- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), the ANCSA Regional Association (ARA), and the Alaska Native Village Corporation Association (ANVCA) took part in a roundtable discussion with the House Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday, August 27, at the Alaska Native Heritage Center. The event focused on pressing issues impacting Alaska Native communities.
The House Committee on Natural Resources holds wide-reaching jurisdiction affecting Alaska Native people, particularly through its Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. Committee Chair Rep. Bruce Westerman led the delegation, joined by Vice Chairman Rob Wittman and Representatives Paul Gosar, Pete Stauber, Tom Tiffany, Harriet Hageman, Val Hoyle, Celeste Maloy, Sarah Elfreth, and Randall. Together, they traveled to Alaska to hear directly from Native leaders.
"Engagement with Members of Congress is essential to ensure that the voices of Alaska Natives are heard regarding the management and stewardship of our lands and resources," said Ben Mallott, AFN President. "Our traditional and cultural ways of life must be fully understood and respected by policymakers, and that means hearing directly from us. Alaska Native communities are best positioned to balance protecting our traditions and pursuing economic development for the benefit of future generations."
The roundtable served as a valuable opportunity for open dialogue between Alaska Native leadership and congressional members about key issues involving public land policy, conservation efforts, economic development, and natural resource management. The organizations expressed appreciation to Rep. Nick Begich for coordinating the visit, ensuring that the committee members heard firsthand from those most affected by federal decisions.
“These roundtables are vital to helping policymakers understand the unique organizational structure created under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and the role Alaska Native corporations play in that structure,” said Nicole Borromeo, ANCSA Regional Association President. “ANCSA is a living policy that must continue to adapt to meet the needs of our communities. Alaska Native people are best positioned to guide these changes, so the law remains a foundation for cultural strength, economic development, and the well-being of future generations."
Attendees engaged in a thoughtful and productive exchange, addressing natural resource issues critical to Alaska’s future. These discussions are essential for crafting policies that promote environmental sustainability while honoring cultural values and supporting community well-being.
"ANVCA thanks Rep. Begich and the Committee for their swift work on H.R. 43 – the Alaska Native Village Municipal Lands Restoration Act of 2025," said Curtis McQueen, Executive Director of ANVCA. "Our communities are best positioned to determine the right use of our lands, and we welcome roundtables like these to continue educating policymakers on the uniqueness of our state and the land use policies that directly impact daily life in our villages."
Thanks were also extended to the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium for contributing to the discussion and emphasizing the vital role of healthcare access in rural Alaska in ensuring long-term community stability and health.
These conversations underscore the strength and determination of Alaska Native communities and highlight the critical need for collaboration with policymakers to support and protect cultural heritage while fostering sustainable opportunities for future generations.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Oral History Project Announces 14th Stop in Portland, Oregon: NABS Continues to Gather Crucial Stories Across Indian Country
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
