USFWS Alaska Native Relations Policy Drafting a new policy – 2016 Crystal Leonetti, USFWS Alaska Native Affairs Specialist Patty Schwalenburg, Chugach Regional Resources Commission Executive Director December 2, 2015

Native American Policy  1994 Version will be updated, published by end of year 2015  Framework for government-to-government relationships, and the trust responsibility to federally recognized tribes  Respect to diverse Native American religious, spiritual, and cultural identities  Respect to traditional knowledge, experience, and perspectives of Native American people to manage fish, wildlife, and cultural resources

Native American Policy sections 1.Introduction and Purpose 2.Definitions 3.Authorities 4.Overall Responsibilities 5.Sovereignty and Government-to- Government Relations 6.Communications and Relationships

Native American Policy sections 7.Resource Management 8.Culture/Religion 9.Law Enforcement 10.Tribal Capacity Building, Assistance, and Funding 11.Implementation and Monitoring 12.Scope and Limitations

Alaska Native Relations Policy

 NEEDS:  Reinforcement of Federal Trust Responsibility to Tribes in Alaska, the only repetition that will occur from the Native American Policy  Marine Mammal Protection Act Section 119 Co-Management  Migratory Bird Treaty Act Amendment creating the Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Management Council  Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act corporations and lands  Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act public lands, subsistence priority, customary and traditional uses by Alaska Native peoples  2001 Appropriations Act requiring consultation with ANCSA corporations

Alaska Native Relations Policy How YOU can participate  Writing Team – we’ll be asking for Tribal and ANCSA rep nominations via soon  Consultation events in hub locations around Alaska  Comment Period  Deadline to sign final policy: DECEMBER 2016

Alaska Native Relations Policy DISCUSSION  BIA TRIBAL SERVICE PROVIDERS PARTICIPANT NOTES:  Tribal Conservation Districts should be part of policy  When visiting in villages, ensure that we meet with Alaska Native Elders and other Alaska Native leaders in the village. Spend time.