Native America Calling

Today, June 27– Southeast Alaska’s salmon emergency

Tribes in southeast Alaska are sounding the alarm over low salmon numbers. They’re hoping to work with Canadian First Nations to craft a plan to help revive populations. The state of Alaska moved to halt commercial fishing of chinook salmon to protect orcas that feed on the fish, but a federal appeals court sided with opponents of the ban. The state is restricting sport fishing in Cook Inlet and some other locations. We’ll hear from Native fishers in the region about their concerns over salmon and the cultural and economic toll it is having this year.

GUESTS

Guy Archibald, executive director of the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission

Louie Wagner (member of the Metlakatla Indian Community), lifelong fisherman from Metlakatla, Alaska and tribal rights representative

Robert Sam (Sitka Tribe of Alaska), Tlingit elder

To join the discussion, call 1-800-996-2848