In preparation for employment as marine mammal observers, seven North Slope students met at Deadhorse last summer for a specialized training opportunity. Students from Kaktovik, Nuiqsut and Barrow studied marine mammal ecology, acoustics, behavior and identification and were given an overview of the many industrial activities proposed offshore in the Arctic from seismic work, drilling and barging, to shipping and pipelines.

They also learned the intricacies of data collection, the use of safety equipment and the basics of aerial surveying. And, most importantly, they were guided to recognize the role traditional Inupiaq marine knowledge plays in furthering scientific knowledge and safeguarding the North Slope's marine resources.

Following the Deadhorse training, the group traveled to Barrow for industrial safety training including NSTC, taught by Ilisagvik College instructor Charlie Kanayurak and emergency procedures and onboard drills taught by Kanayurak and AMSEA instructor Mike Morris.

The 2010 course was part of Ilisagvik College's marine observer stewardship training program, now approaching its fifth year of operation. It's a program that's been driven by industry demand, with training sessions custom-built to meet specific employment needs. Last summer's training was sponsored by Exxon/Jago. Programs in previous years have been sponsored by Shell/AES and Marsh Creek/Kuukpik.

In recognition of its efforts in the field, the Alaska Federation of Natives, in October 2009, named Ilisagvik, "the recognized training center for Alaska Natives as marine mammal observers."

Ilisagvik's goal with its observer program is to insure that students understand the dual role they play as both employees on industry vessels and as members of North Slope whaling communities. The program seeks, likewise, to meld western scientific understanding with traditional Inupiaq knowledge.

In the words of veteran observer and Ilisagvik program graduate, Jonah Leavitt, "Being an Inupiaq subsistence hunter of Arctic marine mammals and having traditional knowledge of the arctic environment, I believe it will benefit both our people and also the scientists who study our sea mammals, including the Bowhead whale, by translating our knowledge into ... the language of western science."

In past years, marine observer students have listened to traditional knowledge presentations given by elders such as the late Arnold Brower Sr., the late Kenneth Toovak Sr. , Warren Matumeak and Wesley Aiken. This year, seasoned program graduates Robert Suvlu and William Leavitt followed in their elders' footsteps with an interactive traditional knowledge presentation delivered at Deadhorse.

Five years of operation

Entering its fifth year of operation, the program is now able to offer marine mammal observer certification with college credit and a host of options that employers can pick and choose from in custom building training programs relevant to their needs. Modules include both scientific and technical sessions as well as cultural orientation for scientists, marine licensing, safety training, teambuilding, on-board etiquette and even resume building.

Scientist Greg Green, with 18 years of experience working as an observer in the Arctic waters, has consulted with the college in the development of the program's science-related curriculum and also teaches in the program. Sessions in safety, regulatory history and traditional knowledge are taught by college instructors and local experts.

In speaking with program graduates, Barrow elder Wesley Aiken referred to the Arctic Ocean as, "our beautiful garden," a sentiment reflective of the North Slope perspective.

"This course belongs on the North Slope because you cannot teach the course in a location other than where the work will actually be conducted," adds Ilisagvik College president Beverly Patkotak Grinage. "We need to assure that at all times our traditional knowledge of the sea, weather and mammals is incorporated with Western scientific observations and instruction. No one knows our region as well as our whalers and hunters and this knowledge is an invaluable part of the marine mammal observer stewardship program we have developed."

While the experienced hunters who have taken the Ilisagvik observer training have been able, through the program, to learn industrial technology and share their expertise with scientists; younger students involved in the program have graduated with a much clearer understanding of the importance of their role as observers.

In a 2008 course evaluation, Barrow student Stephanie Thibedeau wrote, "We can use the knowledge that we gained by applying not only the scientific way of recording data and taking observations, but also looking at things with the traditional ways as well. We, as MMOs, are not just observing data for our own purposes but for our communities, which are whaling communities and living in these harsh weather conditions. It is beginning to become more dangerous as the ice is melting rapidly, so it's our job to always be reminded that the sea is our way of life."