Discussion On Ivory Bans Continues; Nomeites Weigh In During Legislative Committee Meeting
On Monday, public comments were being solicited on Senate Joint resolution 4, sponsored in part by Senator Donny Olson. Among those who gave testimony were Alice Bioff, Vera Metcalf, and Melanie Bahnke. The resolution looks to spur the State’s Congressional delegation to introduce bills which would protect walrus, mammoth, and mastodon ivory from other ivory bans.
Focused on Climate Change, Governor of California Visits Nome
Governor Jerry Brown of California was in Nome earlier this week to witness hands-on climate change research in this area and learn about Native perspective on the environmental issue. Some of the people the Governor met were Sandy and Carleton Tahbone, Austin Ahmasuk, and Vera Metcalf.
Confusion Over Legalities is Hurting Alaskan Ivory Market, Locals Say
An educational brochure is available that explains how Native Alaskans’ use of walrus ivory is excluded from an elephant ivory ban in the U.S., which was established last year by an executive order from President Obama.