Calendar

Virtual Conversation: Sustainable, equitable decisions are best made when we work together

This event has ended. It was scheduled for 10/16/2020.

Noon, Friday, Oct. 16 

Join Victoria Herrmann of The Arctic Institute and Shawna Larson of Alaska Native Movement for a conversation about urbanization, globalization and the impacts of climate change, which are activating the simultaneous migrations of species, ecosystems, settlements and cultures across Arctic coastlines in new and unpredictable ways. Arctic port cities are witnessing increased maritime traffic and inflow of migrant labor; rural villages are facing displacement from slow and sudden-onset disasters; sea ice melt and ocean warming are shifting marine species ranges; and terrestrial ecosystems in transition are upending Arctic food webs and introducing southern disease vectors. Each of these intersecting mobilities pose environmental justice issues for quality of life and environmental health of the circumpolar North. A lack of integration across siloed research communities has hampered the expansion of knowledge to understand these interactions and provide decision makers and stakeholders with the necessary qualitative and quantitative data to make science-informed decisions. This virtual session creates space to discuss environmental justice for an Arctic on the move, and what we can do together to facilitate open communication, foster cross-disciplinary coalitions and build a research community based on equity, justice and inclusivity of traditional knowledge holders, natural scientists, engineers, students, humanities scholars, economists, social scientists, storytellers, engineers, health professionals, cultural heritage practitioners and educators. This free SEED Lab program is part of the North x North Festival. Learn more and view a schedule at anchoragemuseum.org/nxn.

About the Speakers

Victoria Herrmann, PhD, is an assistant research professor at Georgetown University, a National Geographic Explorer and the managing director of The Arctic Institute. She currently serves as the principle investigator of the Arctic Migration in Harmony Research Coordination Network.

Shawna Larson is Ahtna from Nay'dini'aa Na' (Chickaloon Village) on her father’s side and Supiaq from the Village of Port Graham on her mother’s side. Her grandparents were Helen DePriest and Jack Larson on her father's side, and Tom and Marie Young on her mother's side. Larson’s work has focused on human rights and environmental policies. She currently serves as the vice chair for the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council and she has served on the Council for 13 years. She is deputy director for Native Movement.

Sam Schimmel is St. Lawrence Island Siberian Yupik and Kenaitze Indian from Alaska. Growing up subsistence hunting and fishing, Sam experienced first hand how Climate Change impacts Arctic communities. Sam was appointed by Governor Bill Walker to serve on the State of Alaska's Climate Action Leadership Team. He continues to support climate awareness and education as a representative for the National Congress of American Indians Climate Action Task Force. Sam is a 2020/2021 Arctic Youth Ambassador, and an advisory board member for the Center for Native American Youth and the Arctic Youth Network. He is in his third year at Stanford University focusing on Earth Systems and Political Science.

SIGN UP