Participation was strong at last week’s Arctic Yukon Kuskokwim (AYK) Board of Fish meeting in Anchorage, with 43 participants and 23 testimonies. Twelve Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) villages/tribes were represented, with 8 Emerging Leaders.
The most impactful representation came from the youth, however. Olivia Irwin, Chair of the Minto/Nenana Advisory Committee, attended the meeting because she felt strongly that the hook and line proposal should extend much further throughout the Yukon-Kuskokwim drainage. Her testimony lead to a draft, deliberations, and approval of a measure that gives subsistence users more flexibility with their harvesting practices.
“I think we can all stand to learn that when we try to make this process more welcoming, less intimidating and more inclusive, we will continue to see more public engagement in these important public service roles,” said Holly Carrol, Yukon River Subsistence Fishery Manager for the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Shannon Erhart, TCC’s Tribal Development Deputy Director, echoed the sentiment. “We had 3 Emerging Leaders testify, and the Denakkanaaga youth delegate, a 16 year-old, testified with no notes,” she recalls. “Which was noted by the Board members!”
TCC is proud to partner with so many concerned subsistence anglers and hunters. The example we have set for our youth is beginning to pay dividends, and together we can hold State leadership accountable to hear our voices and respect our way of life.
