Program Review---Subsistence Management for Public Lands in Alaska

The Qutekcak Native Tribe expresses strong support for maintaining the current federal subsistence structure, specifically advocating for the preservation of Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board and the retention of Regional Advisory Councils. They argue that federal oversight is necessary to protect rural Native communities' rights and ensure that decisions are based on local knowledge and traditional practices.

Celeste Weller, a rural subsistence user and local official, supports the proposed action of adding more Native voices to the Subsistence Board. She opposes transferring more responsibility to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), arguing that the agency is already overwhelmed.

Liz Cravalho, representing NANA Regional Corporation, expresses support for the leadership of the Regional Advisory Council and the relocation of the Office of Subsistence Management. She emphasizes the critical importance of subsistence foods to the cultural identity and survival of the Inupiaq people in Northwest Alaska.

Emily Eden Shaw, a Native scholar and leader, speaks in support of federal subsistence protections for Alaska Native peoples. She argues that these protections are necessary to rectify historical injustices and ensure the survival and healing of Indigenous communities.

Kayleen Ward-Peter, representing the Native Village Venetie Tribal Government, opposes the proposed changes to the Board and the removal of tribal seats. She argues that the process is rushed, lacks proper notification for tribal nations, and threatens rural subsistence rights and food security.

Catherine Bolton, a tribal member from Hoonah, Alaska, shares her perspective on the importance of subsistence harvesting as a traditional way of life. She expresses concern about outside interests seeking access to public lands and emphasizes the interconnectedness of the biosphere.

Olivia Henaayee Irwin, a tribal member, argues that tribally appointed seats on the Board are a matter of sovereign government-to-government rights rather than racial preference. She urges the Secretary of the Interior to maintain the current Board composition to ensure that traditional ecological knowledge and tribal sovereignty are protected in subsistence management.

Andres opposes the proposed changes to the Federal Subsistence Board, specifically the removal of public and tribally appointed seats in favor of a smaller board based in Washington, D.C. He argues that the current system preserves local traditional ecological knowledge and that the Regional Advisory Committee (RAC) system is essential for effective subsistence management.

Rick Delkittie, a tribal member, expresses support for updating policies and laws regarding renewable resources to better reflect traditional Indigenous knowledge and address climate impacts. He argues that current management practices are insufficient and calls for the government to listen more closely to the Indigenous community's understanding of resource sustainability.

Lisa John, an Athabaskan native, opposes the proposed subsistence management actions, arguing that they threaten the food security and traditional way of life of Alaska Natives. She criticizes the current process as disrespectful and expresses frustration over the lack of representation and perceived corruption in the decision-making process.