Juneau -- Senator Jerry Ward (R-Anchorage/Kenai) 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 Pacific Salmon Commission is tasked with negotiating a treaty between the United States and Canada on fishing access rights. There is a total of 16 members-8 regular members and 8 alternates. The American delegation is made up of members representing the Federal Government, Alaska, Washington and Oregon, and the Washington Tribal interests.

Sen. Ward's resolution asks that there be an Alaska Native appointed to the commission. He says he finds it frustrating that Alaska Natives have no voice in what happens to Alaska's fish.

"No Native has been appointed to the commission who represents a personal consumption of salmon as their way of life," said Sen. Ward. "Having an Alaska Native on the commission will give a voice to all Natives in the state whose subsistence way of life depends on having access to salmon."

"Everybody's at the table except Alaska's original people," said Ward. "I think it's only fair that one of those seats on the commission be held by an Alaska Native. It will recognize the historical needs of the first people of this state."

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

Representative Beverly Masek (R-Willow) has introduced a companion resolution in the House of Representatives.

Media Advisory: Senator Ward and Rep. Masek will discuss this issue with reporters at a press conference Friday, February 26, 1999, at 11:30 a.m. in the Beltz Room 211 of the Alaska State Capitol.