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Arctic Thaw: Hunter's Fear for Culture
13 Dec
Summary
- Permafrost thaw destabilizes grave markers and roads in Kotzebue.
- A new 211-mile mining road threatens caribou and salmon habitats.
- Inupiaq elder relies on hunting, but animals are migrating later.
In Kotzebue, Alaska, the visible effects of climate change are profoundly impacting the lives of Inupiaq communities. Thawing permafrost has warped roads and tilted grave markers, a stark visual of the environmental shifts. Elder Roswell Schaeffer observes these changes, lamenting the loss of stable ice for hunting and the decline of traditional food storage methods.
The region faces a new threat with the approval of a 211-mile mining road, which critics fear will disrupt crucial caribou and salmon habitats. Schaeffer emphasizes the cultural significance of these animals, warning that their loss due to climate change and potential overhunting could lead to the complete erosion of their heritage.
As hunting becomes more challenging with shifting animal migration patterns, the community is increasingly relying on store-bought goods. Schaeffer continues to teach his great-grandson traditional hunting practices, but the uncertainty of future wildlife abundance weighs heavily on his mind, raising concerns about whether his grandchildren can sustain their way of life in Kotzebue.
