January 1, Native Americans Challenge Biden’s Resource Policies

The Biden folks have been cracking down on oil and mineral work in Alaska, saying it’s all about helping Native American tribes. But some leaders from these communities feel like the administration just isn’t listening to them.

For the past few years, Biden’s team has been shutting down tons of drilling. They’ve blocked projects like oil drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A) and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and even stopped some mining projects. They talk a lot about protecting the environment for Native folks in their official talks. But, surprise, some of the natives are upset. They say Biden isn’t giving them the chance to use their land to help their communities make money. They’re hopeful the Trump team will listen and work with them better.

Biden’s people talk about climate change and caring for the Arctic, saying they want to do what’s best for the environment with Native knowledge. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland said in 2023 that protecting these lands is part of Biden’s big climate plan.

But leaders like Nagruk Harcharek, who speaks for the Arctic Iñupiat, feel left out. He says the administration isn’t really listening to what their communities want, which is to benefit from the land and make good decisions together. Harcharek even said they would find out about big changes from the news, not directly from the government, which doesn’t sound very respectful at all.

Doreen Leavitt from the Inupiat Community said that dealing with the Biden people was frustrating. She hopes that Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick for Secretary of the Interior, will actually listen to them and respect their rights.

Resource development has been super important for these communities, giving them money for basic necessities like schools and health clinics. Leavitt and her folks are really looking forward to the Trump team respecting their voices and rights more this time around.

Charles Lampe is also excited for Trump to be back. He felt the last couple of years with Biden weren’t good for talking about their needs. He’s hopeful for another four years where they feel heard.

It’s clear that while Biden talks a big game about helping Native folks, many are eager for a change that will truly respect their needs and help them thrive.

Wyatt Matters!

Many Native American communities in Alaska feel frustrated because they believe the government is not listening to them. While the Biden administration says they are focused on protecting the environment and helping Native tribes, leaders from these communities feel left out. Even though the government wants to look out for the environment, leaders like Nagruk Harcharek and Doreen Leavitt say they are missing the chance to talk directly with them about how to use their land in helpful ways.

These communities depend on resource development to make money for important things like schools and health clinics. By stopping drilling and mining projects, the government is making it hard for them to earn this money. This is why leaders are looking forward to more conversations with future officials, like Doug Burgum, who they hope will respect their voices and rights. They want to work together and make decisions that benefit everyone while still caring for the environment.

It seems that, while efforts to protect the land are important, it is just as crucial to listen to the people who live there. Many leaders hope for a positive change in how the government talks to and works with them. They want the chance to share their ideas and needs so that their communities can keep growing and thriving.

As our loyal readers, we encourage you to share your thoughts and opinions on this issue. Let your voice be heard and join the discussion below.

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