Russian and American BSSN participants came to Anchorage for First Face-to-Face Meeting
Aleut International Association Newsletter, Volume 2, Issue 4, December 2007

AIA hosted the first face to face meeting for representatives from the six Bering Sea Sub-Network member communities October 15-19. Participants traveled to Anchorage from Gambell, Dillingham, and Togiak in Alaska and from Kanchalan, Tymlat, and Nikolskoye in the Russian Federation. Their aim: to determine the overall goals, structure, and procedural guidelines of the network; to design a draft questionnaire for the initial survey; and to help map the future of this exciting project.

Sally Swetzof from Atka opened the conference with thoughtful commentary. “Remember,” she said, “that what you are doing will benefit many people- not just the people who live in your village. It will benefit many more people who live throughout the Bering Sea region.” Representatives from each community then presented an introduction to their locale. Presentations included beautiful photographs of the villages and their surroundings, information on culture and customs and local resource use. Many participants also brought traditional foods to share, an added touch that was welcomed and enjoyed by all.

The long hours and hard work that participants devoted to discussions throughout the week paid off and the meeting met its stated goals. The formation of the steering committee, approval of procedural guidelines, and the decision on governance- all provide the necessary structure for BSSN to function effectively. The organizational structure established will provide for the extension of the BSSN program and future expansion of the network.

A great deal of time went to the development of the first draft of the survey instrument. Community representatives and scientists collaborated to produce a draft instrument that reflects and addresses members’ concerns. This meeting was a significant accomplishment that contributes to the long term goals of BSSN as it seeks improve sustainability of resources. 

The October workshop provided the foundation for future cooperation as BSSN seeks to promote cultural connections and communication between Bering Sea communities. Community representatives began to share their similar experiences and concerns, a process that will continue throughout the course of the project.

At the end of the week, attendees’ comments reflected enthusiasm for the Bering Sea Sub-Network and optimism for the project’s success.