Anti Pebble Mine sticker.
Though the site of this mine would be outside of the Interior, there is a long running raging debate over whether or not a large mine should be allowed in southwest Alaska, and Interior residents have polarizing opinions. Proponents of the mine say, and rightly so, that it will be a huge boost to the economy and provide work for small villages that currently have few or no prospects. Opponents say, and rightly so, that it will irreparably damage premier salmon spawning grounds.
What do I say?
Well, I guess I will go on record with my own opinion. I understand the plight of folks living in remote villages in Alaska. Their way of life is disappearing, and harder and harder to hold on to. They need more opportunities for growth and stability. However in this case, I think the cost of forward progression may be too great.
Yes, it's rough living out there, but times have changed, like it or not. No matter how self sufficient a people you are, you can no longer get by without some modern basic necessities such as food staples and medical supplies and care. In almost all cases in Alaska, subsistence must be supplemented and these necessities are damned expensive when you live on the corner of Timbuktu and Nowhere. Having said that, you are accepting this as fact and as part of the price to pay for this lifestyle if you choose to stay and live there. So why would anyone choose to stay? Tradition? Heritage?
It is also a well known fact that Native Alaskans cherish the land as part of their heritage, and depend on salmon as a major source of food for themselves and their very important dogs. So isn't it counter productive to accept a mine that will no doubt further the economy of the area, but in time probably destroy the very reason cited for wanting to stay there? It just doesn't make sense in this case, in the proposed region.
So I guess you can count me in with those who are not convinced that the Pebble Mine is a good thing for southwest Alaska.
What do I say?
Well, I guess I will go on record with my own opinion. I understand the plight of folks living in remote villages in Alaska. Their way of life is disappearing, and harder and harder to hold on to. They need more opportunities for growth and stability. However in this case, I think the cost of forward progression may be too great.
Yes, it's rough living out there, but times have changed, like it or not. No matter how self sufficient a people you are, you can no longer get by without some modern basic necessities such as food staples and medical supplies and care. In almost all cases in Alaska, subsistence must be supplemented and these necessities are damned expensive when you live on the corner of Timbuktu and Nowhere. Having said that, you are accepting this as fact and as part of the price to pay for this lifestyle if you choose to stay and live there. So why would anyone choose to stay? Tradition? Heritage?
It is also a well known fact that Native Alaskans cherish the land as part of their heritage, and depend on salmon as a major source of food for themselves and their very important dogs. So isn't it counter productive to accept a mine that will no doubt further the economy of the area, but in time probably destroy the very reason cited for wanting to stay there? It just doesn't make sense in this case, in the proposed region.
So I guess you can count me in with those who are not convinced that the Pebble Mine is a good thing for southwest Alaska.
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