Food Security and Subsistence

Gillian took us through a twisting, if not torturous path concerning comfort food. Was it a lack of sleep? Alas, there is no macaroni and cheese to be found. It seems so unfair. If I followed the path presented correctly, the discussion leads from comfort food to possibly food safety or food security. I know it’s a bit of stretch, but I'll still take it.

Many people live on the coast of Alaska because of food security or more accurately security borne of a reliable food supply. Compared to many regions, rural Alaskans depend on maintaining a subsistence lifestyle and a close relationship to the environment. In what seems like another life here in Southeast Alaska, I was a member of the Southeast Alaska Federal Subsistence Advisory Council. The Council serves as the interface between the subsistence community and the Federal government. Until the State of Alaska changes its position on rural preference for subsistence foods, people depend on the Federal government to preserve their access to food and a lifeway.

In the ten years that have followed since I was on the Council, I have grown more concerned with the growing divide that exists between urban and rural residents, and promoting clean boating practices. My move back to rural Southeast Alaska has only reinforced my concerns for preserving the health of our rural communities. Access to subsistence foods is an important part of that goal. The food sounds better to me than bogong moths. Herring eggs, dried salmon, kelp, halibut, and crab are a few of our food resources used by people living here.

So in Blogchain No. 9, the discussion has moved from avoiding the comfort zone to comfort food to food security. What will Kelly at Organized Chaos do with this thread?

Tags: Absolute Write, Absolute Write Blogchain No.9, AW, Southeast Alaska

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Skagway or Bust

I've had a major change in my life occur here. I've just been hired as City Manager in Skagway, Alaska. After seven years as Harbormaster in Valdez, it's time to expand my horizons.

Skagway is located in northern Southeast Alaska and is a major cruise ship destination. It was the jumping off point of the Yukon gold rush and has preserved much of the history from these major events of over a century ago.

Thousand come to hike the Chilkoot Trail, visit the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park and ride the White Pass and Yukon Railroad to Frazer, British Columbia.

Tags: Alaska, Skagway, Yukon Gold Rush, WP&YR, Southeast Alaska

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