Photo of the Week

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Currents. Discussion »

This photo was sent to the Native News Network by the Akiak Native Community, which is located along the Kuskokwim River in Southwest Alaska. It was taken on the first day of summer, June 20.

Fish is Our Survival

The youth in the photograph were part of a protest the tribal leaders called on behalf of the tribal fisherman's ability to fish during the king salmon run and seizure of fish by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and US Fish and Wildlife Troopers.

Elders and tribal leaders across Alaska called the government decision to extend the river closure a violation of trust and a threat to sovereign fishing rights.

The Alaska Native communities face similar challenges that American Indian tribal citizens face in the lower 48 states.

Their memories of their participation in civil disobedience will last these youth a lifetime, as will this image.

Within American Indian culture, there are many beautiful photographs produced simply because of people, regalia and locations. Each week some 35 to 40 photographs accompany articles the Native News Network publishes. This feature will be run each Saturday in the Native News Network and in our weekly newsletter.

posted June 23, 2012 12:40 pm edt