On June 20, 2025, more than 150 Tribal leaders, members, and allies gathered to stand in solidarity with the people of the Yukon River and its tributaries to advocate for the protection of Yukon River salmon. Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC), in accordance with Full Board Resolution 2025-05, sponsored this statewide protest in partnership with Denakkanaaga, Native Movement, Native Peoples Action, Yukon River Drainage Fishermans Association, and the Yukon River Intertribal Fish Commission. This event helped raise awareness at the state, national, and international levels about the devastating impact of the salmon crisis on the people of Interior Alaska.
In Fairbanks, the protest began at Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall, where participants received buttons, patches, and signs. The group then marched to the Chena River, where prayers and offerings were shared in honor of the salmon. Protests also took place in the communities of Tanana, Eagle, Shageluk, and Nulato.
Why We Protested
Salmon runs along the Yukon and Tanana Rivers have collapsed. While Alaska Native communities—who have depended on salmon for subsistence since time immemorial—face complete fishing bans, industrial trawlers continue to intercept salmon offshore.
State and federal management systems have failed to protect Yukon River salmon. Despite years of warnings, data, and advocacy from Tribes, no meaningful steps have been taken to reduce bycatch or restore salmon populations. Tribes have borne 100% of the conservation burden while representing only 1% of the total user group.
These decisions have led to significant cultural loss, food insecurity, and negative impacts on the mental, physical, and spiritual health of our people. After years of being ignored, Alaska Native leaders and communities took unified action to demand change.
“For years Alaska Native leaders have fought to demand change, and accountability from state and federal management officials,” stated Diloola Erickson, director of the Tribal Resource Stewardship Department at Tanana Chiefs Conference, “This protest allowed us, as Native people, to uplift each other, and bring awareness to this dire situation. We must educate and let others know what is occurring in our river systems.”
This protest is not only to educate and inform but it also provided time for tribal leaders, members and allies to gather in community and to put prayers into the river for the salmon. In accordance with Full Board Resolution 2013-18, TCC staff is also directed to hold a day of prayer for the waterways, animals and people every June. The resolution states “Our Native Traditions, beliefs and lifestyle links us all who live along the Alaskan river systems in a spiritual manner.”
Chief Julie Roberts of Tanana reaffirmed this at their protest when she addressed her community, “What’s happening to our way of life? What’s happening to our children? Our fish are so important, it’s our health. We’re going to do a blessing for our river, my mom she always talked about the river having its own spirit and we have to respect that, the spirit of the river”
The Fight Continues
The Day of Peaceful Protest brought attention to this crisis, but our advocacy must continue. The Tribal Resource Stewardship Department (TRSD) offers regular opportunities for Tribal members to learn how to effectively advocate for our natural resources and provides guidance for submitting public testimony to policymakers.
The Hunting and Fishing Task Force also accepts donations to help support continued advocacy efforts. Visit www.tananachiefs.org/get-involved to learn more about upcoming opportunities and how you can help.
Baasee’ to Our Salmon Protectors
This event was made possible through the dedication of many passionate advocates, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed.
Special thanks to Native Movement for hosting art builds where participants created the powerful signs and banners carried during the protest. We’re also grateful to the Herring Protectors for donating herring eggs from Sitka and to Travis Cole for donating salmon that was shared with Elders attending the event.
Tsin’įį to the Dene’ Eslaanh dance group for their beautiful performance, and to Kenneth Frank for offering a traditional prayer for the salmon, the river, and the people.
We also recognize and appreciate those who organized and participated in village protests—your voices matter.
Finally, mahsi’ choo to everyone who showed up, stood in solidarity, and continues to speak out to protect our salmon.
