Lisa Murkowski

Moving the Office of Subsistence Management under the Interior Secretary was, as I said, a step in the right direction.

I do not have that magic button that can put fish back in the river now.

I think we recognize, as important as your Federal delegation is, Federal legislative changes are just tough.

I absolutely hear and understand the fears that you have about the future of subsistence.

I am absolutely not dismissing changes to ANILCA or any other legislation here.

We have to be able to manage State waters, Federal waters, holistically.

If you are serious about talking about co-management, you have to look at getting more funding for it.

So, one of the things that I often hear is that on Federal lands and waters, our subsistence resources and habitat are not being actively managed to ensure viable resource populations.

You have taken a huge step forward by moving the Office of Subsistence Management under the Secretary of Interior.

If we were able to manage the resource, if we have funding that was stable for a dedicated period of time...

Let's have a demonstration project on co-management. Let's fund it.

I do want to just note that there are no permanent protections for that co-stewardship.

So let me ask on that, I want to get your input on this.

One of the key takeaways from that was the need for Native people to have a seat at the table, equal voice in management of subsistence resource.

We just had a hearing in the Indian Affairs Committee on the fentanyl crisis among Alaska Native peoples.

We have no choice but to be aware of every part and piece of the ecosystem, because everything is connected.

What it really comes down to is how you not only feed your families, but how you keep your culture and traditions alive.

It is so important that your connection to this resource be shared in a way that people from Washington, D.C. and other parts of the Country may not be able to quickly grasp.

When you rely on salmon for your food source, it is not just because it is what is on sale. It is because it is what you have.

I want to thank each of you for your written comments and what you have shared here for the committee and community.

Senator Murkowski, you will be called on to lead Alaskans in achieving this bold new consensus.

Our subsistence way of life must have unconditional federal support.

Our subsistence way of life must have unconditional Federal support, and the State of Alaska must show willingness to seek a different path forward other than litigation.

Congress should support and invest in Alaska Native peoples to increase our capacity to protect our interests in the lands and waters.

Thank you, Mr. Winkelman.