It is with great pleasure that I write this message for Kaumanik, the newest regional publication of the Native American Fish & Wildlife Society (Society). I was very honored when asked by Alaska Regional Coordinator, Michelle Davis, to write a few words for this particular issue.

First, I would like to congratulate the Native American Rights Fund and the Neets’aii Gwichin of Venetie and Arctic Village on their victory in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. As everyone I’m sure is aware, the Court’s decision that the 1971 Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act did not extinguish Indian country in Alaska and that the land that Venetie occupies is in fact considered Indian country is a victory for all Alaska Native villages.

As a result of the Court’s decision, other Alaska Native villages may also be entitled to Indian country status and the benefits that status entails. Although the extent of authority of the right to regulate land use and manage fish and game is unclear, they may still have the powers tribes have gained as a result of the Indian country status.

Tribes in Alaska now have tremendous opportunities available to them to take more control of their natural resources. Alaskan tribes need to continue to develop their capabilities in the area of natural resource management and to actively pursue opportunities available to them in this particular arena.

As many of you are aware, the Society has maintained a presence in Alaska since 1992 and has implemented projects and programs since that time to assist Alaskan's in their natural resource management strategies and, in some instances, capabilities. Please be aware that the Society, in keeping with its mission, stands prepared to continue to maintain its Alaska Regional programs and offer requested technical assistance to its members in order to contribute to the development of the regions tribal resource management capabilities.

The organization has many resources available to it and looks forward to working with Alaskan tribes into the future. Please contact Pat Durham in the national office at 303-466-1725 to learn what opportunities are available. I enjoyed seeing our Alaska regional members at the April conference in Anchorage. Woliwon