Comment Letter to FEMA in Support of Native Alaska Tribes:

We are asking that you take two minutes to support the Kipnuk and Kwigillingok communities in Alaska, which were recently devastated by Typhoon Halong, by signing onto a letter we have prepared to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The Trump Administration only provided 15 days for public comment on recovery plans and set the deadline on Thanksgiving.

While FEMA had previously indicated to native tribes devastated by the floods that they would do a phased relocation of residents, perhaps in recognition of the fact that such a catastrophic level of flooding could easily occur again. In the public notice issued on November 12, however, FEMA stated, without evidence, that there were no practicable alternatives, and that they would rebuild Kipnuk and Kwigillingok homes in the same location.

L4GG has put together a comment letter to FEMA (linked here) that both disputes the decision to rebuild in the same location and asks that FEMA extend the current comment period of 15 days. If you would like to sign on, please fill out your information here.

Additional Opportunity to Support Native Alaska Tribes:

4. GoFundMe 

One Native leader, Rayna Paul (the Environmental Coordinator for the Kipnuk Tribe), has started a GoFundMe to help rebuild the village. Many of you know Rayna, who has been an active advocate for her community’s terminated Community Change Grant. If you feel inclined, please consider donating.