Usugilix Awakun
In the waters off the remote island of Iluulux̂ or so called Unalaska, Alaska, toxic algal blooms are increasingly infecting filter feeding shellfish with unknown causation. After a community member died from eating blue mussels, a staple cultural food, Unangax̂ scientist Shayla began working with her tribe to research and understand the harmful blooms and what can hopefully be done about them. Illuminating the profound connection between the Unangax̂ people and their environment, Usugilix Awakun showcases the resilience and resourcefulness of a culture in the face of unprecedented challenges.
In 2020, unprecedented levels of paralytic shellfish toxic (PSP) were found in shellfish collected at locations along the Aleutian Islands and Alaska Peninsula. In July 2020, a Qawalangin community member died after eating locally harvested blue mussels and snails. Long-time Iluulux̂ (Unalaska) residents recall harvesting mussels and eating shellfish while playing on the beach as children, but increasing risk of toxins has decreased safety of this traditional practive and many people will not longer harvest these traditional foods. As the Resilience Project Manaager for the Qawalangin Tribe of Unalaska, Shayla Shaishnikoff is charged with the task of researching the source behind and impacts of the increased PSP levels in the area. For the past several years, with grant funding provided by First Nations Developmnent Institute and other entities, she has been collecting samples to better understand this issue. Shayla’s research will contribute to a greater understanding behind the causes and effects of toxic algal blooms in the Aleutian region for future generations to come. Learn more about Shayla’s work by visiting qawalangin.com.
'“There's a saying in our community: 'When the tide is low, the table is set.' That's not so much true anymore.”
- Shayla Shaishnikoff
To combat the loss of cultural accessibility, Camp Qungaayux was established in August of 1997 with the purpose of preserving the Unangan ways of being. This annual gathering preserves our cultural history and instills ancestral wisdom that our youth may carry on.
Support the preservation of Unangax̂ culture by making a donation to Camp Qungaayux, a youth camp presenting the Unangan ways of being.