Arctic & Earth SIGNs

Indigenous Voices on Climate Change

Association of Interior Native Educators Curricula

Protecting Our Oceans and My HomeGrowing up in the barrier island Shishmaref, Alaska, and despite only being 19 years old, I’ve experienced the effects of climate change up close, witnessing the devastating impacts it will eventually level across the world.

A Subsistence Culture Impacted by Climate Change | PBS LearningMediaIn this video adapted from the Arctic Athabaskan Council, learn about some specific effects of climate change on the subsistence lifestyle of the Athabaskan people. See some of the consequences of the movement of animals and vegetation from more temperate climates into the Arctic region. Hear firsthand accounts about changes in the salmon harvest and how the decline of salmon affects the villages and people.

Why Does Climate Change Matter? | PBS LearningMediaIn this video segment adapted from United Tribes Technical College, hear young Native Americans talk about climate change. Listen as they respond to the question, "Why does climate change matter?" They share their opinions about the importance of climate; their thoughts on how climate change is affecting weather, oceans, and ice; and their fears about the impacts for future generations.

Navajo Reflections on Climate Change | PBS LearningMediaHear personal observations about how the environment—plant life, in particular—has changed in the Navajo Nation, in this video segment adapted from Navajo Technical College. One Elder describes how the environment used to be in balance, and there was an abundance of vegetation and corn, but now she believes the environment is decaying. A professor of environmental science describes how when he was a child, there seemed to be more of a monsoon season, the vegetation was more lush, and some native plants were easier to find.

Navajo Elders' Observations on Climate Change | PBS LearningMediaIn this video segment adapted from Navajo Technical College, two Navajo Elders speak about climate change and the differences in the environment that they have observed. They have noticed changes in the rainy season, including more violent storms, and changes in the characteristics of both wind and snow. They describe the disappearance of some plants during their lifetime and express concern about how changes in climate are negatively affecting people and animals.

North Dakota Tribal Members Talk About Climate Change | PBS LearningMediaIn this video segment adapted from United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota, Native Americans talk about climate change and how it impacts their lives as they experience unexpected changes in environmental conditions. They describe observed changes in seasonality, how these changes affect ecosystems and habitats, their respect for Mother Earth, and the participation of tribal colleges in climate change research projects.

Inuit Observations of Climate Change | PBS LearningMediaThis video adapted from the International Institute for Sustainable Development profiles the Arctic Inuit community of Sachs Harbour and its collaboration with scientists studying climate change. Changes in the land, sea, and animals are readily apparent to the residents of Sachs Harbour—many of whom hunt, trap, and fish—because of their long-standing and intimate connection with their ecosystem. Scientists from a climate change study project interview the residents and record their observations. The scientists can use these firsthand accounts along with their own collected data to deepen their understanding of climate change in the polar region.

Arctic Climate Perspectives | PBS LearningMediaThis video, adapted from material provided by the ECHO partners, shows the changes now happening in Barrow, Alaska, due to global warming. The Iñupiaq people who live in Barrow present their observations of these changes based on their centuries-old knowledge of their environment, and describe how these changes are already affecting their lives. Scientists who have come to Barrow to study climate change also offer their perspective.

Report abuse