STATEMENT: Kawerak, Association of Village Council Presidents, and Bering Sea Elders Group Appreciate Protections for Their Waters from Oil and Gas Leasing
January 6, 2025―In response to President Biden using his authority under section 12(a) of the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) to permanently withdraw areas in the Northern Bering Sea from oil and gas leasing, Kawerak, Association of Village Council Presidents, and Bering Sea Elders Group issued the following statement:
As Alaska Native Tribal Organizations that serve and advocate for over 70 Tribes and collaborate with communities in Western Alaska and the Bering Sea, we offer our deepest appreciation and gratitude to President Biden for protecting our waters from offshore oil and gas leasing.
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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.
