AFN Workshop: Understanding the Subsistence Framework in Alaska

October 16 from 1:00-4:30PM
William A. Egan Civic & Convention Center
555 W 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

This session is intended to provide an educational background and discussion on the legal framework of subsistence management in the State of Alaska, the challenges resulting from that framework, and options for improving subsistence access for Alaska Native people across the state.  It is meant to inform individuals in advance of the subsistence panel at the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention on October 17, 2024, and the discussion of a subsistence resolution at the AFN Convention on October 19, 2024.

The session will offer a baseline level of education about the federal and state legal structure of the State’s subsistence framework and governance.  It will also provide background on last year’s introduction of HJR22 and the potential implications such legislation could have on the subsistence framework in Alaska.  Presenters will offer options for proactive protection and planning for more comprehensive Alaska Native subsistence rights and uses before turning to an open discussion for participants.       

WORKING AGENDA (subject to change)

• Introduction (Gayla Hoseth, Chair, AFN Subsistence Committee, and Ben Mallott, AFN President-Elect) – 10 minutes (1:00 pm to 1:10 pm)
  • Gayla will offer an introduction of the work of AFN’s Subsistence Committee and how AFN is working to move the Alaska Native community from a reactive to a more proactive position on subsistence reform.
• Legal Overview (1:10 pm to 2:10 pm) 
  • Federal Laws Governing Alaska’s Subsistence Framework – 30 minutes
    • Tyson Kade (Partner, Van Ness Feldman) will provide a review of the federal laws important to understanding the subsistence framework, including:
      • How we arrived at the dual management structure that governs the subsistence framework in Alaska; and
      • Relevant provisions in federal laws impacting Alaska Native subsistence rights, such as those in the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, and more.
  • State Laws Governing Alaska’s Subsistence Framework – 30 minutes
    • Jaeleen Kookesh (Senior Counsel, Van Ness Feldman) will provide an overview of Alaska State management of subsistence.  Jaeleen will also discuss how last year’s HJR22 could have potentially changed the subsistence management structure in Alaska.
• Potential Options for Reform – 30 minutes (2:15 pm to 2:45 pm)
  • Mindy Meade Meyers (Of Counsel, Van Ness Feldman) will offer for discussion some options to achieve meaningful subsistence management reform included in AFN’s subsistence resolution, including:
    • Federal legislative and administrative options
    • State legislative and administrative options
• Open Discussion – 1.75 hours (2:45 pm to 4:30 pm)
  • Gayla will open the floor for discussion.