Opinions

OPINION: Alaska needs leaders who understands rural issues

Since the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) passed in 1971, Alaska’s regional and village corporations have advanced shareholder interests through sustainable resource development initiatives. In many cases, the resources being cultivated and capitalized on are based in our natural environment — ranging from salmon runs to timber harvesting to crude oil. While our lands sustain us, we are keenly aware of the respect and consideration that our environment is due. We cannot afford to dismiss “sustainability” as a buzzword. To us, sustainability is a delicate balance we must observe as our businesses expand, our rural communities modernize infrastructure, and our people practice the land stewardship that is their birthright.

Understanding and reconciling this diverse landscape of needs requires experience and perspective. We therefore welcome Mary Peltola’s recent ascent to our state’s delegation of senior lawmakers with open arms. As she stands alongside Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski, we see amongst this trio a promising drive towards fiscal growth, environmental respect, and sorely needed infrastructure investment towards our state’s rural communities.

Although new to her position, Peltola is already enrolled as a member of the U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources. As one of Congress’ four Indigenous members — and a person personally experienced in the rewards and challenges associated with a subsistence lifestyle — we are reassured in knowing that her perspective will lend context and insight to our delegation’s argument for our corporations’ right to develop resources. The federal chokehold enacted on Donlin Mine’s production — and the ensuring evaporation of shareholder dividends in less than eight years — stands as an especially acute example of poorly weighed priorities.

As thrilled as we are to have our stories shared by Alaska’s first Native representative, we would be remiss to allow the years of championing performed by Lisa Murkowski pass by without our heartfelt thanks and endorsement. As one of the Senate’s most productive members, Sen. Murkowski has been a tireless, empathetic ally with seemingly limitless energy to promote and protect our traditions, history, culture and ways of life. She possesses that rare capacity to appreciate and prioritize competing — and sometimes conflicting — community growth needs.

Over the years, Sen. Murkowski worked tirelessly to direct federal and state investments toward far-reaching, long-term development initiatives with the capacity to do tremendous good. In the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Sen. Murkowski advocated for First Alaskans and rural Alaskans by ensuring provisions were included to designate funding for investing in broadband, ports, harbors, roads, rails, bridges and water systems across our state’s rural communities.

Every day, Sen. Murkowski proves anew that she will always listen to the needs of Alaska Natives, and that she will continue to be a strong advocate for our people.

We stand with Lisa.

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Hallie L. Bissett is executive director of Alaska Native Village Corporation Association (ANVCA). She writes this piece on behalf of ANVCA’s members.

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