Community Environmental Demonstration Projects
2016
ANTHC Recipients:
Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor – Shellfish Monitoring and Outreach
The CEDP grant allowed the Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor to create a baseline shellfish monitoring program. Shellfish is an important traditional food in the region, but can contain toxins (PSP). Traditional knowledge surrounding safe gathering times have become more unpredictable with warming temperatures, making monitoring and community outreach increasingly important. The project allowed the Tribe to develop a plan, purchase equipment and educate residents. Local youth were involved in the collection of samples and shipment to the laboratory. They also viewed and logged testing results when the tribe received them. Presentation
Chignik Lagoon Village Council–Climate Change & Mold Outreach
Over the years, increased moisture from changing weather conditions has resulted in more issues with mold in homes. Through the CEDP project, the Chignik Lagoon Village Council worked with students from the school to learn about mold in homes. They prepared outreach materials, talked with residents about mold issues and conducted a science fair experiment that involved the whole community. The grant allowed the tribe to provide dehumidifiers and humidity meters to households. The students collected humidity readings from residents and showcased the results at the school science fair.
Maniilaq Association–Traditional Knowledge and Climate Change in Northwest Alaska
The CEDP grant allowed the Maniilaq Association to conduct interviews with traditional knowledge bearers in several communities in the region about the “Changing Weather.” The interviews were documented and a video was created and shared in the region. Video
Sitka Tribe –Outreach Plan for Safe Shellfish in Southeast Alaska
Through this project the Sitka Tribe was able to expand their outreach efforts through the Southeast Alaska Tribal Toxins (SEATT) network to educate people about the threat of toxic shellfish and harmful algal blooms. Their efforts included public service announcements, Facebook updates and a video that educates people about Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, how it gets into clams and how to properly test shellfish at the Sitka Tribe of Alaska’s Environmental Research Lab. Video, Facebook, and Website
Yukon River Inter-Tribal Watershed Council (YRITWC)–Tribal Water Quality Guide & Video
The CEDP grant allowed the YRITWC to conduct water quality training in several communities along the Yukon River. They educated residents about the importance of community-based water quality monitoring. They documented this effort and developed a “Steward of the Yukon” educational video and a water quality monitoring video guide that will benefit all Alaska tribes.Educational Video.
Zender Recipients:
Native Village of Port Heiden – Improvements to Waste Management
The Native Village of Port Heiden received a grant to purchase a used oil burner and necessary supplies that will provide the community the ability to safely collect and dispose of used oils while creating an energy source. An expansion to this project allowed Port Heiden to build a comprehensive and equipped junk vehicle recycling program on-site.Brochure
2015
ANTHC Recipients:
Chickaloon Village Traditional Council – Environmental Stewardship Education
The CEDP grant allowed the Chickaloon Village Traditional Council to develop an educational tool to help strengthen cultural connections to traditional environmental stewardship practices. They engaged elders and youth in interviews and the development of an interactive learning module application. They shared their work on their Facebook pace and on their website. Brochure
Native Village of Diomede –Hazardous Waste Management and Education
Through the CEDP grant, the Native Village of Diomede was able to provide education to residents, including youth, about the risk of improperly managed hazardous waste in the community. They did a community waste assessment and engaged the community through various events. The Tribe worked with the school to introduce safer alternatives to common toxic household products and environmental stewardship. A community clean-up was arranged with the help of volunteers. Brochure, Presentation
Zender Recipients:
Holy Cross Village Council -Increasing Public Engagement to Recycle
The Holy Cross Village Council received a grant to purchase recycling bins for their community so they can increase the participating households from 22% to 95% (76 total households and businesses). Brochure
Native Village of Scammon Bay- Increasing Solid Waste Program Capacity
The Native Village of Scammon Bay received a grant to purchase a pre-fab building for their new baler that will provide the community the ability to achieve their goal, which is to maintain their “trench and bale” landfill. This is a new operation strategy for their community landfill.Brochure
2014
ANTHC Recipients:
Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor – Waste to warmth
The Alutiiq Tribe of Old Harbor received a grant to locally mill recycled paper, cardboard and wood into pellets that could be used to heat local buildings and homes. The project will contain community education relating to waste reduction, reuse and safe burn practices for better indoor air quality. Brochure, Presentation
Zender Recipients:
Native Village of Chuathbaluk – Youth environmental involvement
The Native Village of Chuathbaluk received a grant to introduce local youth to environmental challenges and to engage them in efforts to solve those challenges.
Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation – Reinventing the hopper
The Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation received a grant to develop and improved method for collecting and transporting “honey bucket” waste that would minimize health risks associated with spills and be more cost effective than previous methods.
Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments – LED lighting project
The Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments received a grant to install LED lights in local homes and business and monitor the efficiency. They will recycle old fixtures and provide local outreach on energy efficiency strategies.
2013
ANTHC Recipients:
Native Village of Ambler – Cross generational water quality project
The Native Village of Ambler received a grant to develop and introduce water quality curriculum in the schools in Ambler, Kobuk and Shungnak for grades 7-9. The three communities are in the process of starting the Kobuk River Intertribal Watershed Council and will also use the funding for water quality training and to begin collecting baseline data with the IGAP staff, youth and school teachers.
Pedro Bay Village Council – Antifreeze recycling project
The Pedro Bay Traditional Council received a grant to purchase an antifreeze recycler and provide local education about proper disposal of the chemical. The recycler will allow the village to process used antifreeze locally, create new usable antifreeze and minimize local health risks associated with improper disposal. Link to Project Educational Video
Zender Recipients:
Akiachak Native Community – Sewage haul tank project
The Akiachak Native Community received a grant to purchase a spill-proof sewage transfer tank that safely transports human waste from communal “honey bucket hoppers” to the disposal site without spilling human waste on roadways which are used by all members of the community. This project demonstrates what needs to be done in order to manage human waste in the most efficient and effective way to promote public and environmental health in communities that are not 100 percent served by piped water systems and still rely on a honey bucket system.
Ekuk Village Council – Green building salvage project
Ekuk Village Council received a grant to demolish and salvage an old school building in an environmentally friendly way. The salvaged lumber will be re-used by the community in various ways (steam-baths, repairing smokehouses, making flower boxes, etc.) This project will demonstrate what can be done with many of the abandoned buildings that are in communities across Alaska.
2012
ANTHC Recipients:
Native Village of Elim – Tubuktulik River watershed assessment project
The Native Village of Elim received a grant to develop a quality assurance project plan for water quality and quantity monitoring in the Tubuktulik River Watershed. They will also collect and compile new and existing data, collect traditional environmental knowledge about the watershed, provide community education, and will ultimately result in the development of a written watershed assessment
Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in Tribal Government (Fort Yukon) – Climate and environmental changes impacting the Yukon Flats
The Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in Tribal Government received a grant to identify and capture climate and other environmental changes in their community through the collection of photography and traditional knowledge. They will also create a radio show where local residents and statewide climate experts will be interviewed about various changes being observed. Adaptation strategies will also be discussed.
Kongiganak Traditional Council – Reducing contamination to soil and water from home heating fuel tanks
The Kongiganak Traditional Council received a grant to install containment racks under fuel tanks at a number of homes in the community to prevent fuel contamination. In addition, they will provide education to residents and local/regional organizations about the dangers associated with fuel spills and exposure.
Village of Lower Kalskag – Identifying and adapting to climate induced food security issues
The Village of Lower Kalskag received a grant to identify local food security issues relating to climate change. With the grant, they will collect local traditional knowledge through surveys and interviews, provide local adaptation and food storage strategies using local resources, and provide community education related to local food security.
Zender Recipients:
Native Village of Mekoryuk – Mekoryuk subsistence lands clean-up
The Native Village of Mekoryuk received a grant to carry out a clean-up of the community’s subsistence lands. The clean-up project will improve environmental and community health, subsistence travel safety, and increase environmental awareness.
Native Village of Gakona – Demonstrating the practicability of recycling plastics with a plastic-to-oil machine
The Native Village of Gakona received a grant to purchase a machine that converts used plastic into usable oil. The project will help the community move forward in increasing participation in the recycling program and reducing the amount of non-biodegradable waste entering the landfill.
Kokhanok Village Council – Asiffyuq: The Beautification of Kokhanok
The Kokhanok Village Council received a grant to backhaul stockpiled batteries out of the community. The process will be documented in the form of an educational movie that other communities can use to carry out a similar project.
Huslia Tribal Council – Creation of a solid waste bin service
The Huslia Tribal Council received a grant to start a community trash collection program. The program will include a community education/outreach component and result in a reduction in regular burn barrel use by community residents.
Aleknagik Traditional Council – Creation of a community-wide solid waste collection service
The Aleknagik Traditional Council received a grant to start a household trash collection program. The program will address issues of difficult landfill access by community residents and lake crossing safety.
2011
ANTHC Recipients:
Angoon Community Association – Air quality project
The Angoon Community Association received a grant to collect indoor air quality data from homes within the community and to conduct visual mold assessments. The data collected will be presented to various local and regional agencies to aide in planning for future housing needs.
Native Village of Newtok – Honey bucket sanitation improvements
The Native Village of Newtok received a grant to assist them in moving forward with a honey bucket home collection program in the community using an innovative pump system that they’ve created. The collection program will help to minimize sewage spills in the community and reduce residents’ exposure to human waste.
Native Village of Napaimute – Alternative energy project
The Native Village of Napaimute utilized grant funds to purchase solar panels and a wind turbine to complement their existing generator and battery bank in order to supply year-round power to their Tribal building.
Holy Cross Tribe- Landfill improvements
The Holy Cross Tribe received a grant to purchase a Tok burn unit for their landfill, make landfill improvements and to educate their community about the importance of properly managing their trash.
Native Village of Gakona – Composting and water conservation
The Native Village of Gakona received a grant to improve their community garden by implementing composting and creating a water catchment system. Another aspect of the grant includes community education about indoor air quality and the importance of a healthy diet.
2010
ANTHC Recipients:
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska – Energy efficiency project in Angoon
CCTHITA received a Community Environmental Demonstration Project grant to perform energy efficiency retrofits on a home in Angoon and monitor energy usage before and after. They created a video outlining the process and results can be viewed at www.sustainangoon.org
Kenaitze Indian Tribe – Elders traditional ecological knowledge potlatch in Kenai
The Kenaitze Indian Tribe received a Community Environmental Demonstration Project grant to host a traditional potlatch where elders will come together with tribal leaders, youth and environmental managers to pass along their traditional ecological knowledge. A short documentary will be produced that focuses on environmental change from a tribal perspective.
Algaaciq Tribal Government – Woodstove change-out project in St. Mary’s
The Native Village of St. Mary’s Algaaciq Tribal Government received a Community Environmental Demonstration Project grant to replace old non-compliant wood-stoves with EPA approved stoves in 12 homes to improve indoor air quality and increase energy efficiency.
Traditional Council of Togiak – Used-oil Recycling in Togiak
The Traditional Council of Togiak received a Community Environmental Demonstration Project grant to purchase a used oil furnace to heat their tribal office and health clinic by recycling used oil.
RurAL CAP Recipients:
Chilkoot Indian Village – Recycling education in Haines
Chilkoot Indian Village is partnering with the Haines Friends of Recycling to create a model for recycling education outreach. Outreach strategies will include public service announcements, working with youth in the community and hosting workshops for community members.
Pedro Bay – Balefill project compact trash
Pedro Bay is creating a balefill project to reduce the amount of scattered litter, reduce the amount of human activity near the dump site, and to eliminate the need to burn. Purchases for this project include a baler, a trailer for hauling trash to the landfill and a large tarp to cover the bales.
Native Village of Eyak – Recycling program enhancements in Cordova
The Native Village of Eyak is performing a one-time enhancement of their recycling program. Households in Cordova will receive separations containers for different kinds of solid waste. The recycling collection containers for the community will also be retrofit and provide easier access for residents to drop off recyclables.
Native Village of Elim – Creation of solid waste collection service
The Native Village of Elim is creating a fee-based collection system for solid waste. Purchases will include a vehicle and trailers to collect the solid waste at a nominal fee. This will reduce the amount of human contact in and around the dump, while enacting a level of sustainability to continue collection in the future.
Nunakauyak Traditional Council – Creation of solid waste collection service in Toksook Bay
The Nunakauyak Traditional council is creating a fee-based collection system for solid waste. Purchases will include a vehicle, a trailer to collect the solid waste and potentially dump site signage. This will reduce the amount of human contact in and around the dump, while enacting a level of sustainability to continue collection in the future.
Native Village of Eyak – Plastics recycling program
The Native Village of Eyak received a Community Environment Demonstration Grant to initiate a plastic recycling program in Cordova. They are purchasing container bins to collect the waste, and are creating community awareness through partnerships and education initiatives.
2009
ANTHC Recipients:
Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium – Community greenhouse with solar energy
Mt. Sanford Tribal Consortium received a Community Environmental Demonstration Grant to create a community greenhouse which will use solar power as an energy source. Known air purifying plants will be grown and distributed to people in the community to help improve indoor air quality. Pesticide free produce will be grown locally in the garden, reducing emissions caused by alternative transporting produce into the community.
Native Village of Kalskag – Landfill fencing and trash collection service
The Native Village of Kalskag received a Community Environmental Demonstration Grant to install a fence around their landfill to help contain trash and to start a trash collection service to ensure proper disposal of wastes.
Native Village of Port Graham – Drainage ditch dump clean-up
Port Graham Traditional Council received a Community Environmental Demonstration Grant to clean-up their drainage ditch landfill which has been a concern in the community for many years. The clean-up will help to enhance human health and the environment.
St. George Island Traditional Council – Small scale wind energy
The St. George Island Traditional Council received a Community Environmental Demonstration Grant to purchase and install a small wind turbine, which will help supply electricity to their Tribal building. This alternative energy source will help reduce emissions and save resources.
Native Village of Tununak – Landfill Fencing
The Native Village of Tununak received a Community Environmental Demonstration Grant to provide community environmental education and to finish putting up a fence around their landfill to help contain waste.
RurAL CAP Recipients:
Native Village of Tetlin – Creation of a new recycling program
The Native Village of Tetlin received a Community Environmental Demonstration Grant to start a recycling program in the community. They refurbished an old, donated building to house recyclables such as lead acid batteries as well as aluminum cans and plastics. They are also producing educational materials and will provide containers for in-home separation of recyclables.
Petersburg Indian Association – Worm Composting Project
The Petersburg Indian Association received a Community Environment Demonstration Grant to create a composting program in the community to help reduce food waste. Worm composters were purchased and placed in the school to breakdown food waste, which then creates compost. Waste reduction is important since wastes are shipped out of the community.
Native Village of Igiugig – Community Recycling Center & Alternative Heat Source
The Native Village of Igiugig received a Community Demonstration Grant to create a sustainable recycling center in the community. As a portion of the recycling program, they are initiating a system to create heat from recyclables to heat their greenhouse and chicken coop. The result of the project will also improve the amount of organic foods produced in Igiugig.
Native Village of Napaimute – Wood as an alternative heat source
The Native Village of Napaimute received a Community Environment Demonstration Grant to begin a wood briquette making process. They are clearing old wood from around their area and then cleaning and drying it. They are then using equipment that will allow them to press the wood into briquettes. The briquettes will be used to heat homes and community building.