Yukon River
Inter-Tribal
Watershed Council
OUTREACH, INVOLVEMENT, AND CAPACITY
BY WILLOUGHBY PETERSON
About YRITWC

Mission


50 Year Vision
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We, the Indigenous Tribes/First Nations from the headwaters to the
mouth of the Yukon River, having been placed here by our Creator, do
hereby agree to initiate and continue the clean up and preservation of
the Yukon River for the protection of our own and future generations of
our Tribes/First Nations and for the continuation of our traditional Native
way of life.
To be Able to Drink Water, Directly From the Yukon River
Guiding Principles:

Be Good Listeners, Be Inclusive, Have Consensus, Be Respectful, Have
Integrity, Share Wisdom, Be Honest, Be Trustworthy, Be Timely, Be Patient,
Be Non-judgmental, Be Bold/Tenacious and Flexible
About YRITWC


Indigenous Grassroots Organization

Formed in 1997 due to health concerns related to industries along the
Yukon River – Still a concern

73 First Nations and Tribes – One of the largest of its kind
Dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Yukon River
Watershed, it’s people and their way of life
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Providing Technical Assistance
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Facilitating the development and exchange of information
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Coordinating efforts between Tribes, coalitions, and other organizations

Undertaking Research

Provide Training, Education and Awareness Programs
About The Watershed

Third Largest River in North America
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Nearly 2000 Miles in Length
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Over 320,000 Square Miles
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Approximately 126,000 Residents
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One of the Longest and most important
salmon runs in the world; Chinook, Coho,
Chum
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Longest inhabited region in America

Over 400 Potential Brownfield Sites
Outreach

Have You Talked to a Tribe Today?

Phone Calls and Fax
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Email – Can be difficult due to VERY High Satellite Internet Costs

Conferences – Limited representation

Travel is Most effective

Regional or Annual Meetings
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River Profile Trips
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Combine Program Goals
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Community Meetings
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Bi-Annual Summit –
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2017 in Carcross Canada
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Presentations
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Open Dialogue
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Discussions
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Resolutions
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Cultural Involvement
Involvement
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Scholarships – Travel costs in Rural Alaska are highest in the Nation
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Promote Established Skills
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
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Example: Fishermen often have boats, another means of transport

Heavy Equipment Operators

Local Knowledge
Training that makes sense

Asbestos – Old BIA Schools

Freon (ATCEM) – Backhauling freezers
Volunteers

Water Quality Monitoring
Capacity

YRITWC staff have taken Qualified Samplers Course


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Can work with Qualified Environmental Professionals
QEP Through Certification or License
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P.E. , P.G., or other Equivalent from State or Tribe

Three years of full-time relevant experience
QEP Through Educational Requirements

Baccalaureate or higher degree in engineering or science

Five years of full-time relevant experience
Community Members that have attended 40-Hr Trainings have
opportunity to gain experience as well
Thank you!
Questions?
Willoughby Peterson
YRITWC Tribal Response Program
Telephone: (907) 258‐3337
Email: [email protected]
Joy D. Britt, MPH
ANTHC Tribal Response Program
Telephone: (907) 729‐5630
Email: [email protected]