The AYK SSI is itself an excellent example of integrating local communities and Western science. As described in Chapter 1, the SSI is composed of Alaska Native organizations as well as others. Members of those Native organizations, often members of local communities, are playing a major role in developing research questions, making funding recommendations, and engaging Western scientists. They were part of the decision to request help from the National Research Council. Thus, the motivation for the development of the AYK SSI’s Research and Restoration plan is tied to Native culture and the sustainability of salmon. It differs from programs that are generated in the science community and presented to (or even imposed on) local communities. By the same token, the research that the SSI funds will share some of those features.

• How can the loss of vanishing and valuable information be prevented? Organizations like the Arctic Council, Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments, the Alaska Native Knowledge Network, and many others having been striving to conserve traditional knowledge for years. However, while those projects are important, their value and effect will not be completely realized until they are fully integrated into the relevant fields.

• How can traditional knowledge and traditional science be integrated? Traditional knowledge and Western science are woven together best by someone who has grown up with a traditional indigenous upbringing and then gained an understanding of the scientific method through formal training. This method is better than relying on an outsider to meet, learn about, and build relationships with an indigenous community or to have someone raised within an indigenous community attempting to apply the scientific method without the proper training. It is much easier—challenging though it might be—for a nonscientist to learn the methods of science than it is for someone from outside the Alaska Native culture to learn the Natives’ way of knowing. It is necessary to identify and encourage indigenous and collaborative research projects that weave traditional science and traditional knowledge with Western science, including the consolidation of salmon research into a library, including geographic information system data.

• How can local communities be involved in scientific research? Information should flow bi-directionally. The entire population