As the people of Shishmaref lose their natural hunting grounds to the warming sea, they are forced to buy U.S. canned goods from the only local store on the island; however, this is not their natural diet and cannot sustain them throughout the year.

In this quote, Amy J. Berg highlights the environmental and cultural challenges faced by the people of Shishmaref, an island community in Alaska. As the warming sea encroaches on their natural hunting grounds, the residents are increasingly forced to rely on U.S. canned goods from the only local store. This shift from traditional, locally sourced foods to processed, store-bought items reflects a significant disruption to their diet and way of life.

Berg emphasizes that the canned goods are not part of the community's natural diet, which typically includes foods like fish, seals, and other locally hunted animals. The change in diet, driven by environmental changes, leads to a mismatch between the food they are now consuming and the nutritional needs of their people. The reliance on processed foods, which are not suited to their lifestyle or climate, poses a threat to their long-term health and sustainability.

The origin of this quote lies in Berg’s work, likely related to her involvement with documenting the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities. Shishmaref is one of many places where rising sea levels and environmental changes are threatening the cultural practices and livelihoods of the residents. Through her work, Berg brings attention to how climate change forces communities to abandon their traditional lifestyles and adapt to circumstances that may not be suitable for their survival.

Ultimately, Berg’s quote highlights the broader issue of how climate change disrupts not just the environment but also the cultural identity and health of communities. It underscores the urgency of addressing environmental changes that impact sustainable living and the access to natural resources vital for maintaining the health and well-being of traditional communities.