Vision
Rooted in Indigenous values and led by Alaska Native communities, Seacoast Indigenous Guardians will restore balance to the coastal communities and biodiverse ecosystems of Southeast Alaska.

Mission
The Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network strengthens Southeast Alaska communities through the development of jobs and professional training opportunities, youth programs and outreach, and collaborative stewardship of our traditional homelands and waters to restore balance to the coastal communities and biodiverse ecosystems that have sustained us since time immemorial.

Background
Since time immemorial, the Indigenous Peoples of Southeast Alaska have been the stewards and guardians of their homelands and waters. Their use of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) allowed their lands and waters to flourish and provide for its people. However, colonization limited their ability to manage and protect their traditional lands. Thus, the Seacoast Indigenous Guardians Network was created to incorporate TEK in the monitoring, protection, restoration, and management of traditional lands and waters.

The Seacoast Indigenous Guardian Network (SIGN) is a collaborative effort between Tribal governments, Federal government agencies, Alaska Native corporations, and environmental NGOs. SIGN’s goal is to support Alaska Native communities through the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in monitoring, protecting, restoring, and managing traditional lands.

SIGN was established through a cost share agreement between the United States Forest Service and The Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. The partnership seeks to identify strategic priorities that meet the needs of Alaska Native communities who depend on marine and terrestrial resources for food security, health, and sustainable economies.

Things we are monitoring?
Resources in Southeast Alaska