#FocusWesternAK: Shishmaref
This community of just under 600 people is located on the edge of the Chukchi Sea, and because of its location, Shishmaref’s existence is threatened by climate change.
KNOM’s Davis Hovey visited this community on their election day in early August to find out if the inhabitants would decide to relocate or stay.
(All images: Davis Hovey, KNOM. Click on any to expand.)
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- Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2016)
The people who live there, including Cliff, Francis, and Shaun (a teacher at the Shishmaref school), were very kind and hospitable. Shishmaref faces a large financial challenge, and they will need some help in order to keep their unique culture alive.
“…they will need some help…” seems like an understatement.
You are absolutely right John. An article on our website about Shishmaref’s predicament says the cost is around $180 million. https://www.knom.org/wp/blog/2016/08/18/shishmarefs-future-has-been-determined-relocation/