Probably no issue has come before the legislature -- since the vote on Statehood -- that individually affects each Alaskan as personally as subsistence. Alaskans have always acknowledged that the use of our fish and game resources for our personal livelihood is of paramount importance. In fact, I do not think there would be anyone in Alaska -- even today -- who would argue that the taking of fish and game for food is not the highest use of these resources. However -- beyond this agreement -- the debate on subsistence becomes divisive. Each of us in this room -- and certainly most Alaskans -- have a very personal opinion on the priority for subsistence uses and how -- when and where this priority is to be given. Each of my fellow legislators is entitled to his or her individual opinion and each of us has his or her personal background that has led to the formulation of our opinion and our stand -- and we must respect that.

I will only speak to my opinion and to why I so strongly believe that we must take action today to bring the state of Alaska into compliance with ANILCA law.

My opinion is based upon my family heritage and background. Since 1910, -- my family has been instrumental in helping to develop and establish policy in Alaska. My family settled on the Seward Peninsula and in the lower Yukon region. My grandfather served in the Territorial Legislature and my mother and father and aunts and uncles contributed much to making Nome a good place to live.

My husband's family came to Valdez in 1907, -- and they worked hard in that area, -- the Illiamna region and the Matanuska Valley to make sure Alaska continued to prosper and become strong.

The combined years of my children's Alaska heritage is almost 200 years. Our family worked hard all these years to make sure Alaska progressed and remained a viable, independent land. My ancestors fought diligently to keep Alaska out of the leg-irons of the Federal Government.

The worst betrayal I could commit, -- not only to my family, -- but also to all Alaskans, -- would be to take any action that would allow the federal government to take over the management of our resources. Why would I dishonor my ancestors -- who fought so valiantly for independence from the federal government, -- by rolling over now and letting them come in?

As strongly, -- Mr. Speaker, -- as others feel about the equal protection clause in our Constitution, I feel just as strongly about doing everything within my power to keep the federal government from undermining Alaska's right to manage our resources.

For this reason, Mr. Speaker, -- I proudly vote "Yes" for this protective constitutional amendment and urge my fellow members to do the same.