The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska

Locals in Unalaska are partnering with a regional Native organization to preserve Unangam Tunuu for future generations.

In this episode of “Island Interviews,” KUCB’s Sofia Stuart-Rasi sat down with Jackie Adams, the City of Unalaska's grants coordinator, Dr. Shanoy Anderson, the environmental director with the Qawalangin Tribe, and Donna Van Flein, corporate affairs and grants coordinator for the Ounalashka Corporation.

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska depends on federal funding for most of its programs, including food distribution services and cultural activities. That funding was recently threatened by changes at the national level, including within the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Shaishnikoff takes the reins from former council president and interim tribal administrator Katherine McGlashan. McGlashan was chosen for both roles in October, but stepped down Feb. 11.

In this episode of "Island Interviews," Wolfang Matilda Tutiakoff shared with KUCB's Kanesia McGlashan-Price what researchers discovered underwater near Attu Island and their personal journey during the expedition. They also highlighted the cultural and emotional significance of reclaiming the island.

The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska is going through major leadership changes. CEO Chris Price and Tribal Council President Nick Tutiakoff both stepped down late last month. Board member Katherine McGlashan took the helm as council president Oct. 30.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has restricted fishing within 500 yards of the McLees Lake river mouth July 1-9.

While blue mussels are a traditional source of subsistence food in Unalaska, in recent years, reduced numbers and concerns about paralytic shellfish poisoning, or PSP, have limited the amount locals can safely harvest.

In this episode of "Island Interviews," Ingrid Goodyear, Alaska's MMIP Coordinator for the U.S. Attorney's Office, discusses the federal government's involvement in addressing MMIP in the state and what actions Unalaskans can take to help.

Unalaska is still pursuing the Makushin Geothermal Project, even after a rocky four years to try to get the project off the ground. Today, the Ounalashka Corp. board of directors plans to meet to discuss ways to move forward, which could include dissolving its partnership with Chena Power, essentially buying them out.