Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) has expressed deep appreciation for the Biden Administration’s recent decisions aimed at protecting Alaska’s lands, waterways, and wildlife. These decisions represent significant steps forward in supporting Indigenous knowledge and promoting a sustainable future for the region.
The Administration’s final Record of Decision (ROD) to adopt the No Action Alternative for the Ambler Road project is a monumental victory for Alaska Native communities. This decision safeguards one of Alaska’s most vital watersheds, preserving the health and vitality of entire ecosystems within the Brooks Range and Gates of the Arctic National Park.
“This is a historic win for the Alaska Native community. It reaffirms that our voices matter, that our knowledge is invaluable, and that our lands and animals deserve protection,” said Brian Ridley, Chief of the Tanana Chiefs Conference. “The Biden Administration’s ability to review the mountains of evidence in support of a rejection of the Ambler Road Project is proof that our collective voices are powerful and that we must continue to speak up to protect our ways of life. The previous Administration did not consult with Tribal Leaders when the Ambler Road proposal was brought forth, and TCC is very appreciative of the efforts of Tracy Stone-Manning, Director of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and her team for meaningful consultation with TCC and its member Tribes. This Record of Decision signifies a monumental step forward in the fight for Indigenous rights and environmental justice and must be protected by this Administration and our delegation as a process well followed and implemented.”
Additionally, the Biden Administration announced the final Environmental Impact Statement recommending the No Action Alternative for the 17(D)(1) region of Alaska. This decision protects 28 million acres of land, safeguarding the livelihoods of countless animals, ecosystems, and Indigenous communities. It also corrects the lack of consultation from the previous administration and reinforces the importance of preserving Alaskan ecosystems amidst the climate crisis.
In another impactful move, the United States Interior Department announced the complete transfer of the Office of Subsistence Management (OSM) from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to the Office of the Assistant Secretary – Policy, Management, and Budget. Effective July 15, 2024, this transition strengthens federal subsistence policy and structure, ensuring that federally qualified subsistence users and Alaska Native peoples have an opportunity for meaningful engagement in its implementation.
“For thousands of years, subsistence practices have been immensely important for Alaska Native communities, and remain deeply intertwined with their lifeways, food security, and cultures,” the report states, “Nowhere else in the United States is there such a heavy reliance upon wild foods.
TCC commends the Biden Administration’s recent actions, which bring hope for the future of Alaska’s lands, waterways, wildlife, and people. Now more than ever, it is crucial to listen to and follow the wisdom and practices of Traditional Indigenous knowledge. These recent decisions demonstrate that government entities can indeed be stewards of the land, working in harmony with the communities that have cared for it for generations.
