October 23, 2005
Sunday

Rob Sanderson is absolutely correct in his assertions, under the Government to Government relationship Federal Agencies are obligated to address the issue with the Tribes and in most instances conduct hearings when a dispute occurs between the Tribe and the federal agency. Perhaps Tlingit and Haida should step up as the regional Tribal entity and request a hearing on this matter as a show of support for KIC's position. Although each Tribe has a right to govern their lands as they see fit, it is incumbent upon the Tribes to remember that changes in their eco-system may and often will impact other communities in Southeast. I have watched the federal government get stuck in their good ideas and apologize after the fact for the mistake they made, in the name of their right as the controlling agency.
After working for Tribes in the lower 48 I have observed their influence by asserting their rights as a government and in most cases federal and state agencies do not act without consulting the Tribes. This is especially true for natural resource, hunting and fishing issues.

Often times it is the responsibility of the Tribes to ensure that the natural resources are protected but in this case I would think you would have support from many non-native groups in southeast. Good luck with your news conference and keep up the good work.

Randy Williams
Covington, WA - USA

Related Viewpoint:

HERBICED/PESTICIDE SPRAYING ON LONG ISLAND ALASKA By Rob Sanderson Jr. - Ketchikan, AK - USA

 

Write a Letter -------Read Letters

E-mail the Editor

Sitnews
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska