(PTFS19-01-24) The Food Sovereignty Landscape in the Coastal Region of Southcentral Alaska

Objectives: Analyze factors that can impact food sovereignty in the coastal region of southcentral Alaska

Methods: The Chugach Regional Resource Commission (CRRC) administered a food sovereignty assessment to seven tribal communities, gathering data from 87 participants self-identified as Alaska Native. The survey was collated by survey topic area and responses were recorded. Means were calculated for numbered ranking questions and percentages were calculated for multiple choice style questions. Free text responses were analyzed for key themes, with the top themes identified and recorded. After considering regional resources, recommendations for each of the questionnaire sections were made to address the most prominent issues.

Results: Of the 87 respondents, the majority were female and the average age was 43.6 years. The average time spent living in their respective communities was 34.2 years. In general, most (92%) respondents think hunting and gathering are very important practices and sources of food in their communities and that specific practices could be encouraged or implemented to improve this part of the food system. Although a majority (67%) of the participants think they are in good health, they also believe that a lack of healthy, nutritious, and traditional foods was related to health problems. Participants noted that the highest consumption of traditional foods came from salmon, bidarkees, and berries, with a lesser amount coming from moose, shrimp, crab, clams, and herring eggs. They also believed the top factors that limited them from accessing traditional foods were the price of fuel, lack of transportation, and lack of time. Community recommendations included involving the youth and creating classes, programs, and/or groups about food and health. The communities surveyed think that food assistance programs are needed, or should be promoted.

Conclusions: The study revealed that traditional foods are viewed as healthy and should be consumed as a sustainable food source, but they are limited due to high costs of acquisition, and limited resources and time. Communities are open to food assistance programs but believe better management of natural resources and the laws and policies surrounding them are needed.

Funding Sources: No funding was received to complete the research or analysis of the project.