Open Collections

Ord, Annika

University of British Columbia

Glaciers along the Coast Mountains are part of a dynamic system that connects mountains to the sea, drives local food webs, and supports fishing-based livelihoods and cultures. As glaciers recede, shifting runoff and warmer temperatures are impacting salmon, coastal food webs, and livelihoods. However, to date local knowledges of these system changes have not been significantly engaged with in the scientific literature. This study learns from place-based knowledges to better understand how glacier loss is impacting coastal ecosystems, hazards, local food resources, and culture in Lingít Aaní, a region that extends along the coast of Southeast Alaska and Northern British Columbia. Through semi-directed interviews with harvesters and fishermen, local scientists, and Elders and Knowledge Holders, I explored local knowledge of system linkages and identify community-based concerns that help inform future research and community climate initiatives. I found that place-based knowledges helped put glacial systems into perspective by pointing out that glaciers are but one element in a complex landscape of concerns and priorities around climate, culture, and harvests. They highlighted the relationship between glacial inputs, salmon, and food sovereignty, which is not captured by the scientific literature but is essential to many communities in Lingít Aaní and across the Pacific Northwest. Lastly, they helped identify local climate priorities and relational values, which articulate a powerful and place-based understanding of what sustainability and resilience can look like in Lingít Aaní. By learning from diverse perspectives, we are reminded that landscapes are a mosaic of dynamic and relational forces, and that all knowledge is embedded in context.

Text

2024-07-11

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/88620

Geography

University of British Columbia

UBCV

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/