The Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska

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.

In this episode of “Island Interview,” the Qawalangin Tribe’s Environmental Director Mandy Salminen and Resilience Coordinator Shayla Shaishnikoff discuss the multifaceted impacts of warmer winters in the Aleutian Islands and how the community can contribute to climate change research.

The United States military left many contaminated areas around Unalaska when they pulled out after World War II, like oil tanks and chemicals that polluted streams and soils. Now, the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska is teaming up with scientists from universities in Arizona, Nevada and Alaska to address the contamination.