Juneau, AK (September 6, 2022) – Three Southeast Alaska entities today announced regional strengthening agreements supported through the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy. The news was shared during a collaborative virtual, partner-led event hosted by the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska (Tlingit & Haida), Southeast Conference, Spruce Root, and USDA leaders.
Under the regional agreements, the entities are collaborating with USDA to promote economic diversification and workforce development projects for themselves and other smaller organizations in Southeast Alaska. More than 20 projects, totaling $12.4 million, range from fisheries improvements to food security initiatives and are geared toward expanding the strategy’s goals and reach.
“This cooperative agreement is truly an innovative approach taken by the USDA,” said Richard Chalyee Éesh Peterson, President of Tlingit & Haida. “It is an exciting step forward and an example of what we can do when we listen to the needs of our people and work together to bring sustainability projects to our Southeast Alaska communities. This is the type of community development that will bring real solutions and Tlingit & Haida is committed to being a partner in the locally driven collaborative work to help future generations.”
For Tlingit & Haida, the agreements are an example of USDA’s renewed commitment to its Federal Trust responsibilities and what can be done when partners work together on common goals of sustainable, community-led economic development in Southeast Alaska. It is not only an investment in communities, but also recognizes the critical role of tribes in the co-stewardship of our lands and waters and sustainability of our communities.
“Spruce Root’s mission is to drive a regenerative economy across Southeast Alaska so communities can forge futures grounded in this uniquely Indigenous place,” said Alana Peterson, Executive Director for Spruce Root. “We are grateful for USDA’s investment, and we also know more must be done. Since the USDA’s initial announcement about the strategy, more than 289 investment proposals have been brought forward totaling more than $276 million, which indicates both a need and excitement for home-grown, local priorities that reflect the values and peoples of the region.”
“Southeast Conference is excited to be a part of this game-changing shift in the One USDA approach to partnering in economic development throughout our Tongass communities,” said Robert Venables, Executive Director for Southeast Conference. “Not only are there immediate investments that will benefit the region, but there is also an eye toward the future with support for capacity building and technical assistance that will make these projects sustainable.”
USDA applauds the success of the economic investment portion of the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy and credits the many partners who have come together in the spirit of community, culture, conservation, and commerce. The investments in the three regional strengthening agreements are a critical component of the full $25 million commitment, now fulfilled, which is part of USDA’s promise to serve the broader economy of Southeast Alaska and continue to be part of an inclusive, responsive partnership that complements existing efforts toward practical, common-sense solutions.
First announced in July 2021, the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy aims to support a diverse economy, enhance community resilience, and conserve natural resources in Southeast Alaska. To learn more, visit the Southeast Alaska Sustainability Strategy’s webpage.
