In the Yukon-Kuskokwim we are suffering from spikes in COVID-19 case numbers and have been in lockdown mode for over a month now and some dear elders have departed. Despite the fact that residents and Tribal offices are in crisis and have asked for a pause in permitting for Donlin, the State of Alaska continues to march forward with issuing permits for the project.
The latest is DNR proposing to issue 12 water permits that would give Donlin Gold the rights to withdraw water from 12 streams in the Kuskokwim watershed near Donlin Gold. DNR is allowing for only a 30 day comment period that ends at 5:00 PM on December 15th.
The holiday season is always a difficult time to respond, but combined with lockdowns and office closures, meaningful responses from Tribal leaders is next to impossible. That is why we are asking that you respond by submitting comments because we know from previous requests that the State of Alaska will not likely extend the comment period.
The State of Alaska has continued to violate the human rights of the people of the Yukon-Kuskokwim and the utter disrespect toward our cultural practices, our connection to the land and what it provides for our people cannot be construed as anything other than acts of racism veiled by ‘process.’
The 12 water rights permits that are subject to comment now will de-water creeks – including Crooked Creek – to the point of drying up ⅔ to ¾ of the salmon redds. In other words, DNR wants to give-away this vital habitat and the food sources of salmon and smelt that it supports to mining entities to be defiled and destroyed for gold that is intended to fuel nothing more than human vanity.
Quyana Caqnek,
Beverly Hoffman
Community and Cultural Activist