History

The Arctic Contamination Conference held in Anchorage, Alaska in May of 1993, was the genesis of the Alaska Native Science Commission (ANSC).  The conference opened with a keynote address by Alaskaís U.S. Senator Frank Murkowski speaking on the topic "The Environmental Legacy of the Cold War."  After several days of hearing ìwar stories," like Project Chariot and iodine experimentation on Alaska Natives, the Native community knew it was time to continue the battle on a new front.

A position paper was prepared which stated the desire of the Native community to become actively involved in scientific research, to become aware and informed of science investigating Native lives and environment, and to ensure that when science is performed in Alaska it is with the knowledge, cooperation and understanding of the Native community.

In October 1993, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) passed a unanimous resolution at their annual convention to support the creation of an Alaska Native Science Commission. 

During 1994, a series of workshops were held with Native community leaders and elders and Arctic scientists and researchers to discuss the formation and structure of the ANSC.  Funding was received from the National Science Foundation to assist in establishing the ANSC.  These funds will facilitate the growth of the ANSC into an independent body which will provide the primary link between the scientific community and the Alaska Native community.