• 6090 Boxer St, Utqiagvik, AK 99723

Protecting Lands, Resources, and Traditions

Environmental Protection Department

The Environmental Department of the Native Village of Barrow focuses on preserving tribal lands, safeguarding natural resources, and promoting sustainable development. It plays a critical role in ensuring that environmental stewardship aligns with the Inupiat way of life, balancing subsistence activities with modern infrastructure needs. The department collaborates with tribal members, federal agencies, and community partners to maintain the health of the environment for future generations.

What We Do

Assess and protect tribal lands through state and federal policies. Advocate for tribal interests in planned development projects that impact resources, rights, or land use. Establish government-to-government relationships to ensure the tribe’s voice is represented in federal actions. Manage environmental grants to protect subsistence areas, plan development, and expand capacity through federal funding.

CLEAN UP CREW
Request for Service
Free non-hazardous waste removal for elders and tribal members in Utqiaġvik. Provided by the Native Village of Barrow youth crew.
Download
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP)
$503,424
Programs & Grants
The IGAP grant supports the update of the Tribal Environmental Plan with feedback from the community. The department collaborates with the Tribal Council to identify and protect subsistence use areas and expand environmental protections by seeking additional federal funding.
NALEMP Skull Cliff Restoration Project
$653,007
Programs & Grants
The NALEMP grant focuses on removing pilings and debris from the Skull Cliff area, promoting environmental restoration on tribal lands affected by military activity. This project ensures the land can be used safely for subsistence and cultural activities, preserving the tribe’s traditions.
Subsistence, Residential, and Commercial Use
The Environmental Department ensures that subsistence practices, such as whale harvesting and snow machine trails, are protected. It also identifies lands for: Residential Use: Including ice cellars, meat cache areas, and residential lots.
Commercial Development: Planning for infrastructure projects, including airports, landfills, and shoreline dredging.
CLEAN UP CREW
Request for Service
Free non-hazardous waste removal for elders and tribal members in Utqiaġvik. Provided by the Native Village of Barrow youth crew.
DOWNLOAD
Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (IGAP)
$503,424
Programs & Grants
The IGAP grant supports the update of the Tribal Environmental Plan with feedback from the community. The department collaborates with the Tribal Council to identify and protect subsistence use areas and expand environmental protections by seeking additional federal funding.
NALEMP Skull Cliff Restoration Project
$653,007
Programs & Grants
The NALEMP grant focuses on removing pilings and debris from the Skull Cliff area, promoting environmental restoration on tribal lands affected by military activity. This project ensures the land can be used safely for subsistence and cultural activities, preserving the tribe’s traditions.
Subsistence, Residential, and Commercial Use
The Environmental Department ensures that subsistence practices, such as whale harvesting and snow machine trails, are protected. It also identifies lands for: Residential Use: Including ice cellars, meat cache areas, and residential lots.
Commercial Development: Planning for infrastructure projects, including airports, landfills, and shoreline dredging.

Short Term Objectives

  • Organizing the office and assigning responsibilities to personnel.
  • Developing communication systems and tracking correspondence effectively.
  • Maintaining financial records for grants and ensuring
    timely reporting.
  • Investigating environmental impacts on tribal lands and planning future development in alignment with tribal goals.

Who We Serve

The Environmental Department serves the Native Village of Barrow by:

  • Preserving tribal lands for future generations.
  • Protecting subsistence areas critical to the Inupiat way of life.
  • Managing restoration projects like the NALEMP-funded Skull Cliff project.
  • Promoting sustainable development to meet the community’s needs.