Environmental

The Chilkoot Indian Association’s Environmental Department works in conjunction with the CIA’s other departments and with tribes throughout the region and state to address a variety of environmental issues which affect our Tribal Citizens. Our staff is available to discuss and address the concerns of CIA’s Tribal Citizens.

Indian General Assistance Program (IGAP) 

The EPA’s IGAP program has been funding Tribal Environmental programs nationwide since 1992. IGAP work revolves around a set of Tribal Environmental Priorities that are determined by the Tribal Council. Our IGAP commitments include meeting with our Tribal Citizens to discuss environmental concerns and fostering youth stewardship in our community. Our IGAP workplan includes programs designed to clean up our waterways, monitor indoor and outdoor air quality, coordinate recycling efforts, monitor oceanic trends and support access to clean drinking water.

River Cleanup

Our staff conducts annual cleanups of the Chilkat and Chilkoot River corridors, removing stray river nets and other lost fishing gear as well as other garbage and contaminants which could negatively impact water quality and fish habitat,

Marine Debris Cleanup

We partner with the Ocean Conservancy, the Takshanuk Watershed Council, local volunteers and student groups to remove garbage from local beaches each spring. In 2026, 12 supersacks of marine debris were collected from Taiyasanka Harbor, the Katzehin River Flats, the Chilkoot estuary, Battery Point, Kelgaya Point and Twin Coves. The debris was sorted locally and backhauled to Sitka.

 For more information visit  https://www.takshanuk.org/marine-debris

Derelict Crab Pot Removal

As part of our ongoing effort to locate and retrieve lost crab and shrimp pots, we have partnered with the Takshanuk Watershed Council, the F/V Prospector and AK ROV Services to embark on an Alaska SeaGrant funded effort to scan the local fishing grounds for lost pots.  After determining the location of derelict fishing gear, we have endeavored to retrieve and return the lost pots.

Oceanic Studies

We are a member of the Southeast Alaska Tribal Oceanic Research (SEATOR) consortium. In conjunction with the SEATOR laboratory in Sitka, we conduct local studies that monitor Ocean Acidification (OA), Paralytic Shellfish Toxins (PSTs) and the encroachment of the European Green Crab.

OA samples are taken weekly at the Haines Small Boat Harbor. PST monitoring involves periodically gathering blue mussels from Taiyasanka Harbor, Portage Cove and Viking Cove and sending them to the SEATOR lab. When unsafe levels of PSTs are found, SEATOR will issue shellfish harvest advisories.

For more information visit https://seator.org.

SnowSchool

In partnership with the Winter Wildlands Alliance, the Takshanuk Watershed Council, the Haines Avalanche Center, Klukwan School, the Haines Borough School Distric, Haines Head Start and the Chilkat Valley Preschool, we are pleased to offer SnowSchool to all local youth from preschool through 8^th grade. Each winter, SnowSchool gives students the opportunity to learn about snow science and safe outdoor winter travel. All students are invited on a field trip which involves snowshoeing for younger students and cross-skiing for 4^th grade and up.

For more information visit https://winterwildlands.org/snowschool/

Air Quality

CIA Tribal Citizens can contact the Environmental Department for a FREE indoor air quality assessment or to borrow sensors to conduct home tests for Particulate Matter, Carbon Monoxide, Volatile Organic Compounds, Ventilation issues, mold and Radon.

Low-emission Engine Upgrades for the Tribal Commercial Fishing Fleet

Our department procured funds through the EPA’s Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) Program, which has enabled Tribal Members who fish commercially to apply for Tier 3 Diesel Engine upgrades aimed at improving public health and reducing emissions that cause climate change.

Recycling

We work to help our Tribal Citizens get rid of unwanted garbage from their homes and yards by coordinating with the Haines Friends of Recycling (https://www.hainesrecycle.org)  on their annual fishnet, electronics and scrap metal recycling events.