TWS Statement Regarding The Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act

The Wilderness Society has a long, established history of advocating for the conservation and protection of our country’s wildest places, including areas like Alaska’s Tongass National Forest. Our advocacy has evolved to include prioritizing inclusivity and intersectionality, acknowledging that Indigenous Peoples are a foundational partner in stewardship and conservation of our public lands.

Our defense of the Tongass continues, and at the same time, we must right the injustices that certain Native communities in Southeast Alaska have faced. As a result, we are taking a neutral position towards the Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act, sponsored by Senator Murkowski, in recognition of important equity issues that must be addressed. We hope to support future collaborative efforts between stakeholders and rights holders to develop a new bill that is fair, just, and equitable in protecting both the environment and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

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Jen Parravani, Communications Manager

jen_parravani@tws.org | (202) 601-1931