President’s Message: Y-K RTG Voting

Andrew Guy, President/CEO

Storyknife, July/August 2022 edition

Andrew Guy, Calista Corporation President/CEO

It is a busy time of year for many of us. Fishing, hunting, and berry picking are on the list of things to do. We must add voting to the list, as well.

Our Tribes and our Alaska Native Shareholders collectively are a sleeping giant. When we show up at the polls, we awaken this sleeping giant. We must exercise our right to vote and reserve our rightful seat at the table.

Alaska Native people are voters because of our traditional values. Voting is vital to protect our traditional ways of life. Subsistence living, caring for our Elders and youth, supporting our family and community, keeping our languages vibrant, providing opportunities for people to grow personally, and today professionally—these are the reasons we make our voices heard. Our families and communities guide us in remembering our traditions and in building a future for our children.

Among the important elections coming up is the Yukon-Kuskokwim Regional Tribal Government (Y-K RTG) election. The Y-K RTG election determines the President, Council, and Clerk representing Tribal Citizens with ties to the Y-K Region, similar to Central Council of Tlingit and Haida.

Each Tribe in the Y-K RTG maintains its own independent sovereignty. Y-K RTG works to support every Tribe in the Region. Unity strengthens sovereignty, it does not take it away. With a united Region we can potentially secure more funding for critical infrastructure, education, public safety, emergency planning, and more.

Additionally, state and federal elections are in-person this year. Much is at stake: The salmon crash, the future of the Permanent Fund Dividend, subsistence rights, public safety and the future of our Region.

Both the Y-K RTG election and the state and federal elections are on November 8. Make sure your voice is heard on the direction of our Region.

The Y-K RTG Interim Council wants you to get out and vote in the November 8 Y-K RTG election! Here are some important voting reminders:

REGISTER TO VOTE.
You must register by October 1 at ykrtg.org. To register, you will need a Tribal ID, Certificate of Indian Blood, or letter from your Tribe with proof of Tribal membership.

HELP OTHERS.
Our communities are stronger when we come together and vote on issues important to us. Help others vote by sharing information—especially with youth and Elders.