Native America Calling: A trailblazer on gaming and climate change in Alaska

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Native America Calling: A trailblazer on gaming and climate change in Alaska

Thursday, April 16, 2026

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Eklutna: a trailblazer on gaming and climate change action in Alaska

There are no casinos or lotteries in Alaska. The state has some of the most restrictive gaming laws in the country, but the small Dena’ina Athabascan Village of Eklutna, located in Anchorage’s municipality, is pushing the envelope on tribal gaming rights in the state.

The Chin’an Gaming Hall is still open even after a year of legal disputes and threats by the state to close its doors. The village is also at the forefront of climate advocacy in southcentral Alaska. They have been working to restore their river’s namesake and salmon habitat.

Tune into Native America Calling to speak with the Eklutna’s president Aaron Leggett, live from the Arctic Encounter Summit in Anchorage, an annual gathering of policymakers, diplomats, Indigenous leaders, and stakeholders.

Also, hear from Alaska Native elders and subsistence rights advocates from St. Lawrence Island about whaling and contamination from a former military site on the island.

Guests on Native America Calling

Aaron Leggett (Dena’ina Athabascan), president of the Village of Eklutna

Vi Waghiyi (Yupik), environmental health and justice program director at the Alaska Community Action on Toxics

Merle Apassingok (Yupik), elder and leader from the Native Village of Gambell

Dr. Sara Olsvig (Inuit), chair of the Inuit Circumpolar Council