Harmony Jade Sugaq Wayner

What’s the work that you do?

I’m Alutiiq from Naknek Native Village. I am an interdisciplinary graduate student in Iceland, focused on how Indigenous and Western fisheries knowledge systems combine to manage Alaskan fisheries better. My thesis is on the well-being of Indigenous communities and the link to harvesting wild foods of the land.

What keeps you going?

I am fueled by my family back home in Western Alaska, my village (Naknek), and my Native Corporation (Bristol Bay Native Corp.) and all the support they give me. I am a proud 4th generation woman commercial fisher in the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon fishery. Fishing gave me a gritty work ethic and helped pay for my education.

What’s your message to the world?

Take opportunities to push yourself out of your comfort zone and make time and space to rest. Every year, I put up fish with my family and spend time on my home’s tundra, ocean, and river. A system that has historically oppressed Indigenous peoples, people of color, and women won’t change overnight. Take care of yourself in this work.