Relocate or Rebuild? Indigenous Alaskans Forced to Choose | After the Ice

Summary

The video follows Nick Hanson, an Iñupiat man from Unalakleet, Alaska, who shares the challenges his community faces due to climate change and coastal erosion. He reflects on the loss of protective ice and the impact of storms on their subsistence lifestyle. Despite these struggles, Nick finds hope through his journey on American Ninja Warrior, where he builds a training course from local materials. The community supports him as he overcomes adversity and embraces change, symbolizing resilience and the drive to create a better future.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍🦳 Our Iñupiat ancestors adapted daily to survive and maintain their subsistence lifestyle.
• 📈 Rural Alaska has the highest suicide rate per capita in the United States, with a personal story of losing 13 friends to suicide and alcohol-related deaths.
• 💡 The narrator built an American Ninja Warrior training course from beach logs in the remote village of Unalakleet, which is only accessible by plane or boat.
• 🌊 Climate change is causing a delay in the formation of protective shorefast ice, leading to increased coastal erosion and more exposure to storms.
• 🏠 The village of Unalakleet faces severe storm surges and flooding, leading some residents to relocate to higher ground.
• ❄️ The ice season has drastically shortened, impacting traditional activities like ice fishing and travel, with much less ice forming than in the past.
• 🚧 Coastal erosion is a widespread issue in many Alaskan communities, from the Seward Peninsula to the Aleutian Islands.
• 😢 The narrator recalls a personal tragedy of losing a family member to drowning while fishing due to unstable ice conditions.
• 🔨 The community is adapting by creating higher land allotments for young families, with some people choosing to build their homes in safer areas.
• 🏆 The narrator's journey on American Ninja Warrior has become a source of pride for the entire community, inspiring hope and support for positive change.

Q & A

What challenges do the Iñupiat people face in maintaining their subsistence lifestyle?

The Iñupiat people face challenges such as the changing ice conditions, which affect their ability to hunt and fish. The ice is no longer coming in as it used to, forcing them to adapt to new ways of maintaining their subsistence lifestyle.

What personal struggles did Nick face growing up in rural Alaska?

Nick lost 13 of his basketball teammates and classmates to alcohol-related deaths and suicides. He also experienced a dark period in his life but found hope when a kid suggested he try out for 'American Ninja Warrior.'

How did Nick train for 'American Ninja Warrior' in a remote village like Unalakleet?

Nick built his own ninja course using materials he found locally, such as logs from the beach, since Unalakleet is only accessible by plane or boat and doesn't have access to stores like Home Depot.

What environmental changes have affected Unalakleet and other Alaskan coastal communities?

Unalakleet and other communities have experienced coastal erosion, stronger storms, and shorter ice seasons. The protective shorefast ice has diminished, exposing these communities to rough ocean conditions for longer periods.

How has the ice season in the Bering Sea region changed over time?

The ice season has shifted from lasting between November and June to now lasting from January to late April. This has reduced the thickness and duration of the ice, making traditional activities like ice fishing more difficult.

What role does the shorefast ice play in protecting the community of Unalakleet?

The shorefast ice creates a barrier that protects Unalakleet from storms and ocean waves. Without this ice, the community is exposed to severe weather, leading to erosion and flooding.

How has the community of Unalakleet adapted to the changing environment?

Some residents have started relocating to higher ground to avoid flooding, and the community has set up an allotment for young people who want to build their homes in safer areas.

What impact did storms have on Nick's ninja training course?

A major storm in September flooded Nick's ninja course and destroyed half of his obstacles. This event made him feel hopeless, as he could do nothing against the weather, and it raised concerns about the safety of the entire town.

How does coastal erosion affect daily life in Unalakleet?

Coastal erosion has led to rising sea levels and stronger waves that threaten homes and infrastructure, such as the airport runway. During storms, the community often becomes isolated and surrounded by water.

What emotional connection does Nick have to Unalakleet despite the environmental challenges?

Nick is deeply connected to Unalakleet, referring to it as 'heaven on earth' and stating that moving away has never been an option for him. He is determined to build a future in the village, including building a home for his family.