On November 30, 2022, the White House released a guidance document that identifies ELOKA as an example of a successful data management program that serves both Indigenous communities and federal agencies.
Joshua W. Brown is a postdoctoral researcher focusing on Indigenous data and storytelling. As a University of Montana graduate, Joshua Brown examined Salish people's food sovereignty and food systems while earning a PhD in cultural and applied anthropology. At ELOKA, Joshua will develop a research project focusing on storytelling with Indigenous data, drawing on existing partnerships and activities of the ELOKA network of partners. Joshua's previous work centered around revitalizing the Salish language within his home community through organization projects and policies.
Natasha (Tash) Haycock-Chavez works to facilitate projects, build community, and engage both local and scientific communities. Tash is passionate about working at the intersection of Indigenous interests and research, and has experience working in Arctic science communication and outreach. She also has a master’s degree in Geography where she was invited by the community of Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, to conduct a geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis for their community-lead protected area.
In the summer of 2022, ELOKA chose Benjamin Brown to be ELOKA's intern and assist with developing a new module for an existing Atlas.
In the summer of 2022, a sixth module with videos, the Evenki Visual Histories, was added to the existing Evenki Atlas—the first online cultural atlas of Indigenous Knowledge from Siberia, Russia.
Matt Druckenmiller and Josh Jones from Alaska Arctic Observatory & Knowledge Hub (AAOKH), traveled to Utqiaġvik, Alaska, to map and survey ice conditions on trails used by local whaling crews.
Noor Johnson and Matt Druckenmiller from the ELOKA met with community observers, advisors, and staff from the AAOKH at their annual meeting.
The Exchange for Local Knowledge and Observations in the Arctic (ELOKA) has formed an Advisory Committee, consisting of four members who will advise ELOKA during its five-year grant period that began in 2021.
Sofia Vakhutinsky has worked as an undergraduate research assistant at NSIDC since 2019 and is currently studying geography with a geographical information science (GIS) emphasis and economics, as well as minoring in geology, and atmospheric and ocean science at the University of Colorado Boulder. She was involved as a contributing author to the 2020 Arctic Report Card, and recently joined the ELOKA team to learn more and contribute to GIS research relevant to Indigenous communities.
K. Malulani Castro is a first-year PhD student at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability where he works with Kyle Whyte. Malu’s scholarly and professional work is broadly focused on organizational evaluation and planning.