Postmark: Oct 27,95 8:33 AM Delivered: Oct 27,95 8:33 AM
Subject: Subsistence News-10/27/95
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Message:
*The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), a state-wide organization, recently voted to support oil development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The call for development prevailed over subsistence concerns.
*Some delegates to AFN debated for neutrality, but were out voted in a resolution endorsing development. Trade offs include a call for strong Native hiring and contracting if development takes place.
*The debate between the Gwich’in (Athabaskan) and Inupiaq (Eskimo) over the importance of the refuge’s coastal plain, and caribou calving areas, is critical to two cultures. The Gwich’in are dependent on the arctic ungulates, while the Inupiaq are more closely tied to marine mammals. Should proposed development be recommended off shore AFN may have endorsed the neutrality resolution.
*In another AFN resolution, they urged Congress to repeal provisions of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (1971), which did away with Native hunting and fishing rights across Alaska. Natives feel that they gave up significant rights with the Act, and it allowed the state and federal governments to assert much more control over subsistence activities.
Postmark: Oct 20,95 8:20 AM Delivered: Oct 20,95 8:20 AM
Subject: Subsistence News-10/20/95
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Message:
*CORRECTION-Mary Rudolph, recent appointee to the Southeast Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council, is a resident of Hoonah, and not a resident of Port Lions as previously reported.
*The recent Southeast Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meeting was held in Craig, Alaska between Sept. 28-30. Mr. William (Bill) Thomas (Ketchikan) was re-elected chair; Ms. Dolly Garza (Sitka) was elected vice-chair; and Vicki LeCornu (Hydaburg) was re-elected secretary.
*The Southcentral RAC meeting was held between Sept. 27-29 in Anchorage. Roy Ewan (Gakona) was elected chair; Lee Basnar (Cantwell) was elected vice-chair; and Fred John, Jr. was elected secretary. Both Roy Ewan and Gary Oskolkoff (Ninilchik) were reappointed to the RAC for three terms.
*Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridum) is back in the news. Scientists have studied the plant since the 1930’s for its insulin-like qualities in helping treat diabetes. A new firm, Naniquah, based in Anchorage, is seeking plants whose compounds can be used in the development of new drugs.
*Naniquah has named Fort Yukon elder, Donald Peter, to it’s board. He must grapple with the question of traditional plant ownership.
Postmark: Oct 06,95 9:03 AM Delivered: Oct 06,95 9:03 AM
Subject: Subsistence News-10/13/95
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Message:
*The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), section 810, imposes significant, but largely procedural, restrictions on future management of Alaska public lands.
*Under 810 provisions, all future decisions (except on state and Native corporation lands) must take into consideration their effect on subsistence.
*Prior to any action, the federal agency managing the lands must evaluate the effect of the action on subsistence and alternatives available to reduce or eliminate the need for the proposed action.
*If the activity has the potential to “significantly restrict subsistence use”, then it cannot be implemented until the agency has accomplished the following:
gives notice to the state and the affected local committees and regional councils,
gives notice and holds a hearing near the lands being considered/impacted, and
determines that the restriction of subsistence is necessary, that the least amount of land will be affected, and that reasonable steps will be undertaken to lessen the adverse effects to subsistence.
