FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2025
Anchorage, Alaska – Yesterday, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Administrator Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency, met with board members of the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) and other Alaska Native leadership to discuss key issues impacting Native communities across Alaska.
The meeting, held in Anchorage, focused on strategies to enhance collaboration between federal, state, and local governments, ensuring that the voices of Alaska Native people are heard and prioritized in policy-making processes.
“At Interior, we are committed to the empowerment, preservation, and amplification of Alaska’s Native voices,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “This week, we had the honor of meeting with members of the Alaska Federation of Natives and Alaska Native leadership to discuss our united goals in promoting and protecting Alaska’s Native communities. Through close collaboration and partnership with AFN, Interior is better positioned to advance tribal priorities that honor indigenous heritage, influence public policy, support self-determination, and drive meaningful progress for Alaska’s 229 Federally Recognized Tribes.”
The meeting also provided a platform for Alaska Native leaders to share their insights on pressing issues, from land rights to public safety. Both Secretary Burgum and Administrator Zeldin committed to continuing the dialogue and taking actionable steps to support Alaska Native priorities.
Joe Nelson, AFN Co-Chair, emphasized the importance of the meeting, saying, “Although some might view Alaska as a young, resource-rich state, the reality is many of us have been here for thousands of years. We aren’t going anywhere, so it is wonderful to have our Nation’s leaders literally get a taste of this special place. We have much work to do, together.”
The Alaska Federation of Natives has been advocating for the rights and needs of Indigenous Alaskans since its founding in 1966, and today’s meeting is a significant step in strengthening partnerships with federal representatives.
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Press Contact: Nikki Stoops
