Emmonak – Chapter II (Update – We Did It!!!)
Dear Mudflatters,
It is a matter of great urgency that I be in Emmonak ASAP. The Federal Subsistence Board has called a meeting with the Emmonak tribal leaders and residents to discuss the Yukon’s king salmon subsistence and commercial fishing crisis. At the State meeting last January, I was not allowed to film. Residents later told me the State did not want that meeting on film.The people of Emmonak have been prohibited from commercially fishing for early run King Salmon. Alaska, the feds, and the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council have chosen the marginal benefit of a few commercial pollock fishermen from Seattle over the livelihood of the villagers of Emmonak, and others of Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The fact is indisputable that the salmon bycatch of Seattle’s pollock fishermen is the direct cause of the steep and devastating decline of king salmon in the waters of Western Alaska. However, few, if any, of our state’s government officials have the courage to bring up this topic on
the record, presumably due to the fact that they would be championing the “hapless” Natives (not a new concept in our history) over the strong, wealthy, lobbyist-backed (non-Alaskan) pollock industry.
What this intolerable situation needs is to be brought to the attention of the American people, even as it is being swept under Alaska’s political rug. A few months ago, when the heating fuel/food crisis in Emmonak first surfaced, I flew there with my camera and interviewed the victims of the crisis. My filming gave their plight national exposure on CNN and other national outlets. I want to follow up the story and do it again.
We cannot let this problem just fade away as if our fellow Alaskans mean nothing. This is not just the problem of the villagers of Emmonak. As Alaskans, this is our problem just as much as it is theirs. (See: Lack of King salmon in the Deshka River, Ship Creek, Bird Creek, Kenai River, etc., etc.) Please help me get to Emmonak to do something about it. The trip will cost $1080. That is $720 airfare and 4 nights in the Emmonak hotel.Thank you for your past generosity,
Dennis Zaki
Dennis has a paypal button on his site HERE, in the second column. If he makes it out there, he will be donating his film footage to all major news outlets. Donations will be cut off after he reaches $1080.
When I watched Dennis’ footage last winter being broadcast on CNN, I felt so proud of him, of our community and of all the progressive Alaskan bloggers who helped it happen. We all owned a piece of that information getting “out there.” We all own a piece of that change.
UPDATE – Thanks to your help, Dennis has made his goal and will be on his way to Emmonak soon! Got this message from him: “Many thanks to everyone – especially the donors. The readers of the Mudflats blogs are truly a special bunch of dedicated muckrakers. I’ll send clips and pictures as an internet connection becomes available out there. (Not easy) Otherwise I’ll be back Monday and process everything here in Anchorage. More to follow….”
Dennis also assures us that he has learned form his mistake last time, and he is taking his own bottled water this time!
Thank you, thank you to all for donations, supportive words, helping make this story known, and all that you do.
It seems that perhaps what we need to do is call for a pollock boycott until the commercial fishing industry stops wasting the by-catch. Makes no sense to me, but then again, I’m not a fishing expert. The grape boycott worked quite well for Chavez and the migrant farmworkers. Why not?
it seems like this is a donating kind of day.
count me in.
I made a small donation – this is so worthwhile, thank you Dennis! This is a HUGE effort toward a contribution to long term problem solving – it’s SO about the fish!
Jon Moller, rural advisor and Denby Lloyd, Fish & Game commissioner recently traveled to the lower Yukon villages – so how does this fit in?
http://juneauempire.com/stories/061909/opi_452506014.shtml
I don’t read ADN anymore, so I didn’t follow up on this quote from Denby:
“I do, however, take exception to coverage by the Anchorage Daily News. In their apparent pursuit of speed over substance, the newspaper didn’t wait for Mr. Moller or me to get back into communication, did not even wait for the meetings to be completed.”
He didn’t really explain what he meant there – I assume it was in response to an article in ADN, but why would you assume that ALL readers could tie this back to a paper they may or may not read? I hope he’s brighter about fish than about writing a letter about fish.
I know precious little about this issue but certainly want to help. I was doing a little googling to learn more and found this June 22nd article that references and quotes AKM and the mudflats article, “Something’s Fishy on the Yukon”.
http://www.thesewardphoenixlog.com/news/story/6411 ”
I continue to feel like there are not enough hours in the day nor dollars in my wallet for everything with which I want to be involved. On the plus side, I seem to be developing a pretty steady insomnia pattern so at least that helps to extend the hours in the day !
@ WakeUpAmerica
I have asked Victoria from Ugashik to explain why boycotting in this instance is not a good idea. We have discussed this at length at anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com, both in posts and behind the scenes. The information and input about the sensitivity of this issue points to not trying to boycott the pollack industry right now. Thank you!
i supported Chavez and so did my friends and family. i didn’t eat a grape or drink my beloved Welch’s grape juice for years. and forget about lettuce. Chavez was a man whose love for his people and mine who did the hard,dirty work in the fields,was real. i love and honor him today and every day. he is not forgotten. not by me and not by my own..b
buffalo gal~~~~~~~~~i the same way. not enough hours, not enough money. no wonder we don’t sleep very well some nights.
I don’t eat pollock any more. Not since reading about their by-catch slaughter of the salmon and how it’s impacted subsistence fishing last year. I will continue not to eat pollock until the factory ships are gone and a more equitable and humane and SANE method of fishing is developed.
Between pebble mine and and the salmon and now the pristine lake that will become a cesspool I have to wonder what is happening to Alaska.
Zowie!
A letter from Nick P. Andrew Jr. is a tribal member of the Ohogamiut Traditional Council, subsistence Fisherman and a hunter from Marshall, Alaska:
http://www.thebristolbaytimes.com/news/story/6411 (excerpt)
“We cannot wait until those charged with regulating and conserving the king salmon make up their minds about when to open the next subsistence period(s).
Many families, including the elderly, still have empty smokehouses and it is already mid-June.
During a subsistence period last Sunday, June 14, it felt like a commercial king salmon opener. It was saddening to see boats lined up along accustomed fishing areas waiting until 8 p.m. to set their subsistence nets.
During the end of the period at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 15, patrolling airplanes appeared in force looking and searching for violators to cite.”
The letter is dated June 22, but there is no mention of the meetings of Denby and Moller in the area. ????
Dennis..What a powerful message…Will do what i can..Keep the faith….
I will donate $20 tomorrow. MY first ever donation was for Dennis to go to Emmonak. It is a very worthwhile cause.
It is probably a good thing that my husband is out of the country at the moment…if he could see me sending his hard earned cash to Alaska….
i have personally never met a pollock. i am not much with fish. hand me a rack of lamb,spareribs or a ribeye roast and i will make you kiss your mama.. and me. my daughter will ask for salmon croquette or crab cakes and i do o.k.. my question here is what happens if everybody ignores the bastids and everybody goes fishing the same days at the same time. what? they gonna arrest everybody? children? elderly persons. my advice go get the fish you need to survive and go to jail if need be. you’ll have us screaming our heads off. also find yourselves a constitutional lawyer to help you word a document for the day you declare that you will not obey any laws that impact your food source or your land.meanwhile tell them to go pluck themselves…b
I didn’t bother waiting until tomorrow….it’s done.
OT, bubbles will you be in New York at the beginning of August?
OT – (but in a vague way, perhaps not )
Is there a link yet for tonight’s ordinance meeting ?
I’ve been awake and working since 2am-ish and am going to try napping so I can be on-board. Thanks!
Can Dennis use miles to get to Emmonak? If so, please post this here or PM me. I have miles I will gladly donate! If not, a small contribution from many can and will get Dennis to Emmonak again!
As many of us have said since this time last year, YES WE CAN!
Thank you Dennis. You are a Prince among men.
My small donation is on it’s way via Paypal. I no longer eat Pollock since I read the article in the Bristol Bay Times. That is just despicable. Catch the fish in Alaska waters. Send the fish to China or Japan for processing. Fish ends up in nutritionally-deficient fish sticks in Costco. Lots of people make lots of $$$. Alaska Natives starve. Makes perfect sense to me. Not!
hey irish girl …i am with you. tomorrow is money day for me too….wednsday night…. just got paid….singing and dancing to money song.
I am sure there are things behind the scenes that I know nothing about.
The first thing that popped into my mind was this..Dennis has had a working relationship with CNN in the past and they like his work.
Why don’t the set up an interview with him to tell the story about what he is about to do. (before he goes )They show the piece on the air (CNN). They always need a ‘ good ‘ feel-good story. Air the interview and let CNN viewers know they can donate. But they get a good story to air while doing it.
CNN is going to get the tape when he gets back so this interview would be like Part #1… of a continuing story. At the same time they are plugging a story that will come up later. 2 for 1. Is this not logical…. what am I missing..?
They are getting 2 stories to put on the air… instead of Wolfe repeating some GOP talking point story for the third time in the day.
OT…bubbles..strong chance I will be in NY! Would love to meet you. Will PM you.
Mr. Moller doesn’t respond to his own emails; I don’t know why he should expect others including ADN to wait for his feedback.
BearWoman–my guess is that Anchorage to Emmonak isn’t on Alaska Airlines!
uh happy day!!!. yes. pm me. uh ..what does pm mean? should i go on forum the look for my messages? should i go there now?
I found the possible ADN article referenced (badly) by Commissioner Denby, in the Rural Blog at ADN:
http://community.adn.com/adn/node/141472
Guess they really did go – but what was accomplished? It doesn’t sound like the Commissioner supported the lower cap on bycatch. Vic went to that meeting in April of this year and well, uh – it sounds like the state council ignored everyone and did what they wanted which was to institute a cap that was too high, and I believe it’s for NEXT year anyway.
A thought about fundraising:
I’d like to know when the fundraising goal has been met. In the past I’ve donated for a cause that no longer needed funds. Had I known they’d met their goal, I would have donated to another cause.
In this case I’d like to support the Emmonak travel, but if that goal has been met then I’d like to focus on Celtic Diva’s email disclosure fund (unless that goal has also been met). I’d donate to both but I don’t know how they’re doing. At least Celtic Diva has been giving daily updates.
deist–I think up there AKM says that Dennis will no longer accept donations once the goal for the trip is reached.
And then here’s some of the aftermath of those visits. And it’s very confusing, but sounds like Denby maybe did support lower bycatch limits after all on this recent trip? But what amount? Only “supported lower limit” is stated. Was it peer pressure? Wait – he’s not a rural Alaskan so maybe it was political pressure!
http://www.thebristolbaytimes.com/news/show/6209
“After traveling to Anvik and Holy Cross on Thursday, Lloyd visited leaders in Bethel, said Myron Naneng, president of the Association of Village Council Presidents, the regional corporation provide social services to Natives in the Yukon and Kuskokim river regions.
Rural fishermen are mad that that Lloyd introduced a measure during the council discussion to allow the bycatch limit to go as high as 68,000 in some years, Naneng said.
On the other hand, subsistence fishermen, who historically catch about 50,000 king salmon a year, are being hit with numerous restrictions.
“The real sacrifice will come from the people of the lower Yukon,” Naneng said.
Lloyd put the measure on the council’s table to start the discussion, said Stefanie Moreland, a state employee whose primary role is supporting Lloyd on the council.
In the end, the council supported the lower limit, with Lloyd’s support, Moreland said.
Lloyd could not be reached for comment last week.”
I took the liberty of copying this from Annons blog…….
On a more serious note…
This year’s salmon run is expected to be even worse than last year’s.
Fisheries are being closed on the Yukon River early in the season to Alaska’s commercial and subsistence fishermen to make sure enough salmon make it to the spawning grounds in Canadian headwaters.
We need to meet US/Canada treaty obligations that require a certain number of salmon to return to spawn.
There are additional river closures based on worse-than-dismal fish counts because, even without treaty obligations, the rivers need enough fish to survive to spawn.
After enough salmon are counted passing through tracking weirs on the rural Alaskan rivers as they head toward their spawning grounds, fishing will be opened and life will get busy in the villages.
There is still a good chance there will not be enough state sanctioned fishing during this year’s run to prevent the same problems our neighbors faced last year. We need to help find long term solutions to the problems facing residents of modern rural Alaska while preserving their Native roots.
We have the luxury of time on our hands this summer. The problems have been identified and there’s time to write to our congressmen, monitor agencies that overlook fishing policy in Alaska and keep the issue of ensuring healthy fisheries for generations to come in the spotlight.
We’ll have more to come as the season progresses – just want all our friends to know that there’s still much to be done!
And on a happy note…
At 17 weeks into her pregancy Ann is feeling terrific, the baby is kicking and she’s anxious for CC to feel her new little sibling – we are all so happy for all the Stronghearts!!
I just got a chance to skim Dennis’s letter to MF BUT I AGREE he needs to go ASAP and be there for that meeting.
I do also ask if he can at least record the meeting as all Board of Fish meetings and other subsistence meeting are usually recording for record.
More outsiders have to be able to hear what it is said and the things that are claimed by both sides. Subsistence is an issue ALL Western Alaska residents are involved with and the more we understand and realize the more we can work together, even across regions of Alaska.
A few things need to remembered;
At this point boycotting pollack will be difficult as much of this is a low priced product and shipped out of the country!
The time might come for this BUT it will need much research to see if can be done without hurt more than helping.
Second IF you boycott you will hurt other AK Western Villages who’s CDQ depend on that money to provide jobs for their residents.
Buying Yukon Keta/Chum product will directly HELP those fishermen and families most hurt in the area.
Also we NEED TO CALL for MORE SCIENCE to help pin point more reasons for the Chinook decline. I can not emphasis this enough. Without the needed science we have a hard time backing up the arguments the pollack industry makes.
Hope this helps!!
Victoria
Ugashik
No offense to Dennis, but we do have veteran and more local reporters and videographers in the Bethel area. I know he and you all mean so well – Dennis, give Mike Martz a call at KYUK, find out if they can cover this story and what they need to do it. If their hands are tied, than by all means, continue your noble effort.
OT..bubbles will PM you tomorrow…getting late over here!
InJuneau:
Based on your info, apparently Dennis still needs funds– he’s still accepting.
Thanks.
I see villages from my house:
That’s interesting.
What have these folks produced in the past? I assume KYUK has produced some interesting information about the Yukon Delta situation, especially last winder during the crisis. Have they shared this with the outside world? I’d love to see it.
We are hoping for CNN ties… it’s not What You Know, It’s Who You Know! We need as much attention and pressure on this as possible!
http://www.thebristolbaytimes.com/news/story/6411
“A local woman stated it right. She implied to the visiting ADFG Biologists and fishery managers, “We only have a certain time to harvest and dry our king salmon before the rains come.” …
Many families, including the elderly, still have empty smokehouses and it is already mid-June. “
AKM….?
The story mentions that this meeting will take place Wednesday, But is that next Wednesday..? What is the date of this meeting? How long does this fundraising have to get the word out.
(BTW : Phil at PA has also done a story on this )
Recording the events of this meeting is the first step. Making someone take action… that is another thing. Most Politicians (especially GINO ) will only act if they are forced to or ‘ embarrassed ‘ into doing something by way of bad publicity.
Would it be beneficial to email or make calls to people in charge of Committees that oversee these rules and regulations. Get the publicity and word out before the video tape is even made.
Who are these people… ? I assume one person to contact would be the Secy. of the Interior, Ken Salazar. Should we email Sen. Begich to let him know we are behind him and how we can compliment him with what he is trying to do.
I am going to at least send Secty. Salazar an email asking for a response and what they plan to do. Palin will be CC’d as well so that she knows that, Her words, the ‘Feds’ have been notified. See who responds first.
Robert Redford is associated with a lot of wildlife and land issues and protecting the environment. Does someone know the names of the Organizations he works with, to email. From last week, I even remember that David Letterman gives to charities that are nature/wildlife or habitat related back in his other State where he lives, Montana.
I forgot while I was typing. link to Ken Salazar, Secretary of the Interior contact page.
http://www.doi.gov/welcome.html
The media guy/ film maker I’d love to see drop by Alaska would be Michael Moore. He likes to expose crap and we seem to be rich with that here. Possible topics:
1. Palin: who is she? Is she a threat? To the world?
2. Rural Alaska, fisheries, and threats to both (see 1. above)
3. Prevo, religion, politics, and theocracy’s general threat to democracy (again, see 1. above)
4. Right wing political corruption (again, see 1. above)
I will donate right away! Maybe Senator Begich can help too… call/email him.
This past weekend I tried reading “Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee”..by Dee Brown. I could only read a few pages, it was so depressing, then I kinda skimmed it, but could not bring myself to actually read it.
Alaskan/American Natives are the first people, and the United States Government have treated them horrifically.
“Mr. Moller doesn’t respond to his own emails; I don’t know why he should expect others including ADN to wait for his feedback.”
Back in late April, Mr. Moller agreed to an e-mail interview with me. He even got back to me saying it would be done by the week of April 27-May 1. Then the ice jam floods began, so I thought he would be too busy to finish. But since the floods ended, he hasn’t responded to any e-mails (3) or phone calls (2).
If I don’t hear from him by Friday, I’ll publish the interview at PA without the answers.
honestyingov – the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, and Dennis is either on the plane or will be within minutes – IIRC…
By the way, Dennis still needs lots of money. Please donate!
39:
I figure the Palin administration may have some kind of constituent black list that they share among themselves. They may not use email (especially State of Alaska) for such purposes, but I’m sure there are other ways to evade disclosure, even what’s required in our statutes.
Perhaps they’ve divided Alaskans into two types of constituents– good guys and bad guys.
If Mr. Moller didn’t respond to ALL his emails and phone calls, they’d probably fire him.
Donated – with question. Several progressive blogs have links to donate to Dennis Zaki. The link here at Mudflats just took me to paypal, not to Zaki’s page to donate. So, I linked from another blog (one I have not visited before) and paypal went to “Liquid Alaska.” Is that right? Is that the name of this fund?
Just had a scary thought that someone could create a link saying it is for Dennis Zaki and POOF! – it goes into another person’s account. Anyone else’s receipt say “Liquid Alaska?” Thanks.
Lori:
I donated to Liquid Alaska too. I think you are o.k.
@ Lori – that is Dennis’ email address. Thank you from Alaska for your donation!
@ Phil Munger – we would like to reach you for some info so we can do a post at http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/ but I could not find your contact info on your blog. Can you email Jane, the webmaster at info AT anonymousbloggers.com to connect for a few questions? Thank you!
Liquid Alaska is Dennis’ original site, where he has created web pages for people, and will work – all on the up-and-up, too.
I hope Dennis takes his OWN bottled water!!!!
I just donated, and I suspect by the end of the week he’ll be making a reservation. =)
I donated, too. also. PayPal loves me…:-)
Gryphen on his webpage has reported that Dennis has his money and that he has disabled the link to contribute now.
“I hope Dennis takes his OWN bottled water!!!!” I will THIS time…
We made it to $1090! $110 over but I will probably have to stay 1 day longer so it all works out in the end. Many thanks to everyone – especially the donors. The readers of the Mudflats blogs are truly a special bunch of dedicated muckrakers. I’ll send clips and pictures as an internet connection becomes available out there. (Not easy) Otherwise I’ll be back Monday and process everything here in Anchorage. More to follow….
How about a pollack stick boycott? Pollack fish sticks are so nasty anyway, I’m sure that folks wouldn’t mind giving up on them……
I am so thankful and pleased for all the help to get Dennis there – and that doesn’t just mean cash contributions. Dennis – we look forward to more footage and information just as quickly as you can get it! I’m so curious about this Federal board and hoping that they are not going to just be another stalling, big disappointment group. Go Emmonak, go salmon!
Impressive fundraising. I’ll contribute to Linda’s efforts too. I did Dennis first because he needs to purchase a plane ticket asap.
Sarah’s PAC could take lessons from Mudflats and the other progressive blogs. Although Palin has leveraged the national media, look how far she’s gotten towards her funding goals– not far.
Despite all her loud noise, perhaps Palin is what my Mom would call “a good looking nothing.”
HUH, when did this all happen? Gone a day and missed all this action!
If it’s a public entity holding a public meeting, they can’t stop you from fiming it.