Mission & Concerns

The goals of the Alaska Native Science Commission are to:

• Facilitate the inclusion of local and traditional knowledge into research and science.

• Participate in and influence priorities for research.

• Seek participation of Alaska Natives at all levels of science.

• Provide a mechanism for community feedback on results and other scientific activities.

• Promote science to Native youth.

• Encourage Native people to enter scientific disciplines.

• Ensure that Native people share in the economic benefits derived from their intellectual property.

Targeted areas of concern identified by the Native community include:

• Environmental health and the causes of disease that are specific to Alaska Natives, especially the types of cancers that are killing the young and non-substance abusers.

• Elements and conditions that contribute to the survival of Native cultures and societies, and identification of major barriers to cultural survival.

• Partnerships with agencies and researchers who have supported community involvement in research and work well with the Native communities.

• Active community involvement in science and research which:

  • Inform communities of their rights regarding research done on their environment or people.

  • Establishes community research standards and protocols.

  • Establishes standard research reviews to address issues of local concern and cultural values.

  • Assures that scientists work with communities on the direction and design of research.

  • Channels communication of research results in a practical manner back to communities which are most impacted.

  • Helps scientists work directly with students who are interested in the classroom and at the research site to foster interest and involvement.

  • Promotes hire of local people to assist with research.

  • Prepares locally-held knowledge of community resources.

  • Promotes student learning through elders.

  • Encourages and supports students who are interested in science to become actively involved in the research of their people and homelands.

  • Establishes local standards for the utilization of traditional knowledge with consideration of intellectual property rights.