Flooding, Voting and Gold Medal Victories

Local First News (News of the North)

A new report from the U.S. Department of the Interior highlights the impact of forced assimilation of American Indian and Alaska Native children through federal boarding schools. The report recommends steps for healing, including acknowledging the harm, investing in community-driven efforts, and returning remains of deceased children. Alaska lawmakers support further investigations and healing initiatives.

The Alaska Supreme Court is considering whether nonhunting Alaskans can challenge a state predator control program aimed at increasing caribou numbers. Attorney Michelle Bittner argues for standing, emphasizing the program's impact on wildlife viewing. The state contends her connection to affected animals is too vague for legal standing.

Alaska's own Kristen Faulkner won gold in the women's road race at the Paris Olympics, becoming the first American rider in 40 years to medal in the event. Faulkner's strategic attack near the end secured her victory over Dutch rider Marianne Vos and Belgian Lotte Kopecky.

A new study reveals that American Indian and Alaska Native infants face higher mortality rates partly due to inadequate investigations of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs). Law enforcement often leads these investigations, lacking the thoroughness of medical examiners. The study calls for improved and culturally sensitive data collection to prevent future deaths.

Suicide Basin is releasing water into Mendenhall Lake and River, with the scale of the outburst still unknown. Residents near the river, especially west of Riverside Drive, should prepare for possible evacuation. CBJ and local agencies are monitoring conditions and will provide updates and alerts as necessary.