When Chie Sakakibara visited an Iñupiaq community in Arctic Alaska as a graduate student, an elder’s words stuck with her: “Never disappear.” This advice shaped her career. For years, researchers have come to Indigenous lands, gathered stories and left, often without sharing results. The community asked Sakakibara to do differently—to show how they adapt to climate change and highlight their resilience.
Now an associate professor at Syracuse University, Sakakibara focuses on long-term partnerships and Indigenous research sovereignty. This means respecting the community’s voice in how their knowledge is used. She studies how people, animals, and environments in the Arctic survive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Shana Kushner Gadarian, another professor at Syracuse, describes Chie’s work as exemplary engaged scholarship. “She centers Indigenous voices and builds lasting partnerships. Research and community responsibility go hand in hand,” she says.
One of Sakakibara’s current projects, “Indigenous Northern Landscapes,” connects the Iñupiaq people with the Ainu community in Japan. Together, they explore environmental memory and cultural preservation, focusing on how each community adapts to climate challenges. Her book, *Whale Snow*, documents these relationships and was recognized for its scholarly importance.
Both communities share a history of land loss and language suppression but have revitalized their Indigenous practices. The Iñupiat cherish their connection to bowhead whales and the Arctic environment, while the Ainu honor their ties to bears and rivers. Sakakibara believes that stronger connections between Indigenous peoples can amplify their voices and enhance their resilience.
Her projects often use repeat photography that shows changes over time—like melting ice and shifting coastlines—juxtaposing historical and contemporary images. “These photos aren’t just archives. They tell living stories,” she says.
Sakakibara emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Indigenous adaptability to climate change. Contrary to the popular belief that Indigenous cultures are static, she argues that they actively observe and respond to their environments. For instance, Iñupiat hunters adjust their whaling strategies based on ice conditions, while Ainu communities protect salmon runs using both historical knowledge and modern insights.
“Resilience often appears in subtle ways—in stories, humor, and care for the land,” she adds. Chie believes Western science and Indigenous wisdom can complement each other to tackle climate issues, as both perspectives hold vital insights for policy and practice.
Climate change is one of the biggest crises we face today, affecting everything from policy to personal well-being. “Our students gain valuable perspectives from Professor Sakakibara’s work,” says Dean David M. Van Slyke.
Sakakibara also involves her students in this vital work. In summer 2024, she hosted a digital storytelling workshop with Ainu collaborators, giving students a chance to engage directly with the community’s cultural narratives. One Ainu participant shared his journey of language learning, emphasizing the importance of passing heritage to future generations.
Another student, Destiny Lazore, expressed deep gratitude for being part of this project. As a member of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe, she resonated with the Ainu’s struggles to protect culture and language. When hearing their stories, she felt a shared desire to safeguard her people’s traditions.
Despite challenges in research funding, Sakakibara remains committed to building lasting relationships. Her initiatives engage prestigious institutions like the National Museum of Ethnology in Japan and the Penn Museum. “At the heart of my work is the idea that research is about relationships, and those require responsibility,” she says.
Ultimately, Sakakibara’s approach is about weaving together stories, cultures, and communities to face the pressing challenges of climate change together.
