Alaska State Legislature
News from the Office of Representative Scott Ogan

Representative Scott Ogan
State Capital, Room 128
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
ph: (907) 465-3878 fax: (907) 465-3265
toll free: (800) 862-3878
web site: www.akrepublicans.org/Ogan.htm

Resources Committee Has New Subsistence Vehicle

For Immediate Release: February 12, 1998 Contact: Representative Scott Ogan at (907) 465-3878.

Juneau - In keeping his pledge to move forward with a legislative solution to the vexing subsistence conflict, Rep. Scott Ogan has introduced a Bill in the House Resources Committee which recognizes for the first time feeding one’s family with fish and game as a fundamental constitutional right. " I believe all Alaskans can agree that sustaining one’s self or family through the harvest and consumption of fish and game should be recognized as a fundamental right, said Ogan. I have looked for common ground to begin the process and this seems like a good place to start." Ogan referred to a recent policy statement by AFN, which also recognizes such uses as fundamental rights.

The new bill also contains language, which provides a clue on what he thinks will bring about a greater trust between rural residents and the state. "If we expect rural residents to work with the state we must give them a larger role in what happens to the fish and game in their back yards," said Ogan. The Bill, which at this point is just a title with an intent and findings section states it is the intent of the legislature to provide - "a greater role for local fish and game advisory committees and regional fish and game councils." This approach is one Ogan has been working with both urban and rural groups with for some time. " If we in the less remote areas can agree to see the bush perspective, we must admit it is hard to trust a group of individuals hundreds of miles away to make decisions concerning food for your table," said Ogan.

Also included in the measure is a commitment by the Legislature to bring about a greater abundance of resources for those who feed their families. "We have more than enough habitat and carrying capacity for our wildlife. There is no reason we can not put more fish and game on Alaskan’s tables," said Ogan.

Even with these efforts to bring rural and urban Alaskans together Ogan realizes there are still difficulties. One of those barriers is wording making it clear that no constitutional change will occur. "The Constitutional vote is not needed to satisfy those who feed their families. When queried about satisfying ANILCA Ogan was blunt. "The federal law can not be allowed to erase Alaskan’s equal protection rights." Ogan’s proposal also stresses the trust duty of the State in managing fish and game. It is a trust Ogan feels can not be broken by the federal government. "Unity in Alaska demands fair and equal treatment in the enjoyment of all our natural bounties. I believe it is incumbent upon all leaders who honestly desire to bind our wounds to work to amend not just the state law but also the federal law that has caused this social division. I intend to do my part from the state side, but federal and rural leaders must assist if we are to preserve our sovereignty as a state and people" said Ogan.

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