During last week's Alaska Federation of Natives conference, Alaskans heard a lot about how dismal salmon runs are affecting Native villages, and how the Native community is pushing for greater control over the situation -- including stronger legal protections for their hunting and fishing rights in the Alaska and U.S. constitutions.
While the movement is unified across AFN members, it would be a mistake to assume all Alaska Natives are unified on the issue. The right and ability to feed one's family, how best to be a good steward of the state's wildlife resources, and who gets opportunities to gather wild foods first are emotional topics that delve into legal, social and political arenas.
Heralded as heroes
When salmon fishermen on the Kuskokwim River went out to catch kings this summer despite a mandatory closure triggered by the need to conserve a weak chinook run, many heralded them as heroes. They were viewed as family men standing up for their right to put food on the table and as activists no longer willing to stand by while outsiders -- state and federal officials -- told them how and when to fish. Dozens of fishermen received citations. Nets were cut. Fish were seized.
During a panel discussion at AFN in Anchorage last week, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski called the situation "an embarrassment" for both governments, asserting that the agencies have "ignored the traditions and culture of our First People."
"Our families are becoming criminals for putting food on the table," added Myron Naneng, president of the Association of Village Council Presidents.
"Hunting and fishing rights are a God-given and spiritual right that cannot be denied," said Randy Mayo, from Stevens Village, speaking earlier in the week at a rally in downtown Anchorage advocating a constitutional change to protect aboriginal rights to gather and share traditional foods.
'This is 2012 -- not 1912'
But not everyone believes defying the closure was the right thing to do, a point made recently by Mark Leary, director of development and operations for the Native village of Napaimute, a very small community located midway up the Kuskokwim River. In an essay posted to the village's website, Leary says:
He goes on, recalling what he's heard from Native elders about the old days:
Leary also makes this observation about how, regardless of a poor king salmon run, people found a way to get what they needed:
For Leary, those who didn't fish this summer, the people who abided by the closures, are the real heroes:
Messy topic
No matter how it's addressed, subsistence, for all of the absolute stances posited by people of various perspectives, is a messy topic. Those who advocate fishing when they need to are not necessarily opposed to conservation. Indeed, many pushing for constitutional changes also agree that wild food resources, including salmon, must be available for future generations.
Read more about the AFN discussion on subsistence here and here. Read more about Leary's perspective here.
Contact Jill Burke at jill(at)alaskadispatch.com