Museum of Natural History to host graduate student exhibition

“There is hope from the sea…” a photo-ethnography of Zack Beal, graduate student of the ISU Department of Anthropology and Languages under the direction of Dr. Kate Reedy, explores the history and culture of Pacific cod fishing in the Shumagin Islands of Alaska.

“We’re excited to partner on this exhibit and showcase ISU research to our Idaho communities,” Leif Tapanila, museum director. These photographs explore the Aleut Indigenous fishing communities' connections to the Pacific cod fishing industry and what the decline in cod means for their future. 

“Instead of a traditional written thesis, we wanted to create something that has a broader impact," says anthropology professor Kate Reedy. "The exhibit showcases the development of the commercial fishery by Scandinavian and Aleut fishermen in these “Cod Islands,” their connection to the ocean and its resources, and the effects of climate change on both fish and the people who depend on them. The exhibit also shows to Idaho communities who is catching their seafood.”

The research is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and Navigating the New Arctic Community Office (NNA-CO).

The NNA-CO builds awareness, partnerships, opportunities, and resources for collaboration and equitable knowledge generation within, between, and beyond the research projects funded by the NSF. The office builds capacity in early career researchers and provides unique opportunities to inspire and engage a wide audience toward a more holistic understanding of the Arctic—its natural environment, built environment, and diverse cultures and communities.

When the photo exhibition closes at the IMNH, it will be relocated to the Aleut fishing community of Sand Point, AK as a permanent exhibition in their community.

The IMNH has served Idaho since 1934, to learn more or to sign up for classes please visit isu.edu/imnh or call (208) 282-3168.