The Departments of the Interior and Agriculture have announced a final rule to enhance Alaska Tribal representation on the Federal Subsistence Board (FSB). This board oversees subsistence use on federal lands and waters in Alaska. The changes are part of efforts by the Biden-Harris administration to engage more directly with Tribal leaders in decision-making processes that affect their communities.
Subsistence practices have been crucial for Alaska Native communities for thousands of years, deeply linked to their way of life, food security, and cultural identity. The new rule introduces three additional public members to the FSB. These members will be nominated by federally recognized Tribal governments in Alaska and will possess personal knowledge and experience with rural subsistence practices, including those specific to Alaska Natives. Appointments will be made by the Secretary of the Interior with concurrence from the Secretary of Agriculture. Additionally, it is now required that the FSB Chair has expertise in rural subsistence.
“Rural Alaskan communities depend on sound and equitable subsistence decisions to sustain their ways of life," stated Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. She emphasized the importance of a balanced FSB that acknowledges unique perspectives from Alaska Native people. "In strengthening Indigenous representation on the Federal Subsistence Board, we can ensure the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge for subsistence-related planning."
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack remarked, "Ensuring that Alaska Native Tribes and rural communities have a strong voice in managing natural resources vital to their livelihoods is essential." He added that this effort supports reshaping programs to include Tribal and Indigenous viewpoints.
The Federal Subsistence Management Program is managed jointly by both departments through the FSB, which regulates fish and wildlife resource use for subsistence purposes on federal lands in Alaska. It also contributes significantly to fisheries knowledge through research funding related to fish stocks, harvest patterns, and Indigenous knowledge analysis.
Listening sessions were conducted in 2022 by relevant departments alongside NOAA to seek improvements for the management program. Feedback indicated adverse climate impacts on Native practices, calling for expanded Tribal partnerships and increased incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge into management systems.
