A Holistic Definition of Healthy Traditional Harvest Practices for Rural Indigenous Communities in Interior Alaska

Abstract

Traditional harvest practices of the harvesting and sharing of fish, wildlife, and other wild resources are an integral source of food security that support physical, mental, and spiritual wellness, education, socio-economic development, and cultural identity of Indigenous communities in Interior Alaska. Many significant changes, including climate change, are impacting this way of life and challenging secure access to foods vital for sustenance and cultural preservation. We use a case study approach to develop a holistic and place-based definition of traditional harvest practices of Indigenous commu­nities in rural Interior Alaska that expands upon commonly accepted definitions of food security. This definition emphasizes the role of ecological health, culture, and decision-making power in strengthening food security and sovereignty. We also highlight how multistakeholer partnerships foster capacity building that can support commu­nities in their efforts to advocate for food security and sovereignty.

Keywords

• Indigenous Food Systems
• Wild Foods
• Interior Alaska
• Traditional Livelihoods
• Food Security
• Food Sovereignty