Climate Science Alliance had the immense pleasure to host Social Night at the 2024 National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference. The event took place on Dena'ina homelands at the Alaska Native Heritage Center in Anchorage, Alaska. It was a memorable night celebrating community, local food, climate-themed and Native games, performances, and artisanal vendors.
On Wednesday, September 11, 2024, the Climate Science Alliance hosted Social Night for the National Tribal and Indigenous Climate Conference at the beautiful Alaska Native Heritage Center on Dena’ina homelands. The Alaska Native Heritage Center represents all Alaska Native cultures, peoples, and ways of life. The Heritage Center is more than a museum and offers a self-guided tour of traditional village sites. This gathering provided an opportunity for over 500 conference attendees to come together as a community, savor local cuisine, engage in climate-themed games, and watch athletic demonstrations from Native Alaskan youth.
The evening began with a blessing from Marilyn Balluta, the Eglertuq Program Coordinator at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Following this, Nikki Cooley from the Institute of Tribal Environmental Professionals (ITEP) and Amber Pairis from Climate Science Alliance gave warm introductions to the evening. The event was MC'd by Althea Walker from the Climate Science Alliance.
Guests enjoyed a delicious spread from Fish On Camp Grill, a local catering company, featuring appetizers like chowder, salmon meatballs, and fry bread drizzled with berry and maple glaze for dessert.
Participants also had the chance to engage with various climate-themed activities, including the life-size ‘Pathways to Good Fire’ Chutes and Ladders game, Climate Conversations cards, and the opportunity to write to loved ones using new coastal-themed postcards. Additionally, attendees could shop for artisanal crafts and jewelry from Native vendors in the Hall of Cultures.
One of the evening's highlights was witnessing the impressive athleticism of Native Alaskan youth as they demonstrated their traditional games. Overall, attendees enjoyed an evening filled with mingling, exploration of the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and a fun blend of food and play.
