A Third Space
By Erica Watson
Over coffee, beer, or Zoom screens, I’ve had the chance this winter to talk with several of you about your values, concerns, and visions for the future of our community, and the role Denali Citizens Council might play. These conversations have been defined by unanswered questions, contradictions, and, especially in recent weeks, uncertainty about navigating the political landscapes ahead. But the strongest thread between each person has been a deep care for the park and the communities it sustains.
Nearly everyone who has joined in this process has shared their appreciation for the nuanced, Denali-specific policy expertise and institutional knowledge that DCC has offered for the last fifty years. While DCC is far from the only organization keeping a close eye on state and national land management policies with local impacts, it’s become increasingly clear that without DCC’s work, there isn’t another organization or group of individuals ready or able to replace the in-depth review of planning documents and proposals. DCC has played a valued role, and would leave a void if it no longer exists.
Additionally, we’ve found a shared desire for more opportunities for education and values-based collaboration, with compelling suggestions like in-person or virtual panel discussions, film screenings, advocacy-oriented book clubs, and speaker series. While many in the Denali community feel that they are living their values through their careers and/or volunteer work (for example, serving as volunteer emergency responders or on local governing boards), there is still a longing for a politically-minded “third space” beyond work, home and family, and social gatherings. Some people have expressed a desire for a chance to learn about the history and intentions of laws like the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) or the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), and others have expressed an interest in sharing their experience working with these structures. People have noted that engaging in the public process (even when it is functioning as intended) can be intimidating, and few of us have the educational or professional background to confidently interpret an Environmental Impact Statement (if we are not already doing it through our professional work), let alone advise others on how to comment (repeated shouts out to Nancy Bale!). Several people uplifted last fall’s Denali debut screening of Ramey Newell’s documentary, A Good Wolf, noting how refreshing it felt to see multiple local perspectives on wolf management presented in conversation with each other, without feeling pressured to take a position.
These conversations have invited further exploration of what DCC’s public outreach could look like, and questions about who is ready to step up and organize an event or gathering. I’ve been reminded again of an article I mentioned here earlier this winter and haven’t stopped thinking about, “Underrated ways to change the world,” in which the author writes, “I meet lots of idealistic folks who think that all they’re missing is money, or credentials, or access to the levers of power. More often, what they’re really missing is friends. Only a crazy person can toil alone for very long. But with a couple of buddies, you can toil pretty much forever, because it doesn’t feel like toil.”
One thing we’ve got going for us is that most of these conversations are among people who already consider themselves friends, or at least share a connection of place. This means that scheming on ideas doesn’t feel like toil, but like joyful and curiosity-driven dreaming of the world we wish to live in, and celebrating the ways in which we already do.
Last week, in the wake of the Trump administration’s attacks on federal employees and government services, lifelong Denali resident Henry Braun organized a rally at the Murie Science and Learning Center to show support for local National Park Service employees, and highlight rippling economic and social harms the administration has in our park-centered community. This event came together in just over a day, and coincided with February 5 demonstrations at every state capital. Henry said later on social media, “If you want somebody to do something, remember that you are somebody!”
It’s a good reminder that we are all somebody, and even in this small community, especially in the coming years, there is a lot of space for us each to do something to protect this place. Denali Citizens Council can be part of that, and we’re excited by the ideas we’ve heard so far.
Thank you so much to everyone who has participated thus far. If anything here resonates with you, or if you’ve got questions, please reach out. Over the next few months, I’ll be working on a proposal for how best to integrate what I’m hearing into a vision for DCC’s future. It will take work, and people to do it, but if we do it together, it will be a lot more fun.
