What we learn from elders and written history, families and communities creates our personal values. We want to teach new generations to hunt and fish with humility, to use resources without waste, and to share foods generously. Many Americans lead lifestyles which distance them from the natural world. Direct experience on the land teaches us about our dependence on our environment and strengthens our commitment to protect our home for generations to come. Alaskans can work together for sound management of hunting and fishing.
Local people have deep understanding of resources and harvest patterns in their areas.
Those who travel to hunt and fish have a wide view of Alaskan resources. Biologists contribute scientific tools for studying wildlife and its changes. We support advisory bodies in which local people, other Alaskans and resource managers use all these sources of knowledge to reach shared decisions. We are heartened by what we are learning from one another. Both our similarities and our differences can be opportunities for deeper understanding.