Sociocultural Features of the Bering Strait Region

Abstract

AbstractThe Bering Strait Region is the homeland and current home to Inupiaq, Yu’pik, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, Siberian Yupik and Chukchi people, as well as the contemporary home to non-Indigenous residents. The traditional subsistence practices and Traditional Knowledge of the region’s Indigenous people are key factors in the maintenance of cultural identity and food security. Climate change, vessel traffic, research activities, tourism, co-management, and infrastructure are among the many challenges and opportunities faced by region communities today. In particular, the loss of sea ice is a current and growing problem that contributes to food insecurity and creates risks to the health and well-being of Indigenous communities. Governance actions should support the maintenance of healthy communities, ecosystems and economies; should actively assist in promoting access to subsistence resources; and should enhance the ability and capacity of Tribes and Indigenous communities to enact self-governance.