Hello wife, hello grandson, goodbye wife, goodbye grandson, hi frozen over pond: rally for "Hunt, Fish, Share"

This morning, I wanted to do but one thing - sleep in for about ten years. But Margie had to be at Jake and Lavina's by 9:30 to begin her week of babysitting. This meant we had to leave the house by 8:30 and so I could not sleep in - not for ten years, not for ten minutes.

Ten seconds - maybe.

Here we are, staggering out of the house.

By the time we reached Anchorage, Kalib and Jobe had left for daycare. Lynx had just woke up - with a smile upon his face.

There was nothing for me to do now but to say goodbye. Usually, Margie stays in for only four days, but this week she is needed for all five. I had been gone for four weeks, had barely said "hi" to my wife and my grandson and now I had to say goodbye.

Good grief! What is Lynx doing? He is crawling!

Now here I am, a couple of hours later, walking by the pond the kids named Little Lake when they were small. It has frozen over now.

Maybe the ice will hold, maybe it won't.

As for me, pretty soon I am going to go cook up some caribou, given to me by Ahmaogaks in Wainwright - which brings me to the fact that come Wednesday, at 4:00 PM, there will be a big rally on the Delaney Park Strip in Anchorage under the theme, Hunt, Fish, Share - if you can, you should be there to support the way of life of so many Native Alaskans out there:

Speak up for our Traditional Hunting and Fishing Rights!!!

This is the information provided on the facebook page for this event:

On October 17th, 2012 Alaskan Natives from around the state of Alaska will be joining together to rally for change. We all agree that the current ways of doing things are not working. There will be a large action in Anchorage and Natives all over the state rallying in their own and villages to call for change. Here's how you can TAKE ACTION:

1.) Join us in Anchorage at Delaney Park Oct. 17th at 4:00pm
OR

2.) Plan a rally or speak-out in your village! Here's how:

a.) Talk to others that might be interested in planning something

b.) Choose an event location and time on October 17th

c.) Spread the word! (Post on this FB page event details, make fliers etc)

d.) Make signs for the rally

e.) Call local press, and tell them what you're planning. (if you have some)

f.) Gather together to share your stories and demand change.

g.) Post pictures and/or video from your rally on this FB page.

The indigenous hunting & fishing practices of ALL Alaska Natives, including the harvesting & sharing of fish, game, & other resources & the ceremonies which accompany these practices provide for the SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPIRITUAL, & ECONOMIC WELLBEING & SURVIVAL of the Alaska Native community. The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) stripped Alaska Natives of these basic human rights. The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) fell short of restoring Alaska Native hunting & fishing rights. The subsequent regulatory regime is highly complex, with the federal & state governments dominating decision making. Alaska Natives are left disenfranchised; with little voice in the decisions affecting their daily lives. Many have become CRIMINALS in their own lands, CRIMINALS for hunting, fishing, & sharing. Alaska Native providers have been ticketed & fined when harvesting for their families & communities. 

SOLUTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR ALASKA NATIVE FOOD SECURITY 

1. Indigenous Hunting & Fishing Rights must be recognized on ALL lands & waters throughout Alaska;

2. The State of Alaska & the Federal Government must ensure hunting & fishing resources are actively managed for sustainable yield, with priority for those most dependent upon the resource throughout Alaska; &

3. The State of Alaska & the Federal Government must increase co-management activities & opportunities with Alaska Natives (self-governance agreements; contracts; MOU/MOAs; co-management councils) & implement measurable Tribal Consultation ensuring Alaska Natives have a meaningful role in management of hunting & fishing resources throughout Alaska.