SHISHMAREF, Alaska — “Home sweet home.” That’s how Helen Kakoona calls her Alaska Native village of Shishmaref when asked what it means to live on a remote barrier island near the Arctic Circle. “Water is rising and this island is getting smaller.” Joe Eningowuk, 62, and his grandson, Isaiah Kakoona, 7, stand for a photo in the lagoon while getting …
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “It’s hard to see myself living elsewhere,” said Weyiouanna, …
SHISHMAREF, Alaska — Search online for the little town of Shishmaref and you’ll see homes perilously close to falling into the ocean, and headlines that warn that this Native community on a border island in western Alaska -- without access to main roads to the mainland or running water -- is on the verge of disappearing. Anna Silco, a co-pastor …
JUNEAU, Alaska — The greatest environmental threats to Alaska Native communities include erosion, flooding and thawing permafrost, a new study found. The study results issued last month found the environmental hazards continue to worsen because of climate change, Alaska’s Energy Desk reported Sunday. The three-year, $700,000 study examined 187 communities, primarily in western Alaska, that are on or near the …
