Meet the 2024 Arctic Indigenous Scholars
Three Arctic Indigenous Scholars were selected in 2023 by a four-member volunteer selection committee. Craig Chythlook and Taniesha Moses traveled to Washington, DC to meet with decision and policy-makers during 4-8 March 2024. Billy Adams attended the National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference in Anchorage, AK during September 2024.
Billy Adams
Billy Adams is a lifelong Iñupiat resident of Utqiaġvik, Alaska, where he serves in many advisory roles for his community and the region. He is an Observer for the Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub for the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Some of his current roles include, Chairman for the Alaska Ice Seal Committee; member at-large for the Alaska Beluga Whale Committee; Weapons Improvement Program Committee Member for the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission; Inupiat Inuvialuit Agreement Hunter Representative Co-Chair; and member of the Inuit Circumpolar Council Food Sovereignty Steering Committee for the North Slope Borough. Billy has been a whaler for more than 39 years, and an active member of his community hunting polar bears, seals, and caribou. He enjoys taking researchers and scientists out on the ice and believes that decision-makers and Arctic residents have a lot to learn from each other. Billy looks forward to engaging with DC-area policy-makers working on Arctic issues to share information about cultural and traditional foods, animals important to livelihoods in the Arctic, issues surrounding infrastructure and erosion, and to strengthen relationships between local and DC-area leaders.
Craig Chythlook
Craig Chythlook is Yup’ik originally from the Bristol Bay region in southwest Alaska. Craig’s parents are Joe and Molly Chythlook from Dillingham, AK. Craig has spent his life fishing for salmon on the waters of Bristol Bay. Craig’s current work is looking at what evaluation criteria are used to measure success while observing salmon, salmon management, and how to utilize Indigenous values and place-based knowledge into resource management decision-making. Craig graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks with a business administration degree and a minor in rural development. While attending UAF, Craig spent three and a half years participating in undergraduate research studying how better access to water utility services impact subsistence activities. Craig’s research interests include how the Bristol Bay communities can better include Indigenous and place-based knowledge into state and federal decision-making spaces, regarding salmon/resource management.
Learn more about Craig's experience in the video below!
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Taniesha Moses
Taniesha Moses, originally from Northway, Alaska, is deeply committed to learning and embracing her cultural heritage as an Upper Tanana Athabascan. After earning her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Alaska Fairbanks in 2021, she is now pursuing a Master's in Social Work with a focus on Indigenous Research at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Motivated by her role as a mother, Taniesha recognizes the importance of understanding and appreciating her cultural roots so that she can pass them down to the next generation. Her passion for the Arctic Indigenous Scholar program stems from a desire to engage with diverse experiences and advocate for issues affecting her community, with a specific interest in the preservation of food sovereignty.
Taniesha's primary concern centers around the significance of traditional foods in her community, not just as sustenance but as a reflection of holistic health. As an Arctic Indigenous Scholar, she aims to bridge the gap between her community and government officials, advocating for policies that respect and support their traditional way of life. Post-program, Taniesha plans to use her knowledge to promote wellness and preserve traditional ways of life, embodying a commitment to continuous learning and cultural understanding.
Learn more about Taniesha's experience in the video below!
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2023-24 Volunteer Selection Committee
Carolina Behe, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminsitration
Raychelle Daniel, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Washington, D.C.
Kimberly Pikok, University of Alaska Fairbanks
Cyrus Harris, Maniilaq Association
Washington, D.C. Meeting Hosts
Thank you to the following organizations for hosting 2024 Arctic Indigenous Scholars: Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, National Science Foundation, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, Federation of American Scientists, Senator Lisa Murkowski, US Environmental Protection Agency, and Representative Mary Peltola.