Iñupiaq cultural heritage and local perspectives of environmental change in northernmost Alaska

Abstract Indigenous and local knowledge illuminate critical connections between social and ecological systems in the Arctic, including how environmental change impacts intangible aspects of cultural heritage and identity. Interviews revealed that the core themes of Iñupiaq identity included cultural pride, hunting and fishing, traditional foods, whaling, and heritage. We connect Iñupiaq identity to environmental change through the three themes of permafrost degradation, loss of ice, and severe weather using the case study of Utqiaġvik, Alaska. Results found that Indigenous and local people perceive issues of environmental change in unique ways regarding adaptation and potential outcomes.