Progress 12/01/23 to 11/30/24
Outputs
Target Audience:The project audience includes Alaska Native peoples and residents within their remote communities throughout Alaska. Changes/Problems:Nome is characterized by a subarctic climate that closely borders the tundra. This climate results in long, extremely cold winters and brief, cool summers. This climate poses significant challenges for meat production, mainly due to inadequate equipment and training for individuals and the workforce. Consequently, successful meat harvesting is confined to a limited timeframe--specifically, the months when temperatures consistently remain below freezing. Initially, the IMP Program planned to enhance meat production capabilities by acquiring a mobile meat harvest unit through this grant funding. However, the plan was obstructed by unforeseen circumstances, as the actual costs of the necessary equipment far exceeded the original budget allocation. For more than a year, the team has been deliberating and assessing the specific equipment required to adapt to the unique constraints of the UAF Northwest Campus, taking into account space and location limitations. Presently, one of the main proposals is to construct a new kitchen facility equipped with two stoves, an oven, and a fume hood explicitly designed for teaching purposes related to meat production. Additionally, the current freezer equipment is over 15 years old and not adequate for the needs of the program. The team needs enhanced freezer capacity, particularly a large chest freezer that can accommodate whole animal carcasses, ensuring that proper storage methods are available for meat preservation. Moreover, the local infrastructure presents a significant challenge--no partners within the Bering Strait region possess the necessary equipment or capacity for meat storage and byproduct management. Given these circumstances, the team is committed to exploring the most advantageous options available for equipment procurement, carefully weighing factors such as cost, shipping logistics, and the availability of the required apparatus. This strategic approach aims to ensure that the IMP Program can effectively meet the community's needs while maximizing the utility of the resources at their disposal. We anticipate that new equipment will be purchased within the next grant cycle. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The IMP team provided extensive education, training, and professional development opportunities throughout the grant year. Due to the limited space, this list is representative and not comprehensive. From April 2 to 4, 2024, the IMP team participated in the Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference in Nome. During this event, they hosted a unique workshop on the production of reindeer jerky. The workshop, which fell under the noncredit UAF offerings of the HLRM F250 class, attracted a diverse group of twenty-two attendees eager to learn about the techniques and processes involved in making reindeer jerky. Attendees immersed themselves in hands-on experiences and gained valuable insights into meat production practices and how these skills can translate to potential business opportunities. At the Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference, the IMP team presented a UAF two-credit course on a newly developed curriculum funded through this grant. The course focused on essential techniques for harvesting and packaging meat for commercial use, offering students hands-on meat-cutting activities. Discussions included the economic aspects of meat production, such as cost per pound, time investment, and meat quality factors. Attendees also explored equipment costs, safety investments, and logistical considerations for storage and transportation to maintain freshness and meet commercial standards. This course provided a comprehensive understanding of the meat industry's economic and practical factors. During March and April 2024, the IMP team held three engaging sessions with the 4-H Ecology Explorer group, which consists of students in their adolescent to teen years. The first session, conducted in March, centered around the concept of value-added crafting. In this session, students learned how to enhance the worth of raw materials, such as fur and hooves, through creative techniques rooted in traditional practices. Following this, the group met for two additional sessions in April, which explored microscope studies relevant to meat production. Students engaged in practical cooking activities, such as making jerky and reindeer burgers, which taught them culinary skills and the importance of sustainability. To support their learning, the IMP team provided an information packet covering topics discussed, allowing students to further explore value-added crafting and meat production processes. In April 2024, a member of the IMP team participated in the Food Preservation Fair held in Juneau. This event, organized by the local cooperative extension, provided a platform for sharing knowledge and promoting food preservation techniques within the community. During the fair, IMP delivered a presentation on the specialized technique of "glass jarring of caribou," highlighting both traditional methods and modern practices to ensure safety and quality in preservation. The presentation showcased recipes for glass-jarring caribou, all of which were pre-approved by the USDA to ensure safety and quality. A team member also led a session on making reindeer jerky and distributed 122 samples prepared by students beforehand. The fair effectively blended education with experiential learning, making it memorable. In April, representatives from the Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association, comprising reindeer owners from the Bering Strait region, visited the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Northwest campus with the IMP team. They toured the campus's meat production class and state-of-the-art science lab, gaining insights into the processes and techniques involved in meat processing and scientific research. Approximately 15 to 17 reindeer herders participated in the tour, engaging with faculty and students to better understand how scientific advancements can support their traditional practices. The association and IMP are developing a five-year strategic plan to support reindeer herding in their communities. This collaboration aims to redefine the mission of the Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association, foster innovative partnerships, and share knowledge. The effort will enhance the sustainability of reindeer herding and preserve cultural practices in the region. In May 2024, the IMP team took a follow-up trip to Mekoryuk on Nunivak Island. This visit focused on enhancing educational opportunities for students, mainly through practical, hands-on experiences centered around working with reindeer carcasses in the classroom setting. The team provided an engaging learning environment where students could apply theoretical concepts in a real-world context, fostering a deeper understanding of animal husbandry and ecological principles. Additionally, the team introduced a value-added crafting component, emphasizing the importance of utilizing every part of the animal. This practice is significant in Alaskan Native cultures, encapsulated in the philosophy of respecting and "using the whole animal." This program segment allowed students to learn about and participate in traditional meat processing techniques crucial for sustainability and cultural heritage. During the trip, the IMP team taught 55 students in two classes at Nuniwarmiut School in introductory methods of Indigenous meat production: one class comprised of high school students and the other of middle school students. In addition to the school sessions, the team organized a third evening session designed for the broader community. The public event featured a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting key aspects of reindeer husbandry, cultural practices, and sustainability. Following the presentation, the team opened the floor for a community Q&A, allowing attendees to engage with the material more deeply, ask questions, and share their insights and experiences related to the topics discussed. The IMP team is consulting with Nuniwarmiut School's leadership to develop an Indigenous meat production curriculum for high school students. In July 2024, the HLRM team participated in the Intertribal Agriculture Council Alaska Youth Regional Summit in Fairbanks and Nenana. The event aimed to empower high school students through experiential learning about subsistence harvesting. The team highlighted the importance of commercially utilizing the entire animal and promoting free-ranging herding, reflecting Indigenous practices prioritizing sustainable, respectful relationships with the land and animals. To engage the students more deeply, the IMP team organized small group work designed to explore the multifaceted question: "What is the value of one reindeer?" Each breakout session comprised approximately 45-50 students, encouraging diverse perspectives and collaborative discussions. The team intentionally refrained from defining "value," which led to various interpretations across the groups. The students identified numerous aspects of value, with the most prominent being the cultural significance of the animals to Alaskan Native communities, but also the economic value of using these practices to build and sustain a thriving herding and harvesting business. The session featured a "show and tell" component where participants learned about various animal parts, including bone, bone marrow, and different meat cuts. The focus was on edible portions and often-overlooked "leftover" parts, showcasing innovative uses for these materials and promoting sustainable resource use. Discussions emphasized how fully utilizing the whole animal could support a community-focused business model. The IMP team aimed to provide students with practical knowledge and highlight the connections between culture, sustainability, and economic opportunities within Indigenous traditional practices. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The Indigenous Meat Production (IMP) team communicates and educates diverse stakeholders, such as Alaska Native meat processing business owners, UAF faculty members and administrators, government officials, technical experts, and youth and community members throughout the Bering Strait region. The project's annual newsletter is circulated widely to keep everyone informed and engaged. It clarifies the mission and objectives of the grant program and informs and recruits potential workforce in the meat processing industry. Recognizing the unique cultural and informational needs of different groups, the IMP team tailors its educational content and messaging for specific audiences, employing a variety of communication mediums. Despite being located in regions often regarded as remote, stakeholders benefit from the connectivity provided by the internet, which plays a critical role in facilitating ongoing dialogues. The IMP team utilizes text and email for remote correspondence but greatly emphasizes face-to-face interactions when discussing USDA guidelines and offering personalized consulting, counseling, and tutoring. These in-person gatherings foster deeper connections and a greater knowledge exchange, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the process. Many of the products created by this grant reflect this strategy. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?The IMP team will continue to offer its courses in Nome at the UAF Northwest Campus, including in the carving and sewing studio. Thanks to the generous support of USDA funding, the team has successfully delivered and stored essential materials such as hides and hooves, which are critical for the hands-on learning experiences these courses provide. Classes will commence in May. In addition to our courses, the IMP team is actively collaborating with various partners in Savoonga and surrounding communities toward the establishment of a commercial reindeer meat processing plant. This initiative is already in progress. This project aims to boost local economies, provide sustainable food sources, and support community livelihoods by responsibly using reindeer resources. The IMP team is an essential part of this process- providing the necessary training to ensure USDA regulations are implemented and enforced and that the workforce is trained and prepared to meet the needs of its employers. Furthermore, the IMP team is committed to continually improving and expanding its educational curriculum. To that end, we plan to meet with our grant team, UAF administrators, and community partners to identify and procure the necessary equipment to enhance the learning environment and resources available to our participants. By investing in new tools and materials, the team plans to offer a more comprehensive educational experience specific to Indigenous meat production and the challenges to implementation in a subarctic climate.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
For the second year, the Indigenous Meat Production (IMP) team has convened with various stakeholders, including Alaska Native meat processing business owners, University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) faculty members, administrators, government representatives (from state, federal, and tribal levels), and other technical experts, to develop and advance strategic efforts to increase the knowledge, expertise, and ability of Alaska Native people and residents to support commercial small-scale reindeer processing operations. Most notably, this year, the IMP team has focused its work in the Bering Strait region, advising and supporting a new slaughterhouse operation that will produce the commercial sale of USDA-approved reindeer meat, marking an important step toward improving the economy and self-sufficiency. The IMP team is collaborating with the leadership of Finnish company Kometos Oy and Kawerak, a nonprofit tribal consortium that provides programs and services to the Inupiaq, St. Lawrence Island Yupik, and the people who reside in 16 communities of western Alaska, to help construct and sustain a meat processing facility currently under construction in Savoonga. UAF's HLRM has had an MOU with The Sámi Education Institute in Finland since 2009; this Zwork has been over 15 years in the making. IMP's leadership is essential to the success of this slaughterhouse, which will then serve as a model for others in rural Alaska. In February, the IMP team met with Dr. Sarah Coburn, the State Veterinarian of Alaska, who works within the Division of Environmental Health in the Department of Environmental Conservation. The purpose of the meeting was to obtain food safety and hygiene approvals from her office for conducting relevant classes. These classes incorporate a business component focused on commercial sales and USDA regulations aimed at training a new workforce. These courses are essential for ensuring the success of the meat processing facility. Following approval from Alaska's state veterinarian, the IMP team has conducted various classes, courses, workshops, and community meetings throughout this grant period. In April, the IMP team met with the Kawerak Reindeer Herders Association, which comprises reindeer owners from the Bering Strait region. They conducted a tour of the meat production class and science lab located on the UAF Northwest Campus in Nome. Approximately 20 reindeer owners attended the event, and they continue to collaborate with the IMP to develop a five-year plan focused on supporting and sustaining reindeer herding in their communities. They are seeking guidance from the IMP team in re-envisioning their mission and vision, as well as exploring meaningful partnership opportunities between both groups. IMP's expanding curriculum is key to helping this association's members grow their business models. Working with youth has always been fundamental to UAF's High Latitude Range Management program. This grant has provided the IMP team with a unique opportunity to educate and inspire younger generations of Alaskan Natives and residents about the business aspects of small-scale meat farming. The IMP team introduced hundreds of participants in numerous settings across their service area to subsistence harvesting, emphasizing the importance of using the entire animal for commercial sale. IMP focuses on working with free-ranging herds rather than captive ones, as free-ranging models align more closely with the practices of Indigenous communities. The leadership of IMP actively promotes the potential of the reindeer herding industry in Alaska to enhance Tribal food sovereignty and stimulate economic growth in the Bering Strait region and throughout the state. This funding facilitated the realization of this initiative and ensured that communities have the necessary workforce and policies in place for commercial success.
Publications
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Progress 12/01/22 to 11/30/23
Outputs
Target Audience:The project audience includes Alaska Native peoples, and residents within their remote communities, throughout Alaska. Changes/Problems:One challenge for UAF NWC was integrating the bison industry within the grant's period of performance. In consultation with Steven's Village Bison Farm, it was decided that the Tribe was not ready to collaborate with UAF NWC on the acquisition of mobile harvest units. Through consultation with Niche Meat Processor Assistance Network and Friesla/Trivan (MHU manufacturer), the IMP team also discovered cost increases due to inflation, higher shipping rates, and the need for two customized mobile units (1 harvest unit and 1 cut and wrap unit) to obtain Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification. A budget revision was sent to USDA NIFA requesting that funds originally set aside for MHUs in Delta Junction, AK under UAF Cooperative Extension Services be moved to UAF NWC to support expansion of HLRM through the purchase of MHUs for use as a reindeer compliant experiential learning facility. The expansion would support HLRM students and Alaska Native reindeer owners interested in producing USDA inspected reindeer meat for sale and distribution. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Consultation with NICHE Meat Processor Assistance Network and Friesla/Trivan as noted in "Accomplishments." How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Reindeer owners and upper management were contacted via email, social media, phone, and in-person at meetings to address challenges in their specific roles as herder/CEO with reference to meat production. Responses were obtained from Savoonga, St. Lawrence Island, Mekoryuk, Nunivak Island, Teller, Davis, Stebbins/St Michael, St. Paul, and Pribilof Islands. Key comments were compiled and summarized in a data brief for dissemination to stakeholders. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In Year 2, joint NWC/CES faculty, Dr. Jackie Hrabok will provide technical assistance in meat processing management and effective practices to enrolled students or recent HLRM graduates in the Bering Strait region. The focus of technical assistance will be on implementation of practices taught though the new or enhanced HLRM courses supported by this grant. If additional funding is awarded by EPA through NWC's joint application with Kawerak, acquisition of the MHU training facility will take place, along with the activities for the Food Security Expansion project. If additional funding is not secured for MHUs as noted in the budget revision for this award, the alternative plan for IMP would be to fund value-added by-product course development, student exchanges to Finland, and supplies for carving, tanning, jewelry, and skin sewing using reindeer bones, hooves, hides and antlers. With expansion planned for the Port of Nome in the next five years, an anticipated growth in tourism will provide increased opportunity for both reindeer meat and handicraft sales.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Indigenous Meat Production (IMP) team met with stakeholders, including Alaska Native meat processing business owners, UAF faculty, administrators, government representatives (including state, federal, and tribal), and other technical experts to develop a new plan for IMP that would involve a change in scope and budget that was approved by USDA NIFA to address Alaska's food security and sovereignty. The revised project objectives and budget no longer include support for the bison industry in Stevens Village / Interior Alaska region, but rather for IMP to focus on improving business management and food safety and meat processing practices for small-scale reindeer herding businesses in the Bering Strait region and throughout Alaska as requested by a growing network of Tribes and partners. Rather than funding a Meat Harvest Unit (MHU) in Interior Alaska for bison meat processing, UAF Northwest Campus (NWC) will use the funds toward an MHU set that will serve as an experiential learning facility for reindeer meat processing. In collaboration with Kawerak Inc., a Tribal consortium representing 20 federally recognized Tribes in the Bering Strait region, NWC has applied as a subaward to Kawerak's EPA Community Change grant application to help fund the remaining balance, along with reserves from Drumbeats Alaska, another USDA NIFA award that NWC is involved in. The growing IMP partnerships have been led by Dr. Jackie Hrabok, a High Latitude Range Management (HLRM) instructor with joint professorship between NWC and UAF Cooperative Extension Service (CES), also serving as liaison between UAF and the Sámi Education Institute in Kaamanen, Finland where reindeer herding has been practiced since the 17th century. IMP's diverse partnerships have amplified the potential for the reindeer herding industry in Alaska to improve Tribal food sovereignty and economic growth in the Bering Strait region and across the state.
Publications
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