I object to the comments by a top official of the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council quoted in a recent news article about Senator Mark Begich's proposed Alaska Safe Families and Villages Act.
The official accuses Senator Begich's proposed bill as a "veiled attempt to further the genocidal practices of the United States of America and the State of Alaska against Alaska indigenous peoples." This statement shows the letter writer does not understand what the proposed bill would actually do. His accusation demonstrates his ignorance. My advice to him: read the bill.
As an Alaska Native who grew up in Clarks Point, a small remote village in Bristol Bay, and one who personally helped draft the proposed legislation, I am deeply insulted this individual is accusing me of practicing genocide against my own people and other Alaska Natives. Terrible mistakes have been made in the past, but we can't change history. Saving lives and improving living conditions is too important and allows us to move ahead.
For too long, law enforcement in rural Alaska has been non-existent or under-funded. The State Court system does not reach far enough or fast enough for many of our isolated communities. Village residents have to travel great distances at great expense for court cases. Bootleggers and assault offenders walk our village streets unabated because State law enforcement is slow to respond or the judicial system is inaccessible. As a result, our rural communities experience overwhelming rates of illegal drug and alcohol abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and suicide.
The Bristol Bay Native Association, Kawerak, the Tanana Chiefs Conference, and the Alaska Federation of Natives, with support from tribes and tribal consortiums throughout Alaska, said enough is enough. We approached Senator Begich about the need to improve the quality of life in rural Alaska and were honored he invited us to help draft the bill.
Senator Begich was, and remains willing, to roll up his sleeves at our request to help identify locally-controlled, culturally-relevant practices that may result in lasting benefit throughout Alaska. Tribal leaders also met with former Attorney General Dan Sullivan when we were drafting our proposal and discussed it with the Governor's Rural Task Force. We have, and will continue, to coordinate with the State throughout the process.
If enacted, the proposal would open a federal funding stream that empowers Alaska tribes to strengthen or establish tribal courts, tribal ordinances, and impose sanctions on violators of tribal ordinances. Participants would also be eligible for a Village Peace Officer grant, ensuring a law enforcement presence in villages. The U.S. Department of Justice and the State Attorney General will provide oversight of the entire process. We worked hard to ensure the proposed bill establishes a careful step-by-step process.
I have great respect for Village Public Safety Officers and the gradual growth of the program. But funding needs, lack of housing, equipment needs, and other factors have created limitations, and social problems in villages remain largely unchanged. We still hear of family violence, bootlegging, and sexual abuse. It seems we hear of another suicide or death every week.
It is not genocide to empower tribes to help stop domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicides in their own communities. The right solutions vary from region to region, community to community, and involve more than just one agency and more than just one program. Senator Begich's bill offers much-needed tools.
Our village residents and tribes deserve more than political rhetoric. The realities of village survival, the need for our families and children to feel safe at home, and public safety concerns in our villages are too great. Alaska tribes want to do what we can to help. Senator Begich's proposal is a step in the right direction.
Ralph Andersen is Co-Chair of the Alaska Federation of Natives and President & CEO of the Bristol Bay Native Association.
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