Alaska’s Environmental Justice Landscape Scan

Produced by Rural Community Assistance Corporation

As a partner of the Northwest Environmental Justice Center (NWEJC), Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC) conducted a scan of the environmental justice landscape in Alaska, which is home to 229 of the 574 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. The purpose of the scan was to identify the needs of tribal-led, community-based, and statewide organizations addressing environmental justice issues throughout the region so that the NWEJC’s technical assistance reaches the communities that need the resources and support the most.

In March 2024, RCAC held a listening session with approximately 20-25 represented tribes and agencies to learn what these groups identified as: 

• their definitions of environmental justice,

• the two biggest environmental issues affecting their communities, 

• what is needed to make their community healthy, and

• what RCAC, NWEJC, and other agencies can do to assist them. 

The scan also provides a historical overview of the colonization of Indigenous communities in the region and lists tribal, community-based, and statewide organizations currently addressing environmental justice issues. The round-up also includes the names and contact information of RCAC’s key “community connectors,” by organization and region. These are individuals who amplify the voices and concerns of the communities they serve. They play a vital role in bridging the gap between environmental justice resources and the communities that need the support the most.

The landscape scan serves as a foundational document to inform strategic actions and collaborations aimed at building equitable, sustainable, healthy, and resilient tribal and rural communities in Alaska. We realize the scan may not capture every environmental justice initiative, and not all contacted Tribes and organizations participated in the listening session. We welcome suggestions from communities, organizations, and others regarding what we should include in future editions.

Here is a preview of our findings

According to the attendees of RCAC’s listening session, the top five interconnected environmental issues affecting tribal and rural communities throughout Alaska include: 

Melting permafrost: 

• Permafrost melting leads to soil instability, erosion, flooding, and damage to homes, roads, and boardwalks.

• Coastal and riverbank erosion threatens infrastructure and traditional lands.

Water quality and sanitation issues:

• Lack of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities, especially in rural areas.

• Aging or inadequate water and sewer systems.

Decline of subsistence resources:

• Declining fish stocks, particularly salmon, and changes in berry availability due to environmental changes.

• Impacts on food security and the cultural well-being of communities reliant on subsistence lifestyles.

Pollution and legacy waste:

• Contamination from aging tank farms, military pollution, derelict vessels, and hazardous waste like PFAS and fire retardants.

• Landfills are inadequate for growing populations, creating additional health risks.

Extreme weather events and natural disasters:

• Erratic storms, wildfires, and other climate-driven events are increasing in frequency and intensity.

• These events exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, such as damage to infrastructure and displacement risks.

The top five needs identified to restore the physical, social, and cultural health of these communities and to foster their resilience against environmental and economic challenges include: 

Clean water and adequate sanitation:

• Access to safe drinking water and updated water and sewer systems are fundamental for public health.

• Investments in sanitation infrastructure to prevent contamination and disease.

Secure and resilient infrastructure:

• Improved housing that is energy-efficient, affordable, and designed for Alaska's unique conditions.

• Upgrades to roads, boardwalks, and other essential infrastructure to withstand climate impacts, like permafrost melting and erosion.

Food security and subsistence resource protection:

• Ensuring access to traditional subsistence foods such as fish and game, which are vital for cultural and nutritional health.

• Policies and funding to support food sovereignty and address declining natural resources.

Renewable energy and affordable utilities:

• Development of alternative, renewable energy options to reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels.

• Initiatives like Power Cost Equalization (PCE) to make energy affordable for rural communities.

Workforce Development and Education:

• Training and hiring local people for roles like utility operators, mechanics, and plumbers to maintain infrastructure.

• Education programs that integrate traditional knowledge with modern skills to prepare youth for leadership and sustainable community development.

The top five needs identified for technical assistance and training include:

Support with capacity building and self-sufficiency:

• Help communities navigate complex regulations and provide support for grant writing, management, and reporting.

• Offer training programs for local operators, utility managers, and maintenance personnel to ensure self-sufficient infrastructure management.

Access to resources and funding:

• Develop "cheat sheets" and guides to simplify access to funding opportunities and streamline application processes.

• Advocate for equitable funding distribution to ensure rural and disadvantaged communities are eligible for critical programs.

Resources for upgrading infrastructure:

• Help address aging and inadequate infrastructure, such as water and sewer systems, landfills, and housing.

• Provide resources to combat specific issues like road dust, mining waste, and mold in homes.

Promote Tribal sovereignty and cultural integration:

• Ensure Indigenous voices and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) are respected and integrated into decision-making processes.

• Recognize the sovereignty of tribal governments in policy-making and infrastructure development.

Enhance community engagement and collaboration:

• Foster meaningful and continuous engagement with local stakeholders, ensuring their feedback is valued and incorporated.

• Build partnerships that connect communities with regional, state, and federal resources to address systemic challenges collectively.