The Challenge

The community of Tlákw Aan (Klukwan) faces intensifying climate-related threats—including record-breaking extreme precipitation and destructive landslides—that endanger human life, infrastructure, and cultural resources. To address these risks, the Chilkat Indian Village required a multi-year initiative to move from reactive crisis management toward a proactive, tribally led climate response program.

Since 2018, I have led the development and implementation of this program within the CIV Environmental Department, working alongside Tribal Leaders, staff, and researchers. This work is rooted in the Jilkaat Kwaan’s adaptive capacity and resilience practices maintained since time immemorial.

1. Climate Risk Assessment & Planning

I facilitated multi-year processes to assess vulnerabilities as they relate to critical village infrastructure and traditional foods.

• Vulnerability Analysis: We evaluated the sensitivity of over 30 traditional plant and animal species and essential utilities like the water and sewer systems.

• Science Integration: I partnered with climate scientists to translate complex regional projections into local understandings of shifting watershed types and thermal stress.

2. Strategic Adaptation Plan Development

I led the creation of a comprehensive climate adaptation plan, translating scientific data and community knowledge into actionable strategies.

• Defined Objectives: The process outlined specific response measures, identified necessary resources, and defined clear objectives for long-term sustainability.

• Resilience Frameworks: I co-authored the final plan to serve as a technical and strategic reference for the Tribe and its partners.

3. Inter-Governmental & Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

A central pillar of my role was facilitating dialogues and partnerships between the Tribal Government, federal and state agencies, and academic institutions.

• Strategic Partnerships: I managed collaborations with the USGS, University of Alaska, and Department of Energy to bring technical resources to the valley.

• Consensus Building: I ensured that these diverse stakeholders remained aligned with the Tribe’s goals for protecting natural and cultural resources.

4. Capacity Building & Governance

I supported the Tribal Government in enhancing its governance capacity to proactively address environmental change.

• Proactive Leadership: This work enabled the Tribe to lead natural resource management and cultural protection initiatives, such as the tribally led geohazard program.

• Departmental Support: I assisted the Environmental Department in coordinating with Housing, Transportation, and Emergency Operations to integrate resilience across all government sectors.

5. Monitoring & Response Frameworks

Working with researchers, we developed frameworks for ongoing hazard monitoring and rapid response protocols.

• Real-time Assessment: We designed monitoring systems for landslide impacts, drawing lessons from real-time hazard assessments.

• Monitoring Infrastructure: Coordinating researchers and Tribal staff we launched the deployment of infrasound sensors, game cameras, and seismometers to inform future safety decisions.