The Cultural and Behavioral Impact of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill on the Native Peoples of Prince William Sound, Alaska

This paper explores the impact of the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill and its aftermath on Tatitlek and Chenega Bay, two small predominantly Alu’utiq Native communities in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Specific topics discussed include: real and perceived contamination of traditional food resources, disruption of traditional subsistence practices, beach treatment and attempts at cleaning-up the oil, litigation of claims for spill-related damage, and oil spill restoration under the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council including habitat acquisition. The effects of the spill are contrasted with those of the 1964 Good Friday earthquake on the same communities.