Naknek hosts Western Alaska science conference

For a few days in April, Naknek became a flurry of science talks and sharing stories at the 17th Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference (WAISC). This year’s conference, focusing on the theme “Sustaining the Past While Advancing the Future,” was held at the Naknek Native Village Council. Providing the keynote address was Adelheid Herrmann with the UAF Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Policy, who grew up in Naknek. 

“I was happy to share my postdoc work with community members and scientists at WAISC,” said Herrmann. “I learned a lot about what others were doing around the region and state. It was a well-organized meeting with a lot of time for networking, visiting and touring the community. The community engagement was phenomenal as was the food. Quyana to [conference chair] Tav [Ammu] and the other organizers!”

In conjunction with the interdisciplinary science presentations, attendees had the opportunity to participate in field trips and activities, including a driving tour of the town, a tour of the museum and historical society, and creating crafts in the local Native Alaskan tradition. They came together with people from Naknek and nearby King Salmon for meals, a bonfire, and a community potluck, sharing information and stories in a safe and engaging environment.

WAISC is held in various locations around Western Alaska, a region that doesn’t frequently host science conferences. The annual event was started by UAF Bristol Bay Campus faculty Todd Radenbaugh and is coordinated by a partnership between Alaska Sea Grant and rural UAF campuses in Western Alaska. 

“The reason we host WAISC in these communities, and not in Anchorage or by Zoom, is to reach the community members that are impacted by the things that are being studied here, and also to hear and learn from them,” said Tav Ammu, the regional Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory agent and conference chair. “The great connections and work that can be accomplished together happens just as much during the informal settings as it does during the presentations.”

The conference organizers are grateful to the planning committee, session chairs, Naknek Native Village Council, and the UAF Bristol Bay Campus for helping ensure science, research, and information is shared freely between communities in Western Alaska, local organizations, and universities.

The location and dates of next year’s conference will be announced in the coming months. To be notified by email of future WAISC conference announcements, including dates, calls for presentations, student participation opportunities, funding assistance, and registration, email Alaska Sea Grant.