In collaboration with key partners in Alaska, the ATSDR Alaska Traditional Diet Project (ATDP) seeks to assist consumers of Alaskan traditional foods in making informed dietary decisions to prevent adverse health outcomes that might be associated with environmental contamination. The ATDP strives to incorporate both traditional and western scientific information in developing project activities.
Through established and new partnerships, the ATDP will assist in:
- Identifying traditional and "market" foods consumed in the diets of Alaska residents.
- Determining potential health risks and nutritional benefits of traditional diets.
- Developing a shared process (incorporating native knowledge and science) to ensure appropriate communication, education, and training within affected and concerned communities.
In its work of assessing human health, ATSDR often reviews information about foods that people eat which may be contaminated with hazardous substances.
In 2001, Congress instructed ATSDR to examine the public health issues related to environmental contamination of the subsistence foods in Alaska. To evaluate the possibility of people being exposed to contaminants in traditional foods, ATSDR talked to many Alaska Native leaders and organizations, and state and federal agencies with concerns about this topic.
Before we can define exposures that may be experienced by those in Alaska who eat traditional, indigenous foods, we must know what people are eating, how much, and how is it prepared and preserved. Although some knowledge exists on diets in Alaska, the data is sometimes old, based on estimates, and/or does not adequately provide information for all the regional areas. Therefore, the first steps should be the development and implementation of a dietary survey-to enable collection of data that is accurate, consistent and comparable. Who will administer the ATDP grant?
ATSDR consulted with the state agencies, such as the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, and several Alaska Native organizations interested in environmental contamination issues, to determine how best to distribute funds for this project. Based on advice given, the funds will be managed by a single Alaska-based organization. ATSDR's primary goal is to deliver funds to Alaska in a way that will support localized activity.
The Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) was selected to administer the program. To administer this project, the ANHB has convened an oversight committee of organizations and individuals that represent a broad range of issues and perspectives.
Will others receive funds?
Yes. There are many diverse cultures within Alaska and with them many diverse dietary practices. In order to collect reliable and accurate information, it is best for those closest to the community to assess these practices. Therefore, funds provided to the Alaska Native Health Board (ANHB) are expected to be divided and awarded to community and tribal organizations throughout Alaska to enable them to collect data on their own dietary practices. Although the ANHB will share information throughout this process as it becomes available, organizations and agencies interested in participating in the project are encouraged to stay in touch with the ANHB.
How will decisions be made to fund other organizations/activities? Will Alaska Natives participate in this process?
Based on input and recommendations received, an oversight committee has been developed to include diverse and valuable perspectives on the issue of contaminants and traditional diets to ensure full discussion of relevant concerns. The Alaska Native Health Board has established the oversight committee that provides advice on local/area projects in Alaska which will be funded with the grant monies. The oversight committee will evaluate survey proposals, suggest funding awards to local projects, and provide assistance as the awardees administer the survey.
The oversight committee includes representatives of Alaska Native organizations and villages.
When will the funds be available so awardees can start work on dietary surveys?
Decisions on funding of local/area projects will be proposed by the oversight committee. Funds for local/area projects are expected to be available in early 2002.
What are the criteria for awarding the funds?
The criteria for identifying and funding specific projects will be proposed by the oversight committee. If you have ideas, please share them with members of the ANHB or others on the oversight committee.
