Science conference will focus on networks, from nature to society

March 10, 2015

University Relations

The 2015 Western Alaska Interdisciplinary Science Conference will bring together researchers, elders, educators, students, community leaders and community members April 15-17 at the Kuskokwim Campus of the University of Alaska Fairbanks in Bethel.

Participants will gather in the Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center to share concerns and insights about issues relevant to rural Alaska. The conference is a platform for reporting on and discussing regional research efforts as well as traditional knowledge, providing an interdisciplinary approach to inquiry and discussion.

The conference will explore connections between humans and the environment to begin to better understand the unique networks that exist within and around communities in rural Alaska. We invite those who have an interest in any aspect of life in rural Alaska to join in this gathering, because we value each perspective that attendees bring as an integral part of the network. We are all coming to realize that we are stronger and better able to move into the future when we cast a wider net — sharing across disciplines, generations, geographic location and cultures.

In addition to regular and paneled sessions, the conference will include a banquet on Wednesday, April 16, and workshops on traditional uses of plants, including natural dyes and soap making.

Please see the website for more information: http://seagrant.uaf.edu/conferences/waisc/2015/index.html