In October, the Department of the Interior and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) held a tribal consultation meeting with Tribal leaders and subsistence fisherman on fisheries protection and restoration. The meeting included the Department of the Interior Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland, as well as other representatives from DOI and NOAA.
During the consultation, tribal leaders and subsistence fisherman throughout the region stepped forward to demand action from the federal and state governments for the devastating salmon decline that has been impacting tribes on the Yukon River.
“Without immediate action – the salmon on the Yukon River will become extinct,” stated Rhonda Pitka, First Chief of Beaver.
Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) had several asks including; tribes be provided 638 contracts for the management of federal lands of special geographic, historic, and cultural significance, sustainable and recurring funding for tribes to effectively participate in the stewardship of lands and resources, and a review of the 2010 Federal Subsistence Management assessment and implementing those recommendations.
“The biggest thing that our communities need right now is to be empowered with decision-making authority, recognized for the indigenous knowledge that we have when it comes to managing resources, and the funding to accomplish change,” said Chief/Chairman Brian Ridley, Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC).
The issue on salmon decline in the Yukon River is not a new issue, and the tribes of the interior have been calling on the state and federal government for action. Despite tribes repeatedly submitting research proposals, consultations, and management recommendations for decades – no significant action has taken place.
“It is discouraging when we don’t seem to get anywhere or even get replies back from our asks. We are pleading at this point to keep our way of life,” said Karma Ulvi, First Chief of the Native Village of Eagle, “Talk to the tribes being affected on a regular basis and involve us in policy making.”
TCC and interior tribes hope that the consultations will result in meaningful action from DOI and NOAA.
“How long must we sacrifice on behalf of our people?” asked Nancy James, First Chief of Fort Yukon, “We can no longer sacrifice. Let’s take action.”