DEI Activities

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) for the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society is excited to announce a number of opportunities related to the upcoming meeting in Seward. We hope that you will take advantage of one or more of these! Questions and comments can be directed to deic@afs -alaska.org.

2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Travel Award

This award was designed to increase participation among individuals who identify as part of an underrepresented and/or historically marginalized group (e.g., in terms of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, physical and/or mental abilities) in fisheries or a related discipline.

Six successful applicants in 2024 have received support ranging from out-of-state travel support, a rental van to support student transportation from Anchorage to Seward, and per diems as needed to provide support for networking opportunities during mealtimes.

Want to donate to the DEI fund and/or help with DEI-related efforts?
Contact us! We’d love to hear from you.

Workshop: Two Eyed Seeing in Fisheries Workshop (Registration required; FULL)

Applying a Two-Eyed Seeing Etuaptmumk approach, an Indigenous research framework championed by Mi’kmaw Elder Albert Marshall, can support positive cross-cultural communication in fisheries. People attending this workshop will have an opportunity to co-learn about Alaska Native value systems in Alaska’s fisheries and practice overcoming challenges together. Our agenda includes listening to a multigenerational Tribal Elder and youth panel and building relationships through sharing stories, traditional foods and handicrafts skills. The goal for participants is to learn the value of cross-cultural team building and develop plans to move forward in collaboration between Tribes and agencies.

For more information, see the following flyer here.

Monday | March 25, 2024
8:30AM to 5:00PM

Community Building Events at the AK AFS Meeting in Seward

Please join us for one or more of the following events in Seward – all of which are intended to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the AK Chapter!

Mentorship Mixer
Tue, Mar 26 | PM Coffee Break
Coffee and refreshments provided (Registration required)

This coffee break event co-hosted with the CFOS student group. Informal conversations may center around professional development, issues related to career advancement, and personal identity and belonging in STEM. If you would like to become an official mentor for the Fisheries and Marine Sciences Mentorship Program, complete the following form here.

For more information, see the following flyer here.

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups provide safe spaces for people who identify with underrepresented and/or historically marginalized groups to gather, build community, and bolster a sense of belonging. There are in-person coffee break events in Seward. Time slots and location will be updated soon. Note: You must identify as a member of any affinity group that you intend to join.

BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color)
LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-spirit +)
People with Disabilities (including physical conditions, neurodivergence, mood disorders, and chronic illness)
First Generation College Students (Past & Present)
Dependent Caregivers

Allyship Discussion Lunch

This luncheon is intended for individuals who are interested in allyship: supporting our colleagues from underrepresented groups in a meaningful way at AK-AFS and beyond. We welcome participants who are serious about exploring and holding accountable the legacies of the institutions we are part of and doing the challenging work towards equity. A catered lunch will be provided. This discussion is being led by the AK-AFS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) and the Tamamta Program in Fisheries at UAF.

Tue, Mar 26 | 12:15PM to 1:15 PM – Lunch provided
Cost: Free, Maximum 20 participants
Location: Gateway Hotel Event Center (tentative)

Women in Fisheries Luncheon

Attention women in fisheries!

Back by popular demand, we are planning a Women in Fisheries Luncheon during the Seward meeting to offer a wider time slot to discuss challenges, solutions, and accomplishments unique to this community.

Act now to reserve your seat and delicious Zudy’s Café boxed lunch for Wednesday March 27 from 12 to 1pm. Please RSVP at Women in Fisheries Luncheon (2024 AFS AK Meeting – Seward) Survey (surveymonkey.com) as soon as possible to help us determine the space we need for lunch and to get your name on the list for your delicious delivered boxed lunch.

Can’t make it, but still want to show you backing for this group? Please consider donating to support another woman in fisheries.

Hope to see you there!

Wednesday, Mar 27 | 12:00PM to 1:00 PM – Lunch available for purchase
Cost: $25, Maximum approx. 40 participants
Location: Gateway Hotel Event Center

New DEIC initiatives:

Advocated for free registration for Tribal Members and high school students to become AK AFS policy.
Started the conference mentorship initiative – individualized support for Tribal Members, high school students, and undergraduate students to help them navigate the week-long programming to ease conference overwhelm.
Reviewed the AK AFS Bylaws and Procedural Manual.

Come find us at the DEI Registration Table for affinity stickers to add to your name tag and to find out ways to get involved and/or donate to the DEIC.

We look forward to connecting with you soon!

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
e: deic@afs-alaska.org