Anchorage Daily News

Gov. Sarah Palin, criticized by some as indifferent to Alaska Native concerns, says she has formed a new gubernatorial subcabinet that will focus on issues in rural, largely Native parts of the state.

Many Alaska Natives say Palin has ignored them and failed to protect their ancient traditions during her tenure, even though her husband is part Alaska Native.

The Republican vice presidential nominee is on the campaign trail, but made the announcement Thursday in a prerecorded speech played before thousands of people attending a yearly convention of Alaska Natives in Anchorage.

"As I envision it, the subcabinet will work closely with representatives of rural communities, tribes, corporations, nonprofits and other entities to discuss issues of concern and to design acceptable solutions," said Palin, among speakers kicking off the three-day conference of the Alaska Federation of Natives.

The rural subcabinet is made up of existing cabinet members, including two Alaska Native commissioners.

Palin said the panel will tackle such issues as public safety, education, health care. It already has begun to address the growing number of Alaskans who are leaving villages to escape some of the nation's steepest fuel prices.

"I know that to the current energy situation, some folks feel forced to leave their homes and their heritage and are making the move to more urban centers where the cost of living is less expensive and the odds of finding a decent job is better," Palin said.

Ken Johns, an Athabascan executive who supports Palin's GOP run, introduced the governor before she made her video appearance. Noting Palin was busy campaigning outside the state, Johns joked that conference organizers wanted him to ask Tina Fey to stand in for the governor.

"I told them no, we can't do that. I don't even think she eats moose meat," Johns said of Fey, the popular Palin spoofer on "Saturday Night Live."

Afterward, Alissa Joseph of Anchorage described Palin's speech as "wonderful." But she was disappointed that Palin did not attend in person.

So was Nick Lekanoff, an Aleut from the Aleutian island community of Unalaska.

"If she wants to win the Native vote, she should be here at the event," he said.

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