Postmark: Nov 01,95 9:28 AM Delivered: Nov 01,95 9:28 AM
Subject: Subsistence News-11/3/95
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Message:
*Fran Ulmer, Alaska’s Liet. Governor, recently provided some clarification on the intricacies of Alaska’s subsistence dilemma. Ulmer responded to the following point:”Subsistence is not and should not be limited to traditional methods and means”. Ulmer’s response: “Some insist that subsistence harvest methods should exclude use of rifles, snow machines, and other modern technology. Insistence on pre-contact Native harvest methods is not only impractical, it could very well produce unintended consequences. Fish traps, hunting with snares, and other traditional harvest methods are very effective and do not discriminate among species. Also, the rural preference is not limited to Natives.”
*The next Southcentral Federal Regional Advisory Council (RAC) meeting is scheduled for Cordova, Alaska, Feb.5-7, 1996.
*The Southeast RAC meeting is set for Wrangell, Alaska, Feb.8-10, 1996.
*The Katie John v. U.S. and Alaska litigation alleges that the federal subsistence program has restricted the defendants from fishing in navigable waters. As a result, within the next 14 months, the “Forest Service may be handed subsistence fisheries management responsibility that could cost as much as $15 million annually.”
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.
