Walruses, Subsistence, and Three-Eyed Seeing

SEARCH presented its ongoing examination into walrus accessibility in the Bering and Chukchi seas to the Eskimo Walrus Commission (EWC) in December 2023. A collaboration between academic, Indigenous, and policy researchers, the project aims to better understand and respond to  the impacts of environmental change on hunters’ access to walruses across western Alaska and eastern Siberia. Engagement with the EWC, therefore, is vital. SEARCH co-chair Vera Kingeekuk Metcalf is Executive Director of the commission, which represents 19 Alaskan coastal walrus hunting communities in co-managing Pacific walrus with the US Fish & Wildlife Service.Vera and Brendan walked the commission members through our progress in braiding hunters’ detailed observations of how walruses interact with sea ice at local scales with analyses of historical ice conditions and models of future ice conditions. Brendan concluded by demonstrating how we are seeking solutions to changing walrus accessibility by seeing with the eyes of Indigenous Knowledge holders, scientists, and decision makers. Our efforts are well-received; the Commission unanimously voted to endorse the project.