Why has the policy been developed?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) Native American Policy covers general tribal relations, which also applies in Alaska. Because there are federal laws unique to Alaska that impact the Alaska Native ways of life, or subsistence, and because Alaska’s 77 million acres of National Wildlife Refuge lands continue to support customary and traditional uses by Alaska Native and rural residents, it was important to create this guidance for federal employees.
What will the policy do?
The policy provides direction, a positive tone, and guidance for federal employees working in Alaska and at headquarters whose work includes carrying out the mandates unique to Alaska. It outlines their responsibilities under numerous acts, provides context for a special political and legal relationship to Alaska Native peoples, Tribes, Alaska Native Organizations (ANO) and Alaska Native Corporations (ANC).
How was the policy written?
The policy was written collaboratively by a team of Tribal, ANO, and ANC representatives alongside representatives from the major program areas within the Service. The team was facilitated by professionals of the Department of Interior’s Conflict and Dispute Resolution Office, led by the Service’s Alaska Native Affairs Specialist, and decision-making was by consensus. It was the team’s intent to mirror the Native American Policy sections, to set a positive tone, and to inspire employees in their work with Alaska Native peoples.
How were members of the writing team selected?
Nominations were encouraged by the Service from all 229 federally recognized Tribes and all village and regional Alaska Native Corporations. All nominations were accepted and added to the team. We are grateful for their hard work and tenacity. The non-federal team members are listed below:
Village of Wainwright | Blair Patkotak |
Ruby Tribal Council | Don Honea, Jr. |
Native Village of Savoonga | Paul Rookok, Sr. |
Ninilchik Tribal Council | Ivan Encelewski |
Agdaagux Tribe of King Cove | Donna Walker |
Curyung Tribal Council | Gayla Hoseth |
Native Village of Afognak | Melissa Borton, Natasha Hayden |
Chugach Regional Resources Commission (several tribes) | Patty Schwalenberg |
Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska | Will Micklin |
Kwethluk, Inc. | Chariton Epchook, Fr. Martin Nicolai |
Doyon, Ltd. | Sarah Obed |
Sealaska | Jaeleen Kookesh |
How will the policy be implemented?
Training for Service employees on this policy will be incorporated into the annual Alaska Native Relations training. The Service Director will sign the policy and make it a part of the Service’s Employee Manual and encourage executives to ensure that their functional areas are familiar with and carrying out the policy. It is the Service’s intent to develop an implementation plan for this policy.
