Boosting tribal voice in Alaska's subsistence fishing and hunting

USAgNet - 02/16/2024

The Departments of Agriculture and the Interior have announced a significant proposal to amplify Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB). This move, aimed at incorporating deeper Indigenous insights into subsistence management, proposes adding three Tribal-nominated members to the FSB.

These members will offer firsthand knowledge of rural and Indigenous subsistence practices, enhancing decision-making with traditional understandings.

The FSB plays a crucial role in regulating subsistence fishing and hunting on federal lands in Alaska, ensuring the sustainable use of fish and wildlife resources. This board, pivotal to Alaska Native food security and cultural practices, currently comprises federal agency and public members.

The proposed expansion seeks to honor Indigenous stewardship and knowledge, which have sustained these practices for millennia.

Secretaries Tom Vilsack and Deb Haaland emphasized the proposal’s alignment with broader goals of fostering collaboration with Indigenous communities and acknowledging Tribal sovereignty. This approach reflects a broader Biden-Harris administration priority to enhance nation-to-nation relationships and listen closely to Tribal leaders' input.

Feedback from extensive consultations with Tribes and the recognition of climate change’s impact on subsistence practices have been central to shaping this proposal. It underscores the necessity of Indigenous leadership in managing subsistence resources amidst environmental challenges.

The proposed changes, heralding a new era of cooperative management and respect for Indigenous knowledge, will be detailed further in the Federal Register, inviting public comment and ensuring a transparent process for enhancing Tribal representation and safeguarding subsistence traditions for future generations.

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