Federal law does not define the term “subsistence” directly, using only the phrase `subsistence uses,' and states:“The Congress finds and declares that the continuation of the opportunity for subsistence uses by rural residents of Alaska, including both Natives and non-Natives, on the public lands and by Alaska Natives on Native lands is essential to Native physical, economic, traditional, and cultural existence …”
In this way, the landmark law that created many of Alaska's national park units confirms the strong connection between local residents and the land. However, the word, "subsistence," means more than just putting food on the table. It includes the identity, culture, customs, traditions, values and beliefs that define Alaska Native peoples. This subsistence lifeway is strongly rooted in a sense of place that endures over time through the passing of traditional knowledge from one generation to the next. It also involves the social and economic ties that bind families and communities together.Customary and traditional uses by rural Alaska residents of wild, renewable resources for direct personal or family consumption as food, shelter, fuel, clothing, tools or transportation; for the making and selling of handicraft articles out of non-edible by-products of fish and wildlife resources taken for personal or family consumption; for barter, or sharing for personal or family consumption; and for customary trade.
Subsistence, as codified in ANILCA, helps to sustain not only the physical, but the spiritual culture of Alaska Native peoples. Recognizing that this is an important tradition for many non-Natives as well, Congress established that local rural residents be given precedence for using fish or wildlife resources. This "rural preference" prioritizes subsistence uses over other uses, such as sport hunting and fishing.
Alaska Native culture is about much more than subsistence and ANILCA plays an important role in helping to affirm and perpetuate those cultural values. Today, traditional Native customs and ways of living still thrive in park areas throughout Alaska from the rainforests of Southeast to the tundra of the Arctic.
Learn more about the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA):
- Type: Article
- Locations: Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Gates Of The Arctic National Park & Preserve, Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve
Customary and traditional harvests of wild resources provide for the nutritional, economic, spiritual, and cultural well-being of communities throughout Alaska. The National Park Service has the authority and responsibility to manage these uses on parklands. Comprehensive surveys reveal harvest and use patterns, providing information to maintain these critical resources and manage for the continuation of subsistence required under ANILCA. Alaska Park Science 21(1), 2022
- Type: Article
Subsistence harvest of salmon is vital to the way of life for many Alaska Native people. The monitoring and management of salmon is of utmost importance to ensure continued availability of this critical resource. A decline in salmon populations can create food insecurity in rural Alaska communities. Alaska Park Science 21(1), 2022.
- Type: Article
ANILCA provides for subsistence use of Alaska’s wild resources. But the law is ambiguous and complex in its interpretation and implementation. Alaska Native subsistence rights and Alaska resident subsistence rights are sometimes at odds. This perspective explains the provisions and the shortcomings of subsistence management. Alaska Park Science 21(1), 2022.
- Type: Article
ANILCA is the defining conservation law of Alaska. With a stroke of a pen, President Carter doubled the size of the National Park System. Alaskans experience the consequences of ANILCA as both a blessing and a burden. In this issue, we explore many of the facets and perspectives of ANILCA and what it means to Alaskans and to the National Park Service. Alaska Park Science 21(1), 2022.
- Type: Article
- Locations: Alagnak Wild River, Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Denali National Park & Preserve, more »
- Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
K’ezdlagh: Nondalton Ecological Knowledge of Freshwater Fish
- Type: Article
- Locations: Lake Clark National Park & Preserve
- Type: Article
- Locations: Alagnak Wild River, Aniakchak National Monument & Preserve, Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Denali National Park & Preserve, more »
- Type: Article
- Locations: Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, Cape Krusenstern National Monument, Kobuk Valley National Park, Noatak National Preserve, Yukon - Charley Rivers National Preserve
- Type: Article
Last updated: August 22, 2023