Tribal and military leaders working together

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Karin Krause
  • Alaskan Command Public Affairs
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Almost 30 Alaska tribal leaders and 10 key military commanders met to discuss issues that impact both the tribes and military in Alaska during the bi-annual Alaska Tribal and Military Leaders Meeting held Dec. 9 at Elmendorf Air Force Base.

"The goal of this meeting was to enhance the military's ability to form complimentary relationships that best support the interest of Alaska Natives, as well as the military stationed in Alaska," said Lt. Gen. Dana Atkins, commander, Alaskan Command. 

The goal was shared by tribal leaders as well. 

"While I've been involved with the board for the last two years, I want to learn about the relationship between the tribal communities and the federal government," said Mr. Wassillie Tugaturk Sr., President of Manokotak Village Council. 

Recognizing the status of tribal leaders is critical in building the relationships between the tribes and the various federal agencies. 

"The Department of Defense American Indian and Alaska Native policy places installation commanders and tribal First Chiefs, Chairs, and Presidents on equal footing. Developing relationships between these key parties is essential to implementation of the policy," said Dr. Jerome Montague, Alaskan Command Native Liaison. 

These relationships are key to the military's success in Alaska since military installations are often close to tribal communities. 

"There are 229 federally recognized tribes in the state of Alaska. The active duty and National Guard have a presence in 75 of the tribal communities across the state of Alaska ranging from Barrow to Metlakatla," said Jerry Walton, Native Liaison for the Department of Veterans Affairs. 

Given how closely related the military and Alaska Native communities can be, the Alaska Tribal and Military Leaders Meeting is an excellent opportunity to address concerns that the tribes may have. 

"Through the day's discussions, we determined there were several themes of broad tribal interest," according to General Atkins. "The themes include: pace and degree of environmental remediation; unreported or unprosecuted violations of environmental laws and rules; health concerns; encroachment of the arctic due to climate change; offshore waste disposal by foreign vessels; tribal participation in procurements under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act; and veteran tribal member access to veterans benefits." 

While the DOD will address the issues under it's purview, each of these concerns will be sent to Alaskan lawmakers, Senator Lisa Murkowski, Senator-elect Mark Begich and Congressman Don Young, for potential action at that level as well, the general added. 

"The Alaska Natives and the military have had a good relationship in the past, and we want to continue to build and enhance that connection," General Atkins said. "These types of meetings where the leaders from both tribes and the military gather for face-to-face discussions are a cornerstone for building a mutual trust relationship that will last for years to come."