Alaska Natives and the Forest Service forge partnership to protect natural and cultural resources

Photo courtesy of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe The gift shop at the K’beq interpretive site includes arts and crafts, books, and information about Dena’ina history and culture. The Kenaitze Indian Tribe and Seward Ranger District of the Forest Service partnered to build this structure as well as a boardwalk and interpretive materials.

By Paul Clark
Special to the Turnagain Times

The relationship between the federal government and American Indians and Alaska Natives is complex and dynamic. Since the 1790s, the United States recognized that American Indian tribes shared a unique relationship with the federal government, defining Indian tribes as domestic dependent nations with the inherent right to self-government. This trust relationship was codified in the U.S. Constitution, treaties, regulations, Executive Orders, and court decisions. As part of a government-to-government relationship, federal agencies are required to consult with federally recognized tribes on projects that may impact tribes and their interests. Further legislation included a requirement to consult with Native corporations as well.
The Forest Service in Alaska recognizes the importance of building strong working relationships with Alaska Native tribes and corporations beyond the legal requirements. The ecological and cultural knowledge of Alaska Natives can help the Forest Service make better informed decisions in general. As adjacent landowners to the Chugach National Forest, Native corporations are also critical in helping to protect the health and sustainability of ecosystems in Southcentral Alaska.
To foster strong relations, Chugach National Forest employees have been partnering with Alaska Native tribes and corporations on several projects on the Kenai Peninsula and throughout Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta. Current collaborative projects include improving moose browse habitat, planning and conducting culture camps, and internships.
One long-term partnership between the Seward Ranger District and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe is the K’beq’ (‘Footprints’) Kenaitze Interpretive Site near Cooper Landing. After recognizing that this area was being damaged through over-use in the early1990s, these two groups joined to protect and preserve valuable cultural and natural resources in the area.
Today, the site includes an interpretive center and boardwalk where visitors can learn about Dena’ina Athabascan culture and tradition first hand. Forest Service heritage specialists have also supported the Tribe’s annual culture camp, Camp Susten, a forum for teaching youth about culture, traditions, and the land of which they are a part.
Another successful project was a kayak-based culture camp jointly conducted by the Glacier Ranger District heritage and kayak staff, the Native Village of Chenega, and volunteers from Chenega Corporation in 2007. Participants harvested traditional foods, monitored archaeological sites, and constructed a traditional sweat bath on ancestral lands. At the same time, they also gained valuable kayak and outdoor survival skills. Everyone involved in the camp learned from each other and established lasting friendships.
Sharing knowledge and experience through collaborative efforts empowers Alaska Native tribes and corporations, and the Forest Service to be better stewards of natural and cultural resources for local communities and the public as a whole. By protecting these resources, we will ensure that future generations will also enjoy the diversity we are fortunate to enjoy today.

Paul Clark is the Chugach National Forest Tribal Relations Coordinator.