Indigenous Stewardship: Tribal Sovereignty in action
Defending Lifeways, Sustaining Lands, and Leading the Future of Fish & Wildlife Management in Alaska
Across Alaska, Indigenous Peoples have stewarded fish, wildlife, and ecosystems since time immemorial. Today, that stewardship continues through powerful acts of sovereignty, cultural responsibility, and community-led advocacy. This page uplifts the work of Alaska Native Tribes, Tribal coalitions, and grassroots leaders who are reclaiming their rightful role in managing the lands and waters that sustain us. From protecting salmon runs to defending caribou migrations, we are advancing Indigenous governance, food security, and intergenerational knowledge to ensure a just and thriving future for all.
Call to Action
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Support Alaska Native Tribes in asserting their inherent rights to manage fish and wildlife. Advocate for co-management, Tribal consultation, and recognition of Indigenous governance in all decision-making spaces.
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If we take care of them, they will take care of us. Join efforts to defend subsistence rights and ensure food security for Indigenous communities. Speak out against policies that threaten access to traditional foods like salmon, caribou, moose, and berries.
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Educate yourself and others about Indigenous stewardship practices and the deep cultural relationships between Alaska Native Peoples and the land. Share stories, teachings, and advocacy tools with your networks.
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Attend public meetings, submit comments on wildlife proposals, and support Tribal-led initiatives in your region. Your voice matters in shaping policies that impact our lands and waters.
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Donate, volunteer, or partner with Native Movement to strengthen Indigenous-led advocacy, education, and organizing for fish and wildlife justice across Alaska.
Guiding Principles
Stewardship First
Escapement‑first, precautionary decisions when data is uncertain, and intergenerational responsibility to salmon and waters.
Sovereignty & FPIC
Tribes are governments. Engagement is government‑to‑government. FPIC is ongoing, before actions, with full information.
Two‑Eyed Seeing
TEK and Western science work together to produce decision‑quality knowledge that respects people and place.
Indigenous Data Sovereignty
Follow CARE‑aligned practices. Community authority over sensitive data and TEK with clear access tiers.
Stay Informed and Show Up
Deadlines & Alerts.
Use the calendar to track important meetings and deadlines. Participate in person, online, or by submitting public comments.
State Management
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The Board of Game (BOG) consists of seven members, each serving three years. There are no term limits. Members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the legislature. There are currently no seats designated for tribes or tribal organizations.
The BOG makes decisions regarding wildlife management in Alaska, including population and harvest objections and hunting regulations. These decisions include when to open and close seasons, areas for hunting and trapping, bag limits, methods and means, setting “policy and direction” for state wildlife management, allocative decisions, and deciding population objectives across the state.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) is then responsible for enacting management based on those decisions.
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Any Alaska resident can submit proposals to the Board of Game. Proposals are submitted and deliberated upon by region on a rotating basis, with a three-year cycle.
Click here for meeting dates, locations, comment deadlines, and other information as it becomes available.
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ACRs are requests to the Board of Game to consider proposals that are not part of the current cycle (see the long-term meeting cycle schedule. Please review the specific criteria under the board's ACR policy for which the board will accept an ACR. The deadline for submitting an ACR is November 1 each regulatory year. Following the deadline, the board will schedule a web conference meeting within 30 days to review the timely submitted requests.
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Federal Management
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
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Tribal & Intertribal
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It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Testimony FAQ
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Anyone wishing to testify must sign up at the meeting location before the sign up deadline. Testimony usually begins after the conclusion of agency reports and will continue until everyone that signed up has had the opportunity to testify. However, an ADF&G advisory committee or federal Regional Advisory Council representative may elect to provide testimony later in the meeting, typically before the deliberations on proposals specific to their region.
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Once the meeting begins, written comments can be accepted online at http://boardofgame.adfg.alaska.gov, in person at the meeting, or via fax to 907-465-6098. Comments submitted during the meeting will be logged with a record copy (“RC”) number and distributed to the board and posted on the meeting page.
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Time limits differ between the BOG and BOF Meeting process. For the BOG, individuals have 5 minutes, advisory group members and representatives have 15 minutes. For the BOF, individuals have three minutes and advisory group members and representatives have 10 minutes. Board members may ask questions after your testimony and then you get the opportunity to speak longer and respond to questions.
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Introduce yourself, state your name and where you are from.
Note: Introducing yourself does not count as time towards your testimony, you can introduce yourself in your native language. Then say, “Now I will begin my testimony” to help remind them that your introduction should not be timed.
Share what your “ask” is and what outcomes you would like to see (i.e. to pass or oppose proposal #).
Prepare your testimony to feel prepared and ensure your main concerns are heard within your allotted time.
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Draft testimony:
“Mr. Chair,
My name is [Insert name] from [Hometown], and I currently reside in [Place of residence]. I'm here today to testify on [Proposal(s)], as it significantly impacts [State your reasons why]. I urge the board to address my concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Advocacy Readiness Tools
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[Date]
[Recipient Name & Title]
[Agency/Board]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Subject: [Issue/Regulation/Proposal Number]
Dear [Recipient],
I write on behalf of [Tribe/Community/Organization]. Our families depend on Yukon River salmon for food, culture, and health. We request that you [approve/deny/modify] [proposal/regulation] because:
• [Point 1: Cultural/subsistence importance]
• [Point 2: Conservation/escapement-first rationale or precaution]
• [Point 3: Practical option or alternative language]
We are available for government-to-government discussion. Please include this letter in the public record.
Respectfully,
[Name, Title]
[Tribe/Organization]
[Phone] | [Email]
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TITLE: Resolution of the [Tribe/Body] Advancing Co‑Management Readiness and Participation
WHEREAS, [Tribe/Body] holds inherent sovereignty and responsibilities to steward salmon; and
WHEREAS, closures and climate variability threaten food security and culture; and
WHEREAS, participation in lawful co‑management pathways with FPIC and TEK+science advances conservation and culture;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that [Tribe/Body] supports active engagement in decision venues consistent with FPIC, Indigenous data sovereignty, and escapement-first principles; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [Leader/Commissioner] is authorized to engage agencies and partners and sign MOUs consistent with this resolution.
Adopted this [day] of [month], [year].
Signatures: [Chair/President] [Secretary]
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Item description
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Proposal Title: [Short, descriptive]
Regulation Affected: [Citation if known]
Proposed Change (exact words):
[Insert precise regulation language to adopt/modify]
Problem Statement:
[Plain language problem this solves]
Why Necessary? (evidence/TEK)
[Brief rationale; include TEK/monitoring summaries]
Effects on Users (pros/cons):
[Who benefits/impacts; mitigation]
Enforcement & Implementation:
[Feasibility, compliance, timeline]
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Title:
Indigenous Data Sovereignty Agreement Between [Tribal Nation Name] and [Partner Organization Name]
Effective Date:
[Insert Date]
1. Purpose
This Agreement affirms the rights of [Tribal Nation Name] to govern the collection, ownership, access, use, and sharing of data related to its people, lands, waters, and knowledge systems. It establishes protocols for ethical data stewardship in alignment with the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the CARE Principles (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics).
2. Definitions
Indigenous Data: Any data, information, or knowledge that relates to [Tribal Nation Name]’s people, lands, resources, culture, language, or governance.
CARE Principles: A framework for Indigenous data governance emphasizing Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics.
OCAP® (optional): Ownership, Control, Access, and Possession—principles developed by First Nations in Canada.
3. Ownership and Control
All data collected under this Agreement shall be the sole property of [Tribal Nation Name].
[Tribal Nation Name] retains full authority to determine how data is collected, stored, analyzed, interpreted, and shared.
No data may be used, published, or disseminated without the explicit, written consent of [Tribal Nation Name].
4. Access and Use
Access to data shall be restricted to individuals or entities approved by [Tribal Nation Name].
Data shall be used only for purposes explicitly agreed upon in writing.
Any secondary use of data (e.g., for academic research, policy development, or publication) requires separate written approval.
5. Data Collection and Storage
Data collection methods must be co-designed with [Tribal Nation Name] and approved by its governing body or designated representatives.
Data shall be stored in secure systems approved by [Tribal Nation Name], with preference for community-based or Tribal-controlled servers.
Metadata and documentation must be maintained to ensure transparency and traceability.
6. Reporting and Transparency
[Partner Organization Name] shall provide regular updates to [Tribal Nation Name] on data use, findings, and outcomes.
All reports, publications, or presentations must be reviewed and approved by [Tribal Nation Name] prior to release.
7. Capacity Building and Benefit Sharing
[Partner Organization Name] agrees to support capacity building within [Tribal Nation Name], including training, mentorship, and employment opportunities.
Any benefits derived from the data (e.g., funding, publications, technologies) shall be shared equitably with [Tribal Nation Name].
8. Duration and Termination
This Agreement shall remain in effect for [X] years from the effective date.
It may be amended or terminated at any time by mutual written consent.
Upon termination, all data must be returned to [Tribal Nation Name] and removed from external systems unless otherwise agreed.
9. Dispute Resolution
Disputes shall be resolved through good-faith dialogue and, if necessary, mediation by a mutually agreed-upon third party.
10. Signatures
For [Tribal Nation Name]:
Name:
Title:
Date: _For [Partner Organization Name]:
Name:
Title:
Date: _
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Project Title: [Name]
Purpose:
[Plain language, one paragraph]
What participation involves:
[Activities, time, place]
Benefits & risks:
[List plainly]
Voluntary participation:
You can say yes or no. You can stop at any time.
Privacy & data use:
[Who sees info; how stored; how long; access tier]
Contacts:
[Project lead; community contact]
Consent:
I understand and freely consent to participate.
Name:
Signature: _
Date: _
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Subject: Rapid Response – [Agency/Issue] – [Date]
Summary (who/what/when):
[Brief]
Deflection observed:
["We already consulted" / "No time for changes" / "Insufficient data"]
Our rights & standards:
[FPIC / co-management principle / data sovereignty note]
Decision needed (24–72h):
[What we will do and by when]
Tasks & owners:
- [Name] → [Task] → [Date/time]
- [Name] → [Task] → [Date/time]
Escalation:
[Who approves / who signs / who submits]
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Meeting: [Title] | Date/Time: [ ] | Location/Link: [ ]
1. Opening & Acknowledgments (5)
2. Purpose & Desired Decisions (5)
3. Agenda Items (time-boxed)
- Item A (10)
- Item B (10)
4. Decisions Taken
5. Action Items & Owners
6. Next Meeting (date/time)
Minutes (brief):
[Key points; decisions; action list]
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Grant Narrative + Budget
Need & Context:
[Problem; why now; who is impacted]
Objectives & Outcomes:
[3–5 clear outcomes]
Activities & Timeline:
[Milestones with dates]
Partnerships & Roles:
[Who does what]
Evaluation & Learning:
[Indicators; cadence; community report-backs]
Budget Summary:
Personnel: $[ ]
Travel: $[ ]
Supplies: $[ ]
Equipment: $[ ]
Contracts: $[ ]
Indirect: $[ ]
Other: $[ ]
Total: $[ ]
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Title:
Co-Management Agreement Between [Tribal Nation Name] and [Agency Name] for Stewardship of [Resource/Area Name]
Effective Date:
[Insert Date]
1. Purpose
This Agreement establishes a framework for co-management between [Tribal Nation Name] and [Agency Name] to collaboratively steward, manage, and protect [Resource/Area Name], in a manner that honors Tribal sovereignty, integrates Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and ensures the sustainability of natural and cultural resources for future generations.
2. Guiding Principles
Recognition of [Tribal Nation Name]’s inherent sovereignty and rights to manage traditional lands and waters.
Commitment to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in all decision-making processes.
Integration of TEK alongside Western science in planning, monitoring, and evaluation.
Mutual respect, transparency, and accountability.
Intergenerational knowledge transfer and community engagement.
3. Scope
This Agreement applies to the co-management of [describe the geographic area, resource, or species], including but not limited to:
Wildlife and fisheries management
Habitat restoration and monitoring
Cultural site protection
Climate adaptation planning
Community-based monitoring (CBM)
4. Roles and Responsibilities
[Tribal Nation Name] Shall:
Lead or co-lead planning and decision-making processes.
Provide TEK and community-based observations.
Conduct or coordinate community-based monitoring and stewardship activities.
Engage Tribal citizens, including youth and elders, in stewardship programs.
[Agency Name] Shall:
Provide technical, logistical, and financial support as agreed upon.
Ensure Tribal representation in all relevant planning and regulatory processes.
Respect and protect Indigenous data sovereignty.
Collaborate in joint research, monitoring, and reporting.
5. Governance Structure
Establish a Co-Management Working Group composed of equal Tribal and agency representatives.
Meet [monthly/quarterly] to review progress, share data, and make decisions.
Decisions shall be made by consensus, with clear documentation of agreements and dissenting views.
6. Data Sharing and Sovereignty
All data collected through this Agreement shall remain the intellectual property of [Tribal Nation Name].
Data sharing shall be governed by a separate Indigenous Data Sovereignty Agreement (see Appendix A).
Any publication or dissemination of data must be approved by [Tribal Nation Name].
7. Funding and Resources
[Agency Name] agrees to provide funding in the amount of $[amount] annually for the duration of this Agreement.
Additional resources may include training, equipment, and technical assistance.
8. Term and Renewal
This Agreement shall remain in effect for [3/5] years from the effective date.
It may be renewed, amended, or terminated by mutual written consent.
9. Dispute Resolution
Disputes shall be addressed through dialogue and mediation within the Co-Management Working Group.
If unresolved, parties may seek resolution through a mutually agreed-upon third party.
10. Signatures
For [Tribal Nation Name]:
Name:
Title:
Date: _For [Agency Name]:
Name:
Title:
Date: _
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Parties & Purpose:
[Names; goals for stewardship and equitable participation]
Principles & Scope:
[FPIC, data sovereignty, reciprocity, learning]
Roles & Responsibilities:
[Who does what; contacts]
Data & Confidentiality:
[Refer to DSA; TEK protections]
Term, Review, Termination:
[Dates; review cycle; termination clause]
Signatures:
[Signers and dates]
Contact & Updates
For training requests, partnership inquiries, or to share updates from your community, email us: