​The Cook Inlet beluga whale population faces a significant threat from pollution present in their habitat. As one of the most industrialized and urbanized regions in Alaska, Cook Inlet experiences ongoing pressures from oil and gas development, shipping traffic, and urban wastewater discharge, all of which contribute to the introduction of harmful substances into the marine environment.

Several categories of pollutants pose particular concern. Heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and cadmium, can accumulate in the inlet through industrial discharge and runoff. These metals are toxic to marine life and have the potential to accumulate in the food chain, ultimately affecting the health of beluga whales. Chemicals associated with the oil and gas industry are also prevalent contaminants. Exposure can negatively impact the reproductive success, growth, and overall health of these species.

Other Chemical pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT, persist in the environment for extended periods. These substances enter Cook Inlet through industrial discharges and improper disposal. Additionally, wastewater discharges from urban areas introduce pharmaceuticals and personal care products into the water. These contaminants can disrupt the hormone systems of marine life, including belugas.

Permitted discharges from industrial facilities, while regulated, still allow for the release of substances that can pose risks to the ecosystem. Wastewater treatment plants, for instance, discharge treated effluent containing residual pollutants like nutrients, pharmaceuticals, and metals. Even with treatment, these substances are not entirely eliminated and can accumulate in areas with high discharge concentrations. Similarly, despite regulations on oil and gas operations, spills and leaks can occur.

Cook Inlet beluga whales are particularly vulnerable to the effects of these contaminants. As apex predators, they can accumulate toxins in their bodies through direct exposure to polluted water and through the consumption of contaminated prey. Studies have indicated that exposure to various contaminants can negatively affect the immune systems of these whales, potentially leading to lower reproductive success and increased susceptibility to disease. The continued presence of pollution and contaminants in Cook Inlet presents an ongoing challenge to the recovery of this endangered population.

​The Role of Traditional Foods in the Mental Health of Alaska Natives
For Alaskan Natives, subsistence and traditional foods are not only essential for nourishment but also play a significant role in mental health and well-being. These foods are deeply intertwined with cultural practices, providing a connection to the land, community, and ancestors. Participating in hunting, fishing, and gathering fosters a sense of purpose and identity, which can have positive effects on mental health.

Traditional foods, such as fish, game, and berries, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and other nutrients that have been linked to improved cognitive function and a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that spending time in nature and engaging in traditional food-gathering not only enhances physical health but also reduces stress and promotes emotional stability.

Harvesting, preparing, and sharing food together creates opportunities for social interaction, strengthening familial and community bonds. The act of sharing food is integral to the social fabric of Alaskan Native cultures, fostering feelings of connection and support. These activities also help preserve cultural traditions and knowledge, which can be empowering for individuals, particularly in maintaining ties to their heritage.

Furthermore, traditional foods are often incorporated into ceremonial practices, providing a spiritual connection to the land and the ancestors who relied on these resources. This spiritual aspect of food-gathering and consumption can help individuals cope with mental health challenges by reinforcing cultural identity and offering a sense of continuity.

In summary, subsistence and traditional foods nourish both the body and the spirit, fostering a deep connection to culture, community, and the environment.

In Alaska, the Cook Inlet beluga whale, a genetically and geographically isolated population, faces an escalating threat from wastewater pollution. Once numbering around 1,300 individuals in the 1980s, the population has plummeted by approximately 80 percent since the 1990s, primarily due to unsustainable hunting practices and habitat degradation. Despite conservation efforts, including the designation of their habitat as critical in 2008, the population of these animals continues to dwindle. Emerging research indicates pollution as a significant factor in its ongoing decline.

The Cook Inlet is unique in that it allows oil and gas companies to discharge contaminated produced water and drilling wastes with minimal treatment, a practice that is largely prohibited in other coastal regions under the Clean Water Act. The current permit allows for the annual release of substantial quantities of toxic substances, including 100,000 gallons of oil and grease and 887,000 pounds of toxic metals. Alarmingly, the draft for the permit's renewal proposes even weaker regulations, potentially increasing pollutant discharges by 50 percent.

Moreover, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) has not conducted comprehensive studies to assess the cumulative effects of Cook Inlet’s multiple mixing zones, areas where pollution is permitted to exceed water quality standards. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the long-term viability of the Cook Inlet beluga whales and the broader ecological health of the region.

Research also indicates a troubling correlation between the presence of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water and the declining health of beluga whales. A study examining belugas exposed to PAHs in the St. Lawrence Estuary found a significant incidence of gastrointestinal cancers, suggesting that similar exposure in Cook Inlet could have dire consequences for the remaining population.

The oil and gas industry possesses the technology to mitigate these discharges, yet regulatory bodies appear inclined to prioritize economic interests over environmental protection. Without immediate and effective regulatory changes, the future of Cook Inlet’s endangered belugas remains precarious, underscoring the urgent need for a reevaluation of current environmental policies.

​Mission and Vision

The Tribal Youth Resource Center (TYRC) is dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by American Indian and Alaska Native youth. Its mission is to support tribal communities in improving their juvenile justice systems and creating environments where Native youth can thrive. TYRC aims to empower these communities through culturally appropriate and trauma-informed practices.

Services and Programs

TYRC provides a variety of services, ranging from training and technical assistance to tribal youth programs and juvenile healing to wellness courts. These services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each community, ensuring that interventions are both effective and respectful of cultural traditions. The center offers resources and tools to help tribes develop, implement, and enhance programs that address youth delinquency and promote wellness.

Funding and Support

TYRC is funded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), which allows it to offer its services free of charge to federally recognized tribes. This funding ensures that all resources provided are accessible to those who need them the most, without financial barriers.

Community Engagement

A key aspect of TYRC's work is community engagement. The center collaborates with tribal leaders, families, and youth to identify issues and develop solutions that are community-driven. This collaborative approach helps build trust and ensures that the programs are relevant and effective.

Impact and Goals

TYRC aims to create long-term, positive change in the lives of American Indian and Alaska Native youth. By providing support and resources, the center helps tribes build capacity and resilience, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of Native communities. TYRC's work is vital in addressing systemic issues and promoting a brighter future for Native youth.

​The Alaska Native Justice Center (ANJC) functions as a bridge between Alaska Native people and Tribes and the justice system. Founded on the principle of addressing the unmet needs and prejudicial treatment of Alaska Native and Alaskan people within the justice system, the ANJC utilizes a multifaceted approach to promote justice for Alaskan Native peoples and restore respect and humanity to these communities. Through victim advocacy, law student programs, and education initiatives for community and Tribal partners, the center works to empower Alaska Natives and create a more equitable justice landscape.

One of the ANJC's core areas of focus is victim advocacy. Responding to the historical and ongoing iniquities toward Alaska Natives by the legal system, the center provides access to culturally sensitive legal assistance and support services. This advocacy is rooted in working collaboratively with community-based organizations and statewide agencies, fostering a comprehensive network for victims and survivors of violence, sexual assault, and exploitation.

In addition to engaging in advocacy, the ANJC recognizes the importance of fostering future generations of legal professionals who understand the intricacies of Alaska Native law. The Law Clerk and Law Fellowship programs offer invaluable opportunities for aspiring legal professionals. These programs provide hands-on experience working on a variety of legal issues impacting Alaska Native communities. Participants gain a deeper understanding of tribal sovereignty and cultural considerations within the legal system, equipping them with insight into field of Native law and establishing a foundation for a career in Alaska Native and American Indian law.

The ANJC's impact extends beyond individual support and law student development, providing educational resources to its partners and the communities they serve. For instance, the center's Tribal Justice Support program works directly with Alaska Tribes to strengthen their Tribal justice systems. This collaborative effort focuses on enabling Alaska Tribes to better protect and serve their communities by supporting the development and improvement of Tribal court systems. Through personalized training and technical assistance, the ANJC empowers tribes to build capacity within their justice systems and facilitate efficient case processing and the integration of cultural values and remedies.

The center's commitment to promoting justice across the state legal system continues through various initiatives that further conversations on justice advocacy. ANJC actively works to educate state officials and justice system policymakers about issues affecting Alaska Native peoples and crises like the disproportionate rates of kidnapping and violence against Alaska Native women and girls. Efforts to this end include hosting workshops, conferences, and training events that address a range of topics relevant to Alaska Native communities and the field of Native law. By fostering open dialogue and promoting understanding, the ANJC represents the interests of Alaska Native communities to instigate and inform change in the broader legal system.

The Alaska Native Justice Center's multifaceted approach plays a crucial role in addressing the historical and ongoing challenges faced by Alaska Native communities within the justice system. Through advocacy, legal assistance and resources, and education initiatives, the ANJC helps Alaska Natives navigate the legal system and works to foster equitable treatment in the legal landscape.

​The American Bar Association (ABA) has recently spotlighted the disproportionate risks faced by members of Alaska Native and Native American communities in terms of abduction and violence. The ABA's Resolution 504, which was introduced and acknowledged during the ABA Midyear Meeting, serves as a response to these concerns and aims to address the associated issues. This article delves into the purpose of ABA’s Resolution 504 and the critical issues it identifies.

Addressing Disproportionate Risks and Amending Legislation
At the core of Resolution 504 is a call for legislative amendments to the Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to End the Exploitation of Children Today Act, which established the national Amber Alert program. The proposed amendment seeks to appoint a national tribal coordinator within the U.S. Department of Justice to oversee Amber Alerts involving Alaska Natives and American Indians who are reported missing, abducted, or in danger. This move aims to ensure that the Amber Alert system effectively extends its protections to individuals within tribal communities, including those who are 18 or older, thus closing the existing gaps in the current system.

Encouraging Government Entities and Hiring Regional Tribal Amber Alert Coordinators
Resolution 504 encourages government entities to ensure that their Amber Alert systems are inclusive of Alaska Natives and American Indians, and recommends the employment of regional tribal Amber Alert coordinators. These coordinators would collaborate with state and local law enforcement and establish internal and external reporting procedures. The resolution acknowledges the effectiveness of the Amber Alert system in aiding the recovery of individuals under the age of 18, emphasizing the need for its extension to all members of tribal communities, irrespective of age.

Recognizing Ongoing Challenges and Aiming for Greater Inclusivity
Despite the passage of the Ashlynne Mike Amber Alert in Indian Country Act, challenges persist in integrating tribal Amber Alert plans into state and regional programs. The Department of Justice's report following the act's implementation highlighted difficulties faced by tribal members in coordinating with state Amber Alert coordinators and participating in the program due to the size and terrain of their reservations. These challenges underscore the importance of Resolution 504 in recognizing and addressing the ongoing barriers to inclusivity within the Amber Alert system.

ABA’s Advocacy and Collaborative Efforts
The ABA has played a pivotal role in advocating for the resolution, with President Mary Smith sharing that the idea for Resolution 504 stemmed from an Alaska Native law student’s concerns about the ineffectiveness of the Amber Alert system in tribal communities. Resolution 504 represents a collaborative effort that also involved the Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice Native American Concerns Committee. The resolution garnered support from various ABA entities, including the Coalition on Racial and Ethnic Justice, the Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence, and the Commission on Women in the Profession, ultimately passing with overwhelming support.

The American Bar Association’s Resolution 504 serves as an important step in addressing the disparities in the application of the Amber Alert system and advocating for the protection of all members of tribal communities. By urging legislative amendments and promoting greater inclusivity, the resolution underscores the ABA’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of Alaska Natives and Native Americans.