A village's desperate plea: 'We want to move'
In the remote Alaska Native village of Kwigillingok, a devastating storm has left residents with a difficult choice. As climate change intensifies, the community is facing the harsh reality of relocating to safer grounds.
The Night Typhoon Halong Struck
On October 11th, as the remnants of Typhoon Halong hit Kwigillingok, 74-year-old Noah Andrew Sr. witnessed his house start to float away. "Water started to come into the house... it got ankle deep," he recalls. Andrew, a lifelong resident and Russian Orthodox priest, now says he's ready to leave, adding, "I don't want to go through that again."
Climate Change's Impact on Indigenous Communities
Kwigillingok is not alone in its struggle. Climate change is forcing people across the U.S. to consider relocating. For Alaska Native villages, this issue is particularly urgent. The remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated Kwigillingok and nearby Kipnuk, displacing 678 people. These communities, where the Yup'ik language Yugtun is prevalent, are now at a crossroads.
A History of Climate Change Challenges
Kwigillingok has been navigating the effects of climate change for decades. As permafrost thaws and erosion and flooding worsen, the village has sought to relocate to higher ground. However, there's no clear plan or funding in place to make this happen.
The Storm's Devastation
The October storm was unlike anything locals had experienced before. Darrel John, a lifelong resident, describes how the water level rose rapidly, a first in his lifetime. John's home, built on pilings about 10 feet off the ground, shook but remained intact. Sadly, 45 other houses were carried away, and one person died, with two still missing.
A Remote Village, Cut Off from the World
Kwigillingok, a village of around 400 people, is so remote that there are no roads leading to it. Bush planes land on a dirt runway, and snow-covered boardwalks connect homes across the tundra. All-terrain vehicles and snow machines are the primary modes of transportation.
The Challenges of Relocation
Moving entire communities has proven to be a complex and costly endeavor. The relocations of the Isle de Jean Charles and Newtok tribes cost over $198 million combined. Without a dedicated government agency, communities struggled to secure funding, often spending years in limbo. While safety risks are reduced, new problems arise, such as inadequate plumbing and deteriorating buildings.
Kwigillingok's Proposed Relocation
Despite these challenges, Kwigillingok residents are determined to relocate their village 27 miles northeast, to higher ground. They hope that the state and federal governments will provide the necessary support. Darrel John says, "I'm hoping this storm will open their eyes and ears."
A Different Agenda
While Kwigillingok residents want to move now, state and federal officials have a different plan. With disaster aid from FEMA, they focus on rebuilding and want more discussion and study before committing to relocation. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy emphasizes the complexity of the issue and the need for funding.
The Cultural Impact of Relocation
For Kwigillingok residents, the decision to relocate is not just about safety; it's about preserving their culture. Yugtun remains the primary language, and subsistence hunting and fishing are integral to their way of life. Ann Fienup-Riordan, a cultural anthropologist, highlights the challenge of keeping the Yup'ik language alive when residents are evacuated to cities where English dominates.
A Historical Perspective
Elders and community leaders argue that the federal government has a responsibility to Yup'ik villages. Many current village sites were chosen by the Bureau of Indian Affairs when schools were built, requiring families to move nearby. Before that, Yup'ik families moved seasonally, following the changing river channels and coastlines.
A Traditional Approach to Relocation
If Kwigillingok's relocation plan succeeds, residents envision continuing to use the current village site as a gathering place for subsistence activities like seal hunting and building fish camps. John explains, "We can always come back to Kwigillingok for these purposes."
Waiting for Answers
As winter sets in, recovery efforts slow down. Kwigillingok's evacuated residents are left waiting to learn if they'll be moving to higher ground before the next storm hits. The decision has far-reaching implications for their safety and cultural heritage.
A Call to Action
What do you think? Should the government prioritize relocating vulnerable communities like Kwigillingok? Or is there another approach that could better address these complex issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
