by James Akerelrea and Stephen Maxie Jr.
Dear Friends and Citizens of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta,
I want to take a moment to discuss the work that the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Regional Tribal Government (Y-K RTG) has been doing, the progress we’ve made, and what we are working on for the future. I want to assure you that there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to make our Region stronger and more unified.
A Regional Tribal Government for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta Region
Our journey towards regional governance has deep roots. It started back in 1978 when a consortium of 19 Tribal Governments established the Yupiit Nation. Over the years, there have been various efforts to organize a regional tribal government. These efforts continued through the 1980s and 1990s, leading up to the formation of the Interim Y-K RTG in February 2021.
The idea behind the Y-K RTG is simple but powerful: by uniting the tribes of our region, we can have a stronger voice, attract more investment, and support our communities better. This is about us working together for a better future. We do not want to be left behind and we do not want to miss out on significant opportunities.
For example, before the Y-K RTG was established, Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (with 32,215 enrolled members and being one of the three regional Tribal governments in Alaska) was the 12th Tribe out of 578 Tribes to receive the most ARPA funding at $149,982,207.
What We’ve Accomplished
Since our founding, the Y-K RTG been busy with limited resources:
• In March 2021, we successfully advocated for a $1 million ARPA base payment for each Tribe in our Region.
• We’ve hosted several important events, including a Regional Leadership Roundtable and a meet-and-greet with Governor Dunleavy.
• Our Team worked hard to help communities impacted by Typhoon Merbok.
• In November 2022, we held our first election with over 800 citizens participating. This was a significant milestone.
• In 2023, we developed a strategic plan for our region.
• We’ve also been active in Washington, D.C., advocating for subsistence rights, salmon, land back, and public safety and justice for our Tribes and citizens.
This list is not an exhaustive list, but a highlight of some of our work.
What’s Coming Up
We have several exciting projects on the horizon:
• Emergency Preparedness. One of the big projects we’re working on is improving emergency management in our region. Typhoon Merbok showed us how much we need strong emergency plans, and we’re working on it, but it’s a slow process. Part of this hold up is the need for funding and the challenges of finding and applying for grants.
• Regional Transportation Planning. We’re working with the Alaska Department of Transportation to establish a Regional Tribal Planning Organization for the Y-K Region. This will help us better plan for the future of transportation in our region.
• Energy Independence. We’re exploring renewable energy options to help lower energy costs and increase economic opportunities for our communities. We have not committed to any particular project, but we are in the early stages of reviewing grants and opportunities that we’re eligible for.
• Federal Recognition. In June 2024, we submitted our petition for federal recognition, and we’re waiting to hear back. This recognition would be a huge step forward for us, as it would allow us to receive direct funding for Regional governance and would permit us to engage with the federal government at a heightened level.
Government Relations and Advocacy
Our mission is to unite the 56 Tribal Nations in our region and speak with one strong voice in our relationships with the federal and state government. We’re working on several fronts, such as advocating for the return of land to our Tribal governments, restoring traditional fishing, hunting, and gathering rights, and improving public safety.
For example:
• In March 2022, Interim Speaker, Stephen Maxie provided testimony before the House Committee on Natural Resources on ANCSA at 50: Successes and Opportunities for the Next 50 Years.
• In March 2024, Council member Roberta Murphy provided comment on behalf of the Y-K RTG on Public Safety before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.
• On August 7, 2024, I provided comment on behalf of the Y-K RTG on Public Safety and Justice needs of our Region affected by Public Law 83-280 before the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Depart of Justice Office.
• We’ve also advocated for federal legislation to amend 14(c)(3) of ANCSA, so that any unconverted land would be transferred directly to Y-K governments, rather than being held in trust for future municipal governments. However, other constituent interests prevented this effort from being successful.
• We have also sought a repeal of ANCSA 4(b), which would restore our Traditional Fishing, Hunting, and Gathering Rights.
Elections and How You Can Get Involved
Y-K RTG Upcoming Election. Our next election will be conducted primarily online between October 1, 2024 and November 5, 2024. There are five District Council seats up for election: District 1, District 3, District 5, District 8, and District 10. It’s crucial that you register to vote if you haven’t already.
Registration forms are available on the website: https://ykrtg.org/vote. You can also email [email protected] for the election form or to get registered. If you are already registered to vote, you will receive your ballot in the email you provided by October 1, 2024.
Interested in Joining the Y-K RTG Regional Council? If you are a resident of one of the following communities, or if you live outside of the Region and are enrolled in one of the following communities, (and are at least 25 years old, registered to vote in Y-K RTG elections, and enrolled in a Y-K Tribe), you may be eligible to run for District Representative:
• Chevak, Hooper Bay, Scammon Bay, Paimiute, Andreafski, Mountain Village, Pitkas Point, St. Mary’s, Aniak, Chauthbaluk, Crooked Creek, Georgetown, Lime Village, Lower Kalskag, Napaimute, Red Devil, Sleetmute, Stony River, Upper Kalskag, Atmautluak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, Chefornak, Mekoryuk, Newtok, Nightmute, Toksook Bay, Tununak, Umkumiute.
The deadline to submit a Notice of Intent to run for District 1, District 3, District 5, District 8, and District 10 is due September 12, 2024. Notice of Intent forms are available on the Y-K RTG website and can be submitted to the Y-K RTG Clerk at [email protected].
Transportation Planning. We’re also looking for people interested in serving on the Y-K RTG Delta Regional Planning Organization. This effort is in its preliminary stages. If you’re experienced or passionate about our Region’s transportation future, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
Moving Forward Together
Building a strong, independent regional government takes time. As we develop our efforts further, we will remain focused on capturing dollars for our Region and advocating for our regional needs. The Y-K RTG council has discussed travelling to the villages, but unfortunately, we do not have funding to cover such expenses. Instead, we’ve worked to increase our engagement primarily through virtual meetings, which allows us to stay connected despite our limited resources.
Please know that the work we’re doing is for the benefit of everyone in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. We’re not just thinking about today — we’re planning for the future. And we can’t do it without your support. Thank you for being a part of this journey that many of our ancestors dreamed of. Let’s continue working together to bring prosperity and strength to our region.
With respect,
President James Akerelrea
Speaker Stephen Maxie Jr.
