Arctic Policy One of Key Topics to be Addressed at Natural Resources Gathering

DENVER, CO – Native American tribes in the lower-48, Alaska Natives and others are gathering on May 20-22 in Juneau, AK for a national conference centered on tribal natural resources management.

“We are excited to kick-off this national conference,” said Albert Howard, Angoon, AK and board representative with the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (NAFWS), “and in Southeast Alaska, we want to work with tribes in the lower 48 on areas regarding allocation of resources and learning about important Alaskan concerns including the sportsmen and hunting industries, Subsistence, climate change adaptation, and traditional knowledge.”

The conference kicks off with an opening keynote address by Craig Fleener, Athabascan Native, who is the State of Alaska – Governor Bill Walker, Arctic Policy Advisor who will present a keynote on The Tribal Role in Arctic Policy.

As tribes look for improved ways to work with their state and federal agencies, they want to include youth, the future caretakers of tribal natural resources. Speaking in this regard, Deputy Undersecretary in Natural Resources & Environment, Forestry, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Arthur Blazer who will present an Update from Washington, D.C.

Tribal youth have been invited to participate in an education tour and discussion with tribal elders’ session for a one day learning program.

A Roundtable discussion takes place on the last day of the conference and will highlight some of the “Emerging Issues in Indian Country ”to identify Where Do We Go from Here.

This year’s conference theme centers around, “Natives without Borders: Bringing Our Next Generation into the Future to Continue Our Traditional Ways of Life.” David Wolf, President of the NAFWS said that he encourages those who are interested in the protection, conservation and enhancement of tribal natural resources to become involved and to learn more about what tribes in the lower 48 and Alaska Native Tribes are working toward. More than 35 sessions are planned, tribal conservation law officers training, a tribal feast and honoring banquet for those doing great work with tribal natural resources.

The NAFWS is a non-profit organization with a tribal membership of 224 Native American tribes and has been in existence since 1982. It is based in Colorado and seven regions of the U.S. tribal nations are represented on its board of directors.

The mission of the NAFWS is to assist Native American and Alaska Native Tribes with the conservation, protection, and enhancement of their fish and wildlife resources.

For more information, contact: Karen Lynch, NAFWS, [email protected], 303-466-1725, ext. 5