Unalaska, AK – The Aleutian Life Forum kicked off Thursday night with an invocation in the Unangan language and a performance of traditional Unangan dance. The event is a symposium on cultural and environmental topics specific to the Aleutian Islands, held annually in Unalaska. It draws together state and federal environmental regulators, academics and representatives of Unangan tribes from throughout the region. Conference chairman Reid Brewer is also the local agent for the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program. He says the main purpose of this year's forum is to put in place a coastal observation system that communities throughout the region can use.

On Friday, representatives from Atka, Akutan, Unalaska, King Cove and St. Paul, as well as Sitka, reported on environmental conditions in their communities. The Aleutian Life Forum will continue through the weekend and finish up Sunday afternoon.