Dunleavy joins Arctic research commission as focus turns to security

Anchorage Residents, a Shift in the Arctic: Governor Dunleavy Joins Research Commission with a Focus on Security

The Arctic is changing, and with it, the priorities of the research guiding our region. Governor Mike Dunleavy has been appointed to the U.S. Arctic Research Commission, signaling a significant shift in the commission’s focus from primarily environmental science to incorporating national security and economic development alongside traditional research.

This appointment, announced by the commission this week, follows the recent departure of Liz Qaulluq Cravalho, a NANA Regional Corporation vice president initially appointed by President Biden, highlighting a growing tension between scientific exploration and strategic considerations in the Arctic. The commission, established in 1984, advises the President and Congress on Arctic research policy, and Dunleavy’s inclusion marks the first time a sitting governor has held this position.

What This Means for Anchorage

As Anchorage residents, this shift has direct implications for our community. The Arctic Research Commission’s expanded role could lead to increased military presence and activity in the region, potentially impacting shipping lanes through the Port of Seward and affecting the traditional travel routes of Alaska Native communities who rely on subsistence hunting and fishing along the coast. Increased economic development initiatives, while potentially beneficial, could also strain local resources and infrastructure, particularly in areas like Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and the surrounding areas of Eagle Hill and Spenard. It’s crucial for Anchorage to engage in thoughtful discussions about how we can balance responsible research and development with the preservation of our unique Alaskan culture and the needs of our Native neighbors.

Local Context

Alaska’s position as the “Last Frontier” is inextricably linked to its Arctic territory. For generations, Alaska Native communities – including those in communities like Utqiagvik (Barrow) and Shishmaref – have relied on the Arctic’s resources for their survival, practicing subsistence hunting, fishing, and gathering. The region’s vast wilderness, from the Chugach Mountains to the Brooks Range, is a cornerstone of our state’s identity and economy, supporting tourism, resource extraction, and a thriving outdoor lifestyle. The military presence at JBER, a vital part of our local economy, adds another layer to this complex landscape.

What to Know

Anchorage residents should stay informed about the commission’s activities and priorities. You can track their progress on the U.S. Arctic Research Commission website (arctic.gov). It’s also important to support organizations like the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) and local Native cultural centers, who are working to ensure that Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are integrated into any future development plans. Finally, consider attending community meetings and engaging in conversations about the future of the Arctic – your voice matters.

Let’s work together, as Alaskans, to ensure that the Arctic remains a place of discovery, resilience, and respect for all who call it home.