GOVERNANCE
The Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network (SIGN) is a collaborative effort between Tribal and Federal governments, Alaska Native corporations, and non-government organizations.
SIGN was established through an agreement between the United States Forest Service and The Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.
The partnership seeks to identify strategic priorities that meet the needs of Alaska Native communities who depend on marine and terrestrial resources for food security, health, and sustainable economies.
SIGN was established through an agreement between the United States Forest Service and The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska.
The partnership seeks to identify strategic priorities that meet the needs of Alaska Native communities who depend on marine and terrestrial resources for food security, health, and sustainable economies.
BACKGROUND
Indigenous Peoples of Southeast Alaska have long served as stewards and guardians of their homelands and waters, preserving their profound knowledge, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), which allows their lands and waters to thrive, ensuring the well-being of their people.
The challenges posed by colonization affected their ability to manage and protect their traditional lands. In response, Tlingit & Haida’s Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network (SIGN) emerged, with its primary mission being the incorporation of TEK into the monitoring, protection, restoration, and management of these cherished territories.
SIGN is a collaborative effort between Tribal governments, Federal government agencies, Alaska Native corporations, and environmental Non-government organizations (NGOs). SIGN’s goal is to support Alaska Native communities through the incorporation of TEK in monitoring, protecting, restoring, and managing traditional lands.
STEERING COMMITTEE
Committee members provide insight and decision-making authority that aligns with both the Tribes or stakeholders and the mission and vision of the Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network.
Richard Peterson
President
Central Council Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska
Dave Schmid
Regional Forester
USDA Forest Service
Marina Anderson
SSP Program Director
Spruce Root/Southeast Sustainable Partnership
Joe Nelson
Sealaska Board Chair
Sealaska Corporation
Joe Nelson
Marina Anderson
Richard Peterson
