Alaska Natives Seek Solutions as Climate Change Threatens Villages
Alaska Natives are facing the harsh realities of climate change, with warming temperatures, land erosion, and flooding impacting their way of life. A new documentary, Alaska’s Vanishing Native Villages, produced by FRONTLINE and Arizona State University, sheds light on the challenges these communities are facing as they fight to preserve their traditions.
The filmmakers traveled to remote villages near the Bering Sea and the Arctic Circle, documenting the stories of residents and local leaders as they grapple with tough decisions about relocation and adaptation. The lack of resources and data, coupled with the urgency of the situation, present significant obstacles for these communities.
Director and producer Patty Talahongva, along with producer Lauren Mucciolo and co-producer Belén Tavares, shared insights on the making of the documentary and the challenges they faced while filming in isolated areas of Alaska. From snowmobile journeys to encounters with locals, the filmmakers gained a deeper understanding of the urgent need for action to address climate change.
Their journey to three villages – Chevak, Hooper Bay, and Kotzebue – highlighted the impact of climate change on Alaska Native communities. The personal stories shared in the film resonated with Talahongva, who reflected on her own experiences trying to hold on to her family’s Native traditions despite relocation.
As audiences engage with the issue of climate change in Alaska, the filmmakers recommend following grassroots organizations and local efforts focused on climate resilience. Through community involvement and awareness, these villages are working to adapt and protect their way of life in the face of environmental challenges.
For more information and to watch the full documentary, Alaska’s Vanishing Native Villages, visit here.
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Photo credit www.pbs.org
