Alaska Natives Rally to Restock Traditional Foods After Typhoon Halong
Ex-Typhoon Halong has devastated traditional foods collected by Alaska Natives for the winter, leaving the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium to step in and provide support. The storm destroyed a variety of food items gathered for the 'real food' drive, including seal, salmon, moose meat, and berries. The heritage center is now awaiting a shipment of muktuk or whale meat to supplement their supplies.
The heritage center's collection efforts were extensive, gathering fish eggs, halibut, moose sausages, salmon heads, and reindeer tallow. These foods are not only a vital source of nutrition but also hold deep cultural significance for the Alaska Native people. The center plans to distribute these collected foods to evacuees staying with families in Anchorage and nearby areas. Meanwhile, the tribal health consortium is delivering traditional food to victims within shelters.
In response to the increased need, the heritage center and the tribal health consortium have installed Conex freezers to collect and store traditional food donations. People can sign up for donation windows at the heritage center online or by calling 907-205-0068. This initiative is a way for Alaska Native people to show love and preserve their culture by supporting those affected by the storm.
With over 650 residents from Western Alaska evacuated into Anchorage, and about half staying at shelters, the need for traditional food is immense. The heritage center and the tribal health consortium are working together to expand their support, with plans to collaborate with local organizations, establish donation networks, provide logistical support, and maintain regular communication with local authorities. By doing so, they aim to effectively reach and assist those affected by Ex-Typhoon Halong.
