Post by Corey Huebner

Alaska is warming at more than twice the global average rate, with temperatures rising a staggering 4°F in the last 50 years alone. Behind this alarming statistic are communities whose ways of life, dating back thousands of years, face unprecedented disruption—particularly Alaska Native peoples whose cultural practices, food security, and traditional knowledge systems are intimately tied to environments now rapidly transforming. This past week, I traveled to Alaska, where I began my ethnographic research through the Stamps Scholars Program. My work explores how Alaska Native communities experience the impacts of climate change and how they may process climate grief through artistic expression. Through interviews with tribal members, professors, musicians, artists, etc., I witnessed firsthand the complex intersection of environmental change and cultural resilience. What struck me most was how art serves not only as a documentation of loss but also as a powerful mechanism for healing, adaptation, and resilience. One moment during this trip has continued to stick with me. I was invited to observe a Tlingit dance performance at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. What happened next was unexpected. With an extended hand from Dr. Maria Williams, I quickly found myself at the front and center of the stage, draped in traditional regalia, dancing alongside the dance group. Despite obvious inexperience, there was no judgment, only joy in sharing their traditions. They weren't concerned about my awkward movements; what mattered was creating a space of cultural exchange, welcome, and belonging. This experience embodied what my research continues to reveal: in the face of profound environmental change, cultural sharing and artistic expression aren't luxuries—they're essential components of community resilience and healing. I am extremely thankful to Dr. Maria Williams, Jessica Ross, Zachary Milliman, and everyone who shared their stories and welcomed me. The lessons from Alaska's communities have implications far beyond the Arctic as we all navigate an uncertain climate future. Stay tuned for future plans to continue this work, including an upcoming videography project. This collaborative advocacy effort aims to uplift the voices, stories, and knowledge of Alaska Native communities who have generously partnered with me in this important endeavor. #ClimateResearch #IndigenousKnowledge #AlaskaNative #CulturalResilience #StampsScholars #Dartmouth #Ethnography #ClimateAction