For Immediate Release
Contact: Communications@avcp.org
October 10, 2023
Alaska Board of Game
c/o Alaska Department of Fish and Game
P.O. 115526
Juneau, AK 99811
Re: Support for Rehabilitation of the Mulchatna Caribou Herd and YK-Delta Subsistence
Dear Alaska Board of Game Members:
The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) is the largest tribal consortium in the Nation with 56 federally recognized tribes as members. AVCP provides essential social services and advocacy for the Tribes and tribal members of the YK-Delta. One of our top advocacy priorities is ensuring the sustainability and proper management of our natural resources. We believe an important component of proper management is equitable tribal representation and inclusion of Traditional and Indigenous Knowledge in all subsistence and land management policies and decision-making.
Over the last two decades, the Mulchatna Caribou Herd has drastically decreased – from a high of 200,000 caribou in 1997 to 12,000 caribou in 2017. Levels have continued to remain low, and hunting has been closed since 2021. The Mulchatna Herd has traditionally been an important subsistence resource for Tribes in the AVCP Region. In order to restore the herd to numbers able to support our subsistence needs, we encourage the Board of Game and Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), to explore all possible measures to protect the herd. This includes measures such as the predator control program (see AVCP Resolution 23.09.06) and limiting hunting opportunities to subsistence uses only.
We also strongly encourage the Board of Game and ADF&G to meet with Tribes and tribal communities to develop recommendations to protect subsistence resources. We will best protect our resources by working together.
Quyana,
THE ASSOCIATION OF VILLAGE COUNCIL PRESIDENTS
Vivian Korthuis
Chief Executive Officer
Enclosure: Resolution 23-09-06 – Supporting the Alaska Department of Fish & Game Mulchatna Caribou Predator Control Program, 2022-2023
Click here for the Resolution 23-09-06
About:
Association of Village Council Presidents: Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) is a regional non-profit tribal consortium comprising 56 federally recognized tribes of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. AVCP’s region is approximately 55,000 square miles, with a population of 27,000 residing in 48 communities along the Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, and Bering Sea coast. The residents of the region are primarily Yup’ik, Cup’ik, and Athabascan. AVCP is dedicated to supporting the interests of its member tribes, including through community development, education, social services, culturally relevant programs, and advocacy. AVCP promotes self-determination and protection and enhancement of cultural and traditional values. As part of its mission, AVCP has long been committed to advocating for the protection of the Bering Sea and its resources.
