Building diversity, equity and inclusion

Alaska Sea Grant is committed to deepening understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion and how social justice intersects with our work. We continue to explore how to integrate DEI in all that we do, including learning, acknowledging and incorporating multiple ways of knowing into more aspects of our work. 

Recently, our staff and faculty gathered at the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center. As a part of this meeting, we watched the documentary film Keep Talking, which follows the efforts of Alutiiq elders and young people to preserve their language. Dehrich Schmidt-Chya, Language and Living Culture Manager from the Alutiiq Museum in Kodiak, shared information about the Alutiiq language, culture and history. 

For a second year this summer, Alaska Sea Grant will participate in the Sea Grant Community Engaged Internship program, a 10-week paid internship for undergraduate students from under-resourced, underrepresented and/or Indigenous populations. The program aims to diversify participation in coastal, ocean and marine sciences by providing training and mentorship for college students with an interest in marine policy, marine science, science communication or other STEM-related fields. An important aspect of the program is its emphasis on recruiting, retaining and engaging diverse students in place-based research, extension, education or communication that respects and integrates local ways of knowing. 

Alaska Sea Grant’s statement of diversity, equity and inclusion continues to evolve as we learn, improve, and incorporate new plans for implementation.

If you have ideas for how Alaska Sea Grant can better address the marine and coastal issues facing Alaska’s diverse communities, please reach out to any of our staff or your local Marine Advisory Program agent.