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TUESDAY, JULY 17, 2001

A number of Alaska Native leaders are urging Alaska Governor Tony Knowles (D) not to appeal the landmark Katie John Native subsistence case to the Supreme Court.

Having won at the federal and appeals court level, they say further appeals will only worsen the state-tribal relationship. Knowles has been meeting with leaders to discuss the issue.

But he's also been meeting with lawmakers who are pushing an appeal. The state's constitution conflicts with the ruling because no preferences are allowed for any citizens.

The ruling upheld rural subsistence preferences on federal waters.

Knowles is expected this week to announce a decision. An appeal is expected only if lawmakers agree to start a constitutional amendment process to allow for rural preference.

Get the Story:
Knowles may announce John appeal proposal (The Anchorage Daily News 7/17)

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Knowles deciding on Katie John case (7/16)
Katie John case having effects (5/11)
Alaska Native subsistence case upheld (5/8)
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Alaska Native elder dies (12/4)