The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is preparing to award a $59,000, one-year contract to the Council of Athabascan Tribal Governments.

If awarded, the contract would be a first for Alaska tribes under the indian Self-determination and Education Assistance Act. Ten tribes would manage various activities in the Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

Alaska tribes have been seeking to take over activities in refuges and national parks. Some members of Congress have questioned why the Department of Interior isn't awarding more contracts to Alaska Natives.

Get the Story:
Federal contract to give Alaska tribes refuge jobs (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 2/17)

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