Kayaaní Commission
Protecting Sheet’ká’s native plants and preserving Lingít plant knowledge
STA’s Kayaaní Commission is a group of elders and experienced plant harvesters who work to protect Sheet’ká’s native plants and preserve Lingít plant knowledge. The group formed in 1997 in response to the USDA Forest Service’s plans to create Special Forest Product guidelines for the Alaska Region; by 1998 the Kayaaní Commission was formally recognized by Sitka Tribal Ordinance. Under the provisions of the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, federal agencies are required to consult Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Tribe/Sitka Tribe of Alaska prior to permitting commercial harvest of any plant traditionally and presently used by Tribal citizens.
The Kayaaní Commission meets monthly on the last Monday of the month. Community members are encouraged to attend.
To learn more about the Commission, contact to sienna.reid@sitkatribe-nsn.gov.
Special Forest Products Management
STA’s Kayaaní Commissioners and staff at the Resource Protection Department carry on the founding mission of the original Kayaaní Commission– collaborating with the USFS Sitka Ranger District to establish a Special Forest Products management plan for National Forest Lands within Sitka Tribe’s Traditional and Customary Use Area. Special Forest Products (SFP), also known as Non-Timber Forest Products, include all forest products or natural resources from plants and fungi that are not the traditional timber or fiber products from wood. Plant and fungi materials have been utilized respectfully and responsibly by the Sheet’ká Ḵwáan since time immemorial. To the citizens of the Sitka Tribe, these plants and fungi are not “special” or “products,” but are traditional and customary foods, medicines, materials, and spiritual aids.
The plan in development will outline restrictions on locations, species, and harvest practices associated with gathering SFP for commercial use. Please stay tuned for updates on this project and contact Sienna at sienna.reid@sitkatribe-nsn.gov with any questions.
Invasive Plants Management
Invasive plants are plants which are non-native to a region and 1) cause ecological harm, 2) cause harm to human health, and/or 3) cause economic harm. The Kayaaní Commission is concerned with the spread of invasive plants within the Sheet’ká Kwáan and how they impact availability of vital subsistence foods and medicines. Partnering with local government agencies and organizations, STA staff and commissioners are developing an invasive plant management plan for Sheet’ká Ḵwáan Territory which will outline the monitoring, control, and prevention methods taken by STA and our partners to manage invasive plants on Sitka’s road system.
General Resources:
US Forest Service Invasive Plants Website
Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r10/natural-resources/forest-health/invasive-plants to learn more about invasive plant species and to find more resources for reporting, eradication, and control.
Alaska Invasive Species Partnership (AKISP)
“The Alaska Invasive Species Partnership is an informal group comprised of individuals representing agencies and organizations statewide, with a shared vision that Alaska’s diverse environmental, cultural, and economic resources are kept free from the impacts of invasive species.” Learn more and subscribe to the email list by visiting alaskainvasives.org.
Alaska Exotic Plants Information Clearinghouse (AKEPIC)
UAA’s Alaska Center for Conservation Science hosts this statewide database that includes interactive maps and geospatial information on non-native plant species, an invasive plant list and ranking system, and links to further resources! Visit accs.uss.alaska.edu/invasive-species/non-native-plants/.
Report Infestations
UAF Cooperative Extension Service (CES)
The CES can “help you identify, eradicate and prevent pest problems.” Find report forms, pest management materials, and pesticide safety resources at uaf.edu/ces/invasives/.
Ways to Report Invasive Plants
The most effective time to control invasive species is when they are first introduced. Identifying invasive plants early on allows us to respond quickly and prevent further spread. One of the best ways to help control efforts is to report suspicious plants! Learn more here.
Below are a few invasive plants that the Comission is focusing on, but other common invasive weeds include: buttercup, foxglove, reed canary grass, European mountain ash, bishop’s goutweed, lady’s mantle, common plantain, dame’s rocket, yellow archangel, herb robert.
Itadori (aka Japanese knotweed) is native to eastern Asia where it is an important edible and medicinal plant. The first report of itadori in Alaska came from Port Alexander in 1981. Itadori’s ability to spread quickly and form dense thickets caused it to become a popular ornamental plant in North America; however, these qualities have also allowed knotweed to become one of the most invasive plants in the nation.
Unlike common garden weeds, itadori cannot be controlled by mowing or handpulling. Digging without complete removal of the taproot can stimulate the plant to send out runners forming new patches. Even tiny fragments of root and stem can grow into more knotweed, which is why it is crucial to inform yourself on control methods before taking on removal.
Orange hawkweed can be found in a couple of isolated residential patches around town. Once established it will form dense monocultures and become difficult to remove.
Catsear is a common dandelion lookalike found across Sitka, but luckily it can be easily controlled by digging it up by the roots in the early spring.
Tribal Community Garden
The Tlingit people have a long history of tending to wild plants and cultivating food in gardens. STA is partnering with Baranof Island Housing Authority to plan and construct a Tribal community garden in Sheet’ká. The project aims to provide Tribal citizens access to gardening space and resources and supplement the Traditional Foods Program with fresh, locally grown produce.
Gardening resources:
Past Projects and Publications
The Kayaaní Commission was instrumental in the development of two publications at Sitka Tribe of Alaska: The Kayaaní Commission Ethnobotany Field Guide and A Celebration of Weavers. These resources may be accessed in-person at the STA Library (204 Siginaka Way) or at Sitka Public Library (320 Harbor Drive).
- The Kayaaní Commission Ethnobotany Field Guide
- A Celebration of Weavers
- Kayaaní Commission calendars