Monday, Mar 14 2011 5:40PM
Some Alaskan Natives are worried that offshore drilling could pollute their food sources and disrupt wildlife migration.
Alaskan Natives are claiming that the state Bureau of Ocean Energy has not adequately consulted with tribes on a proposed plan for offshore oil and gas lease sales that would affect the Beaufort and Chuckchi seas, reported the Alaska Dispatch.
Tribes have argued they deserve more government meetings on the issue, since a potential spill could devastate villages across the North Slope. The newspaper said there is no way to remove a large oil spill if it becomes trapped underneath frozen ice, a scenario that could have a severe impact on
rural community development in that region. An oil spill could pollute food sources that Natives rely on, in addition to disrupting the migration patterns of local seals, whales and walruses.
At a hearing regarding the plan, the Arctic Slope Regional Corp — a for-profit Native Alaskan corporation that supports offshore drilling — said the project would require strong environmental protections before it could be started. The company said oil development has been a positive force for many Native tribes, and has paid for modern services in rural villages such as water and sewer services and health clinics.
The Obama administration has called for more tribal consultation during projects that may affect the American Indian or Native Alaskan communities, according to the National Indian Health Board. The President has also established an annual White House Tribal Nations Conference to strengthen the country's relationship with American Indian nations.