American Indian Report - July 2008 - (Page 24)

transport them to their organization by means of the natural way of feeding and living. In 2006 and 2007, Alaska Marine Highway vessel Tustemena,” Squart- a partnership with the city government resulted in soff said. “We have had no problems working with an electric fence that keeps bears out of the landfill them, and they are extremely helpful when needed. We also work with the Kodiak Island Borough for the disposal of our household hazardous waste.” There are environmental problems unique to Alaska, particularly bear issues. “It seems that almost every spring, summer and fall we hear stories about a bear rummaging through Port Lions. Photo courtesy of the Village of Port Lions someone’s garbage or breaking into their storage shed to forage for food or whatever and minimizes the amount of litter found along the may pique their interest,” Squartsoff said. “The litter roadside. factor used to present a big problem here in Port Overall, the Village Environmental Committee’s Lions because of high winds and snow that builds up activities have been very successful, Squartsoff said; over existing litter piles. Every year in the summer, however, it has faced obstacles in building an active we engage in an annual clean-up day where a ma- committee. Finding people that are willing and able jority of the community participates in the cleanup to attend meetings and supply input where they of our road systems.” felt it was needed was challenging, Squartsoff said. By cleaning up the road systems, the village Once in place, the efforts paid off. minimizes the contact that bears have with human One of the biggest lessons the village has learned is waste and, therefore, keep them accustomed to their to reach out to others with environmental expertise. “If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask. We feel that the biggest For a look at other tribes that have been error some tribal environmental featured in this on-going series, click here. programs can make is to not utilize the help that other more experienced programs can offer. Also, we feel that by attending conferences and trainings, you can find numerous resources to help educate and enrich your department’s knowledge and capabilities,” Squartsoff said. n For more information, contact: Amanda Squartsoff, Environmental Specialist, Native Village of Port Lions, 907-454-2234; Adrian R. Francis, Native Village of Port Lions, 907-454-2234. 24 July 2008 American Indian Report http://www.falmouthinstitute.com/air/may08/bp.html

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of American Indian Report - July 2008

American Indian Report - July 2008 Contents Wolf Research; Native Language Scrabble; Indian Baseball History; Art; NEA Award Ethics & Standards of Conduct: Dual Roles - A Balancing Act Congress: Activity on the Hill Knowing Your Customer Grants: Tribal Transit Program - Putting Public Transportation in Rural Tribal Communities Indian Country Struggles with Skyrocketing Gas Prices Isolated Village Tackles Unique Environmental Issues CSKT and Wildlife Service Sign Bison Range Agreement Fostering Connections to Success Act Passed in House Tribal Government: Strategic Planning - A Shorter Assessment Process

American Indian Report - July 2008

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