Protecting Alaska’s homelands – A journey to Igiugig

At Flickr, we believe in building a better world through photography, and we’ve found a partnership with The Conservation Alliance that supports this mission through shared advocacy, outreach, and participation in impactful campaigns and initiatives. One of the most critical initiatives we are proud to support is the protection of Alaska’s D-1 Lands—a staggering 28 million acres of wild lands that both serve as the homelands of Alaska Native tribes and are crucial for wildlife. 

Photos by Bob Wick, BLM

The importance of Alaska’s BLM lands

Alaska’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands encompass some of the most expansive intact landscapes left in the United States. Stretching from the temperate rainforests of Southeast Alaska to the tundra north of Nome, these lands cover tens of millions of acres critical to diverse wildlife’s survival. They serve as natural climate refuges for five species of Pacific salmon, three of North America’s largest caribou herds, brown bears, wolves, moose, and millions of migratory birds, among many others.

For Alaska’s Native communities, these lands are more than ecosystems—they are the foundation of cultural and spiritual practices that have been passed down for generations. As climate change accelerates, these communities face its impacts more severely and swiftly than anywhere else in the country. Protecting Alaska’s BLM lands is essential, providing a crucial buffer that allows these communities to maintain their traditional ways of life amid rapidly changing conditions. With nearly 75% of all federally recognized Tribes in Alaska affected by BLM land management decisions, preserving these lands is vital for their continued subsistence and cultural survival. For many Alaska Native communities living off the road system, over 80% of their food comes directly from the surrounding land and waters.

In addition to their cultural and ecological significance, these lands are a world-class destination for outdoor recreation. Activities like packrafting, hiking, photography, hunting, and angling offer unparalleled experiences in some of the wildest and most remote areas left on the planet. Nature-based businesses thrive here, providing visitors with unforgettable adventures in these irreplaceable wildlands.

Photo credit Jeremy Matlock

Throughout Alaska, connected lands support thousands of small, local, and family-owned businesses. These operations help visitors experience unmatched outdoor recreation excursions. Maintaining protections from harmful extractive development is essential to grow and sustain this important industry, which has generated $2.6 billion annually and supports 20,000+ jobs in Alaska. In the 1970s, the lands were justifiably designated for potential protection and remained so until attempts were made to open them to harmful and exploitative industrial extraction. 

Our journey to Igiugig.

Understanding the immense value of these lands, we joined The Conservation Alliance to advocate for their protection. The Conservation Alliance works with businesses like ours to protect outdoor spaces across North America. We became a member of The Conservation Alliance because we believe that the photography industry has an important role to play in land and water conservation.

We believe that photography has the power to tell the stories that words alone cannot, and that’s why we traveled to some of the most remote and sacred areas of Alaska to document the lives of the Indigenous communities who are fighting to preserve their heritage.

To truly understand the urgency of protecting these lands, we knew we had to hear directly from those most affected. This led us to the remote village of Igiugig, Alaska—population 69—where we documented the powerful stories of the people and their enduring ties to these landscapes.

Today, we are proud to share these stories with you. 

Watch the film.

A historic win for Alaska.

In a historic move, the Biden Administration has made the momentous decision to protect 28 million acres of Alaska’s homelands. These D-1 lands are vital to the food security and way of life of Alaska Native communities.

A huge congratulations to The Conservation Alliance, Salmon State, Igiugig Village Council, FISHHOUND EXPEDITIONS LLC, Susitna Adventure Lodge, Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge, Wild Salmon Center, and many other partners (featured in this film and otherwise) for their relentless work to help make this victory possible!

Photo by Jacob W. Frank, National Park Service

If you’d like updates on other conservation efforts we are working on, along with beautiful shots of nature, wildlife and stunning landscapes, join us in Flickr for the Planet and join the discussions!

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Source: blog.flickr.net