Alaska Federation of Natives
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Subsistence

Subsistence News:

>> U.S. Senator Mark Begich
sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs requesting an oversight hearing on subsistence during the 112th Congress.

In this letter, Senator Begich said, "Since 1989, the federal government has held full management authority for subsistence hunting and fishing on federal public lands in Alaska…what was intended to be temporary oversight has been in place for over two decades and has resulted in a failing management system." Download his letter here.

>> Download a PDF of AFN's 2010 Convention Report on Subsistence

>> Secretarial Review of Subsistence Closed
Download a PDF letter from the office of the Secretary of Interior dated October 5, 2010

 

 

AFN would like re recognize the following individuals and organizations for their generous contributions to AFN's Subsistence Defense Fund. In this time of great opportunity, they have demonstrated their enduring committment to the unique rights of our Native peoples.

 

CHUGACH ALASKA CORPORATION

Sheri Buretta

“Subsistence is the heart of our traditions, providing the means to survive in this great land. Alaska Natives settled for rights to continue their way of life that should be recognized and protected.”

-Sheri Buretta, Chair of the Board, Chugach


SEALASKA CORPORATION
- Rep Bill Thomas, Board member

Rep. Bill Thomas

“We must fix subsistence within this generation. Growing up, we didn’t call it ‘subsistence’, we called it ‘gathering’ and it was a way of life and a vital tie to our
culture. Let’s stop perpetuating subsistence problems so future generations of Alaskans can move forward.”

-Rep. Bill Thomas, Board Member, Sealaska


NANA REGIONAL CORPORATION

Marie Greene Photo

“ Subsistence is not only a way of life. It defines us as a people and is our spiritual connection to the land and sea. It is instilled in us and is a part of our inner being. It is essential to our survival as a people and no one can ever take that away.”

- Marie Greene, President and CEO, NANA


ARCTIC SLOPE REGIONAL CORPORATION

Rex Rock Photo

“Subsistence defines our people. The ability to subsist for our families and communities is the fabric that holds us together. It is who we are and it is worth fighting for.”

-Rex Rock, Sr., Chairman of the Board, ASRC

 

BERING STRAITS NATIVE CORPORATION

Tim Towarak

 

“BSNC believes subsistence is part of our “Bill of Rights” as Indigenous People of the Arctic and are happy to contribute towards finding a lasting solution to the Alaskan Subsistence situation through our contribution to AFN.”

-Tim Towarak, President, BSNC

 

DOYON, LIMITED

Bob Brean

“The protection of subsistence rights and practices is something sacred to all Alaska Natives and their descendents. It requires vigilance and the commitment of multiple generations. AFN has been a champion of the subsistence issue and Doyon Limited proudly supports their efforts in this endeavor.”

- Robert L. Brean, Board Chair, Doyon