Never underestimate the value of native and other groups traditional knowledge. Recognize that different cultures have different governing bodies and develop a rapport based on mutual respect. Approach the relevant governing body through the appropriate channels. For example, if a tribal council or native corporation is the primary body in the area, start by talking informally with individual members of the council or corporation. Make sure you develop a relationship with and support from those members before presenting your monitoring proposal to the full governing body.
Cultures leading subsistence lifestyles often have very busy schedules during subsistence seasons.
Make sure you know when the critical subsistence harvest times are, and plan to have replacement monitors available if needed. In our program, we rely on non-Native monitors to serve as replacements when the primary monitors are unavailable due to subsistence harvesting, cultural events, or other reasons. Make the connection between water quality monitoring, sustainable economic activities, and healthy communities. It s always important to make this connection, but especially in villages and towns that have few sources of income and that rely on marine or estuarine resources for survival. For example, in several Native villages in Cook Inlet, logging is an important income-generating activity.