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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2001

An Alaska panel trying to draft an amendment to recognize some form of Alaska Native subsistence rights has run into a delay over a priority to urban hunters, said Attorney General Bruce Botelho.

Two more meetings are scheduled next week to try and resolve the issue one last time. Gov. Tony Knowles will take part in the discussion, said Botelho.

Knowles convened the panel to conform state with federal law. The state constitution forbids a priority to any resident, Native or otherwise, but federal law and the landmark Katie John decision have upheld Native rights.

Leaders at the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention last week warned of moving too fast with talks. They said some lawmakers who have been hostile could be voted out of the Legislature and so waiting might help ensure outside issues don't bog down the amendment.

Get the Story:
Urban residents issue stalls subsistence panel (AP 10/30)

Relevant Links:
Alaska Federation of Natives - http://www.nativefederation.org/flash.html

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