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.

Click link for Press Release:

Association of Village Council Presidents and Allies Defend Katie John Cases at the United States Supreme Court

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.

Bethel, Alaska — The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) convened a unified media briefing today, led by Chief Executive Officer Vivian Korthuis, to address the impacts of Typhoon Halong and outline AVCP’s long-term recovery and emergency preparedness plans for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
The briefing brought together a diverse group of journalists from major outlets, including The New York Times, Associated Press, Anchorage Daily News, KYUK Radio, and others. This strong media presence ensured that critical information about AVCP’s response efforts reached local, state, and national audiences.

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AVCP CEO Vivian Korthuis Hosts Unified Media Briefing on Typhoon Halong

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.

On behalf of the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) and the 56 tribes we serve across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, I want to express our deep appreciation for President Donald Trump’s federal disaster declaration, which will provide $25 million in aid for communities and people impacted by Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska. This declaration is a critical step toward recovery, but it must be the beginning of a broader, sustained response.

President Trump’s words today reaffirm the importance of federal partnership in times of crisis:
“I just informed Governor Mike Dunleavy that, based on his request, I am approving $25   Million Dollars to help Alaska recover from the major typhoon they experienced earlier this month. It is my Honor to deliver for the Great State of Alaska.”

Click link for Press Release:

Statement from the CEO of AVCP on Federal Disaster Declaration for Typhoon Halong

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.

Bethel, Alaska — In the wake of catastrophic damage caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong, the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) has formally requested President Donald J. Trump to declare a national emergency and deploy immediate federal assistance to Western Alaska.

Representing 56 tribes across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, AVCP reports widespread devastation, including entire communities flooded, homes destroyed, power outages, and families stranded. While Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a state disaster declaration, AVCP emphasizes that the scale of the crisis demands urgent federal intervention.

In a letter submitted to the White House on October 12, AVCP urged the President to:

• Declare a national emergency;
• Deploy federal aid and personnel to the region;
• Establish a Western Alaska Response Center in Bethel;
• Fund public safety officers in every village;
• Invest in permanent federal infrastructure in the Arctic.

“Western Alaska needs your intervention immediately,” said Vivian Korthuis, AVCP CEO. “we are ready to work with you to support our communities. We urge you to declare a national emergency. Send federal aid. Help us protect lives and rebuild our communities and our future.”

AVCP stands ready to partner with federal agencies to implement solutions outlined in its 2024 Public Safety White Paper and ensure no Alaskan is left behind.

Click link below to see letter sent to President Trump on October 12, 2025:

AVCP Typhoon Halong’s Disaster Declaration Letter to President Trump

Click link for Press Release:

AVCP Urges President Trump to Declare National Emergency for Western Alaska

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.

Bethel, Alaska — The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) is calling on Governor Mike Dunleavy to expand the disaster declaration statewide and expedite emergency response efforts following the devastating October West Coast Storm and Typhoon Halong.

While AVCP appreciates the initial and expanded declarations, the storm’s impact, hurricane-force winds, record floods, and widespread destruction demands broader action. Entire villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta have suffered severe damage, with homes destroyed and residents missing.

AVCP has activated its Bethel-based Control Center and is coordinating with tribal governments to assess needs and deliver aid. The organization urges deployment of mobile response units, establishment of shelters, fuel and generator support, and other services.

AVCP also calls on Alaska’s Congressional Delegation to support federal coordination and long-term recovery funding.

“We are doing all we can to support our communities,” said Vivian Korthuis, AVCP CEO. “We urge state and federal partners to join us in ensuring no Alaskan is left behind.”

Click link below to see letter sent to Governor Mike Dunleavy on October 12, 2025.

AVCP Typhoon Halong’s Disaster Declaration Letter to Dunleavy

Click link for Press Release:

AVCP Disaster Declaration Typhoon Halong Dunleavy

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.

Bethel, Alaska — As the remnants of Typhoon Halong continue to batter the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta with hurricane-force winds and catastrophic coastal flooding, the Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) stands in unwavering solidarity with our communities across the region.

This storm, described by the National Weather Service as potentially the strongest to strike Alaska’s west coast since Typhoon Merbok in 2022, has already caused significant damage in Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and Napakiak. Reports confirm that homes have been displaced, infrastructure compromised, and residents are in urgent need of assistance[1].  We are continuing to receive updates from other communities and will continue to monitor.

Click link below for full press release:

AVCP Statement – Typhoon Halong’s Impact on Y-K Delta Region

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.

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