$75 Million Grant for Alaska Native Climate Resilience

The Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) has been awarded nearly $75 million in federal grant funding, the largest such allocation in Alaska's history, to assist nearly 100 Indigenous communities impacted by climate change. This funding, part of the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act, aims to enhance climate resilience through risk assessments, technical assistance, and knowledge sharing tailored to local needs. ANTHC Interim CEO Natasha Singh emphasized that climate change represents a pressing public health emergency for Alaska Native people, affecting food and housing security, among other areas. NOAA Deputy Administrator Jainey Bavishi highlighted the ongoing challenges communities face, including permafrost degradation, flooding, and erosion. The investment will not only bolster the capacity of ANTHC but also create over 60 new positions focused on local climate issues across Alaska. Overall, this initiative marks a significant commitment to empower tribes to lead in addressing climate challenges with Indigenous knowledge at the forefront.