Sustainable Development in the Bering Strait: Indigenous Values and the Challenge of Collaborative Governance
ABSTRACT Climate change heightens the vulnerability of Alaska's indigenous communities to shipping in the Bering Strait. Federal policy requiring "meaningful consultation and collaboration" with Alaska's native communities does not adequately ensure utilization of indigenous knowledge in policy practices, consideration of native governance, or the facilitation of relationships strengthening collaborative processes. The discrepancy between present practices and Alaska Native expectations is examined in a recent U.S. Coast Guard survey raising questions concerning the capacity of federal consultative practices to safeguard indigenous communities. Results support scholarly findings on the value of relational knowledge for strengthening collaborative procedures with indigenous communities. Strengthened relationships between Alaska Native communities and agencies like USCG should enhance sustainable maritime and resources practices in the Bering Strait.