Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Biennial summits
A central part of the YRITWC's governance structure is to host biennial summits
that represent the signatory Tribes and First Nation governments. The summit is
a place to reinvigorate its members and allies and to (re)align them to goals and
missions of the YRITWC. The summit also provides an opportunity to exchange
information about activities, voice concerns, celebrate successes, realign priorities,
and strengthen allies. The summit provides the intellectual and administrative space
to reflect on the YRITWC program activities (as executed through the five
departments). It also provides the staff and director with an opportunity to prioritize
project areas, which will influence what grants and partnerships to pursue.
The summit is also a place where people can reconnect with the river and
learn about the diverse ecosystem. As the summit location changes sites every year,
the participants are able to see the river from different vantage points. The 2013
summit - hosted by the Na-Cho Nyak Dun (Big River People) - was held in Mayo,
Yukon Territory. The 2011 summit was held downriver in Ruby, Alaska. Another
way the YRITWC connects people to the river is through the annual Healing
Journey.
Healing Canoe Journey
Since 2007, the YRITWC has coordinated an annual Healing Journey to help
connect people in “heart” and “mind” to the Yukon River. The Council describes
the twinned goals as a way for people to know, feel, observe, and experience the
river. Connecting the river comes in many forms and is different for each paddler.
The participants bear witness to and experience the health of the river through
personal observation. They also carry on stories and oral histories along the way,
making it a “living river”. The YRITWC Director, John Waterhouse, sees it as
part of the mission to visit with elders along the river and carry on the oral history
tradition of the river. This blend of environmental protection, cultural preservation,
and adventure has captured the attention of a range of agencies, organizations, and
retailers. The National Geographic Society hosts a blogsite on their website, where
Waterhouse - a National Geographic Society Fellow - documents the Journey.
The outdoor outfitter Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) provides sponsorship
with supplies and financial support for the Journeys, and the governmental agency
United States Geological Survey (USGS) has helped with the scientific assessment
of the water quality.
Similar to the Coast Salish Intertribal Canoe Journey discussed in Chapter 7,
the YRITWC has partnered with USGS to conduct ongoing, real-time water
quality data collection during the journey. The YRITWC describes the relationship
on their website:
As we paddle, one canoe tows a multi probe data sonde which collects and
stores readings on 11 water quality parameters every two minutes. In analysis
of this data profile, we can complement patterns and anomalies with the stories
 
 
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