How SEARCH Engages Community: Gambell, St. Lawrence Island, Alaska

Merle Apassingok is a whaling boat co-captain, a commissioned pastor for Gambell Presbyterian Church, and until recently, a Bering Air agent in Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. As a SEARCH researcher, Merle shares Yupik knowledge of the Arctic environment with his SEARCH colleagues, and he shares the collaborative work of SEARCH with his community. Thus, in February 2023, Merle hosted Vera Metcalf and Brendan Kelly in meetings with the Native Village of Gambell, the City of Gambell, Sivuqaq Inc., and community members. Over several hours in February, he enlisted Elders Bruce Boolowon, Iver Campell, Clement Ungott, and Raymond Oozevaseuk to share through audio recordings their knowledge of the changing Arctic. When introducing SEARCH to Elders, Merle stressed the importance of Indigenous and scientific understanding “helping decision makers—the writers and decision makers of policy—of our nation and, hopefully, beyond, so they can address the rapid change that is happening in the Arctic, because many lives are at stake.” Hear Merle describing SEARCH to his Elders here.