SUBSISTENCE HUNTING

The first priority lies in finding ways to support subsistence hunting, as a means of protecting food security, traditional values and language on St. Lawrence Island and the rest of Alaska. 

Hunting is the lifeblood of Gambell, but also so much more than this, it is a deeply challenging physical and spiritual activity that demands discipline and focus, helping to steer young teenagers from depression and drugs. Hunting in Gambell also helps preserve the Siberian Yupik language, and the ancient knowledge and traditions held within.

Championing Indigenous Lifeways is at the heart of the OWTW, and so a key priority is identifying ways in which the film can tangibly support the continuation of subsistence hunting in Sivuqaq. We know from the film that young hunters such as Chris, are crucial to the food security of the village of Gambell. In the words of headmaster Rob Taylor ‘If you don’t hunt, you die’. 70-80% of the diet in Gambell comes from subsistence. Chris plays a vital part supporting not just his own family, but also other vulnerable members of the village including widows and families with no active hunters to supply game. But what can be done to support whaling captains and crews such as Chris?

The One with the Whale team will travel out to Gambell to meet with elders, community members and whaling captains, to discuss solutions to support the whaling fleet. Should it revolve around immediate needs like new whaling boats, new engines, bullets and guns? Or should funding go towards something more long lasting, a mentorship program to support an inter-generational passing of knowledge from elders to youth? Either way a fund needs to be created to help finance each trajectory.

Working under the framework of Free Prior and Informed consent, OWTW team and other community members will first of all participate in a round table weekend of discussions, followed by implementation of a multi-year strategy to support the hunters and community.