Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission

The Ahtna Intertribal Resources Commission (AITRC) was formed in 2011 after many years of planning to conserve, manage, and develop the fish, wildlife, and plant resources of the Ahtna Region according to culturally relevant values.

The AITRC Board of Directors is made up of Tribal representatives who have spent their lives on the land. Our culture incorporates thousands of years of stewardship of the hunting, fishing, and gathering resources of the Ahtna Region. We are also committed to incorporating scientific best practices with our traditional ecological knowledge, which will guide the operation and policies of the organization.

AITRC was formed to be a coordinating body for subsistence resources in the Ahtna Traditional Use Area. AITRC has a priority to study and implement policies that will allow the Ahtna people to prosper on the land. Our policies are directed to achieve self-determination, food security, and full access to resources. Polices that support sustainable fish and wildlife populations and a harvest that will provide for our cultural, nutritional, and economic needs as Ahtna tribal people is the goal. This will increase self-reliance and provide for our families in a positive way.

Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission (AITRC) operates primarily through grants, relying on funding to fulfill its mission and goals set by the Board of Directors. The financial support received through initiatives like Pick.Click.Give plays a pivotal role in enhancing the organization's impact and reach.

With the additional funding from Pick.Click.Give, AITRC can broaden its scope of activities and intensify its efforts in several critical areas. One significant area of impact is youth education. By allocating resources towards educational programs, AITRC can engage younger generations in learning about indigenous cultures, traditional practices, and environmental stewardship. These initiatives not only foster a sense of pride and connection to heritage but also equip youth with essential knowledge and skills for preserving their cultural legacy.

Moreover, the funding enables AITRC to conduct vital wildlife and fisheries research projects. These endeavors are essential for understanding ecosystem dynamics, identifying conservation priorities, and promoting sustainable resource management practices. By investing in such research, AITRC contributes to the preservation of biodiversity and the long-term health of traditional lands and waters.

Another significant aspect of AITRC's work supported by Pick.Click.Give funding is the protection of cultural sites. These sites hold immense significance as repositories of ancestral knowledge, spiritual practices, and historical narratives. By safeguarding these sites from encroachment, degradation, or exploitation, AITRC ensures the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

Furthermore, the funding facilitates anthropological interviews to document traditional knowledge. These interviews play a crucial role in capturing oral histories, indigenous wisdom, and customary practices passed down through generations. By documenting and preserving this wealth of traditional knowledge, AITRC contributes to the revitalization and continuity of Ahtna culture.

In summary, the financial support provided by Pick.Click.Give empowers AITRC to undertake a diverse range of projects and initiatives that have a profound and lasting impact on indigenous communities and their environments. From youth education to cultural preservation, wildlife research to traditional knowledge documentation, these efforts contribute to the resilience, vitality, and sustainability of Ahtna peoples and their ancestral lands.