FCAC Regenerative economies working group
Regenerative economies build community wealth in ways that improve ecological and social well-being. Our volunteer working group advances local innovation that invests in the communities where wealth is produced instead of extracting profit. We are Alaskans creating long-term, meaningful jobs that sustain our communities, lands, waters, and high quality ways of life. We are building resilient economic infrastructure that will increase our state’s prosperity, security, and independence.
We expedite transitioning Alaska’s economy beyond fossil fuel dependence by diversifying revenue and amplifying existing regenerative economies to replace extractive economic systems. We share practical examples of Alaskans creating investable new ventures and solving problems that matter across Alaska and the world. We build economic systems that work for all of us, and provide livelihoods that positively affect people, the land, and the climate while addressing colonial histories. We elevate initiatives that are by and for Alaskans and center historically oppressed voices while building a vision and plan for growing Alaska’s regenerative economies.
Our Work
Showcasing Alaska’s regenerative future
Our collective research efforts uplift regenerative endeavors that build community wealth in ways that enhance ecological and social well-being. We look at ways we can transition Alaska’s economy beyond fossil fuel dependence and militarism by diversifying revenue and amplifying existing regenerative economies to replace extractive economic systems and industries.
Non extractive and accessible financing is a critical tool largely missing in Alaska so we are hoping to incubate and spin off a community loan fund to invest in worker owned businesses.
Key areas:
Renewable energy: Clean and affordable energy is good for us, our pocketbooks and the planet, and is one of the best leverage points to realize economic opportunities & job growth is to accelerate Alaska’s transition to renewable energy
Regenerative tourism: Visitors to our state benefit local communities and create alternatives to resource extraction by proactively improving ecosystems, elevating local economies, and promoting meaningful and responsible visitor experiences.
Food systems: Alaskans are proud of our unique ways of life; feeding our families food from our lands and waters fortifies the health of our communities and these are strengths we can build on. Producing local food, maintaining subsistence ways of life, and sustaining wild food systems are vital for food security and food sovereignty in Alaska.
Broadband internet: Affordable access to broadband in every household is needed to realize Alaska's full potential; investing in broadband pays for itself, creates opportunities, and lowers costs for our families (Ex: telemedicine, educational opportunities for our children, remote workers, reduce travel costs)
Learn More:
Uplift Examples of Alaskans already engaged in regenerative economies
Just Transition In Action: An Alaskan Film Series is a production of Deenaadàį' Productions, and was facilitated by FCAC in association with two of FCAC’s key coalition groups - Alaska Just Transition Collective & the Alaska Climate Alliance. This film series showcases examples of Alaskans who are already leading the way on regenerative economic practices.
Native Conservancy's Kelp Ocean Farmer Program currently serves Native villages in Prince William Sound, Kodiak, and Southeast Alaska. Kelp farming stimulates restoration, enhances food security, and builds a regenerative economy.
17 Tribes have joined the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Tribal Broadband Consortium and are on their way to receiving Tribally-owned broadband for the first time.
Support land sovereignty initiatives
In 2022, the State of Alaska initiated an auction of subsistence lands for industrial agriculture under the inaccurate guise of “food security.” This included a road construction project to access the land that did not involve consultation with the Nenana Tribal Council. Locals fought back, initiating a multi-day blockade of a tribally owned road.
Along with many other allied groups and individuals, FCAC helped to support the campaign around the sale, which served to bring awareness to the issue of land privatization, resource and infrastructure development, and its effects on Indigenous ways of life. Ultimately, core partners raised funds to purchase two parcels, about 42 acres, of the Nenana-Totchaket land, reclaiming a small portion of lands traditionally used by Nenana Native tribal members to hunt, fish, trap, and gather.
Out of this action, Tlaa Deneldel Community Group was founded by Eva Dawn Burk (Nenana Tribal Member) and Charlie Wright, (Rampart/Tanana Tribal Member), in partnership with Native Movement, to hold the land in trust, and to teach others how to properly care for it. Eventually, this will include an Indigenous learning center focused on ecological stewardship, food sovereignty, cultural revitalization, and community wellness.
Regenerative Economies - by and for Alaskans
This is an opportunity to transcend the limitations of politicized jargon to change hearts and minds. To shift narratives, transform finance structures, highlight traditional and thriving local economies, and create new economic tools to redistribute money and power to impacted communities. We work in accountable relationships and guided by movement leaders, with the ultimate goal of mobilizing resources and shifting power to achieve just processes and outcomes. Our work is rooted in hope, joy, connection, and the knowledge that together we’ve got this!
We invite you to join FCAC’s Regen Working Group and be part of transcending the climate crisis by building just economies for future generations. We hope you join us in shaping a bold vision and scaling our regenerative economies through a collective journey toward belonging, healing, and living in balance.
Regenerative Economy – What Can It Look Like?
Gopal Dayaneni, co-founder of Movement Generation, shares experiences from his work in the Just Transition movement at Nughelnik: Remembering Forward: 2022 Alaska Just Transition Summit
Alaska-Focused Resources
"Beyond Fossil Fuels: Planning a just transition for Alaska’s economy": report prepared by the Center for Sustainable Economy for the Northern Alaska Environmental Center and Greenpeace
Just Transition Resources
"From Banks and Tanks to Cooperation and Caring: A Strategic Framework for a Just Transition": zine prepared by the Movement Generation Justice and Ecology Project
Economy-Building Resources
Community-Wealth.org: This website from the University of Maryland-based Democracy Collaborative documents principles, strategies, and case studies for building sustainable and equitable community economies.
Institute for Local Self-Reliance: This organization works to "provide innovative strategies, working models and timely information to support environmentally sound and equitable community development". Their website hosts reports, podcasts, info sheets, video, and other media to inform organizers, policy makers, entrepreneurs, and others on strategies for advancing regenerative community economic development.