The Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) continues to oppose the continued development of the Donlin Mine project and recognizes the impact that a project like this would have on the destruction of natural resources.
AVCP is disappointed by the Alaska Congressional delegation’s unanimous support for the project in an ongoing lawsuit. The Orutsararmiut Native Council et al v. United States Army Corps of Engineers et al., lawsuit was filed earlier this year by several Yukon Kuskokwim Delta Tribal Governments who are seeking to undo Donlin Mine’s federal environmental approvals and permits to protect subsistence rights and the natural resources of the region.
AVCP strongly opposes the Congressional support for the project.
“This news is disappointing and confusing for our region and our tribes. We are salmon people. We are hunters and gatherers. Our lands and our waters are important to us, and we must protect them,” says AVCP’s CEO, Vivian Korthuis.
AVCP has held the position that if these mines are developed, there will be a detrimental impact on the water and air quality, fish and wildlife resources, spawning grounds, and the health of residents and subsistence hunters living or using the land adjacent to mining activities. Leaders of AVCP have directly expressed their disappointment to those offering support for the mine project.“This is a sad moment in our region, and a surprising betrayal of the trust we have placed in the elected officials,” says AVCP Chair Thaddeus Tikiun Jr.
AVCP will continue to work to protect our people, our salmon, and our natural resources.
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