions to collect data directly from the shareholders . Currently , NANA has been to Kobuk , Ambler and Shungnak to gather information . Our team is planning trips to the remaining communities throughout our region , and we will release a schedule for those visits when it is available .

Elizabeth Saagulik Hensley and Lindsey Holmes

Recognized in Alaska Business Legal Elite for their excellence in Arctic Law and corporate counsel , embodying our Iñupiat Iḷitqusiat .