Association of Village Council Presidents and Allies Defend Katie John Cases at the United States Supreme Court
Today, the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) and two federally-qualified subsistence fishers from the Kuskokwim River, Betty Magnuson and Ivan Ivan, filed a brief in the United States Supreme Court opposing the State of Alaska’s renewed attack on federally protected subsistence rights and the Katie John line of cases. AVCP and its allies filed a united brief in the case, arguing that the Supreme Court should not review the August 2025 decision of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejecting the State of Alaska’s attacks on subsistence.
“Subsistence is not just a legal right; it is Our Way of Life. Katie John has protected our community for many years. So far, every court has affirmed what we know to be true, that our subsistence rights are our legal rights. The State of Alaska’s latest challenge at the Supreme Court level is a distraction from supporting our rights and traditions. We urge the United States Supreme Court to uphold these rights and reject any attempt by the State of Alaska to undermine them. AVCP continues to stand united with our allies to defend and protect Our Way of Life,” said Vivian Korthius, AVCP CEO.
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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.
