From food systems to community-led tourism, our first session grounded the work—and pointed us toward what’s next: infrastructure. Volunteers clearn debris and restore a washed out bridge on the Shoup Trail in Valdez. Yesterday’s Foundations & Definitions session didn’t try to wrap regenerative tourism in a neat package. It did something better—it made it real. With regenerative tourism champion Mary Goddard from Sitka, and Cathy Renfeldt, from the Cordova Chamber of Commerce

We talk about Alaska’s outdoors like it belongs to everyone. But not everyone has had a real hand in shaping it. That’s what this workshop series is about. Not a webinar. Not a panel. A working space to build something practical: a framework and toolkit for how the outdoors can actually work better—for land, communities, and future generations. Who should be in the room? If you’ve ever thought “there has to be a better way to do this” —this is for you. That includes: Tribal l

What it looks like to move beyond growth and toward a healthier relationship with Alaska’s lands, waters, and communities Confluence Summits have been bringing diverse voices together in communities rich in cultural and outdoor assets. This photo was taken during one of the Summit's Learning Journeys, guided by the Alutiiq Museum and Archaeological Repository. For more than a decade, Alaska Outdoor Alliance (AOA) has helped elevate the importance of Alaska’s outdoor recreatio

In Alaska, the outdoors isn’t a category. It’s not just recreation. Not just tourism. Not just trails, access, or scenery. It’s how people live. It shapes livelihood, health, identity, culture, mobility, stewardship, and belonging. It’s how people feed their families, guide visitors, raise kids, build businesses, and stay connected to place. And yet, we still talk about it in pieces. Tourism over here. Conservation over there. Trails in one lane. Public health somewhere else