On October 16th, TCC signed two groundbreaking agreements with the Department of the Interior (DOI). These agreements, the Self-Governance Funding Agreement and the Gravel to Gravel Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), represent a unified commitment to strengthening Tribal self-governance and co-stewardship of Alaska’s lands and resources.
Self-Governance Funding Agreement
The Self-Governance Funding Agreement is a first-of-its-kind, inter-agency agreement between TCC and key bureaus of the Department of the Interior, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Geological Survey. This landmark agreement centralizes Tribal voices and priorities across federal public lands and programs. By fostering consultation, communication, and strong partnerships, the agreement aims to create a sustainable framework that emphasizes reciprocity with the lands and waters, while ensuring the well-being of future generations.
“This agreement is a powerful step toward long-term self-governance,” said Chief Brian Ridley. “It is built on the foundation of respectful and meaningful consultation, and it reflects our shared commitment to protecting the lands and resources that define who we are as Alaska Native people.”
The framework established by this agreement will enable the growth of Tribal Self-Governance Co-Stewardship Agreements, empowering Tribes to actively participate in the management and sustainability of the lands and resources that are integral to their way of life.
Gravel to Gravel MOU
TCC, alongside leaders from the Department of the Interior and Alaska Native Tribes, signed the Gravel to Gravel MOU. This agreement is a testament to the long-standing relationship between the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Norton Sound regions and the people who have depended on their ecosystems since time immemorial. These regions are vital for sustaining fish, birds, wildlife, and resilient communities.
Federal leaders took this opportunity to listen directly to the voices of Alaska Native Tribes, gaining a deeper understanding of the ecosystem collapses that have deeply affected communities and cultures. The MOU establishes a collaborative effort between federal agencies and Tribes, creating a foundation for co-stewardship where Traditional Knowledge and western science work together to address ecosystem challenges.
“This agreement is about more than policy; it’s about partnership,” said Chief Brian Ridley. “By integrating Traditional Knowledge with western science, we can take collective action to support resilient ecosystems and communities. The Gravel to Gravel MOU sets the stage for co-stewardship, ensuring that our traditional practices and values are at the forefront of decision-making.”
As TCC continues to advocate for Tribal rights and environmental sustainability, these agreements mark a significant step forward in the journey toward meaningful self-determination and co-stewardship.