20-22 May 2024

Harmony Wayner

Indigenous Liaison, International Arctic Research Center
Harmony Jade Sugaq Wayner is a tribal member of Naknek Native Village, a commercial fisher in the Bristol Bay salmon fleet, and a marine scientist with a focus on social-ecological systems to promote Indigenous values and well-being in fisheries. Harmony holds a Master of Resource Management from the University Centre of the Westfjords in Iceland and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Alaska Southeast.

In her current professional role, Harmony serves as the Indigenous Liaison for the Research Networking Activities for Sustained Coordinated Observations of Arctic Change Project (RNA CoObs) at the International Arctic Research Center. Under that role, she is assembling an expert panel to address issues related to salmon in her home region of Bristol Bay. Harmony is committed to integrating Western and Indigenous knowledge within resource management for sustainable and equitable futures while amplifying the voices of Indigenous communities.

Having served on the board of directors for the Arctic Youth Network from 2021 to 2023, Harmony has contributed to high-profile dialogues on climate and nature, including the World Economic Forum, Arctic Circle Assembly, Arctic Encounter, and the Polar Symposium of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. She has also been a youth ambassador for Arctic Base Camp, an Arctic Frontiers Emerging Leader, and an Alaska Sea Grant Fellow.

Currently residing in Anchorage, Alaska, Harmony returns to Naknek during the summer months to engage in the traditional activities of fishing and berry gathering with her family.