Juneau -- Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow) has filed a resolution asking the United States State Department to initiate a reorganization of the Pacific Salmon Commission to include an Alaska Native representative.

The 16-member Pacific Salmon Commission, which has been trying to draw up a treaty on fishing access, is made up of eight members each from Canada and the United States. The American delegation is comprised of two from the Federal Government, two members representing Oregon and Washington State, two members from Alaska, and two Washington Tribal Representatives. Masek's measure asks that one of the Washington State Tribal members be replaced by an Alaska Native.

"The two Tribal members from Washington State are on the Commission in recognition of tribal agreements between the Federal government and the American Indian," Masek said. "But there is Indian land in Alaska in Metlakatla and the Alaska Natives have a valuable place in this historic treaty. A northern representative would mean a more equal representation of the Alaska Native and American Indian voice."

Masek's resolution asks the President to take the necessary steps, including the renegotiation of the Pacific Salmon Treaty and restructuring of the United States' membership of the Pacific Salmon Commission, as appropriate, to provide for an Alaska Native commissioner and alternate commissioner.

Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai) has introduced a companion measure in the Senate.