Cites Begich’s Bipartisanship and Advocacy for Alaska Natives

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 08/12/2023

ANCHORAGE — The Board of Directors of Bristol Bay Native Corporation, which has 9,600 shareholders throughout Alaska, has endorsed Mark Begich for U.S. Senate.

The endorsement praises Begich for his “long-standing support for and advocacy of Native issues in general, including protection of subsistence rights, Native voting rights, Small Business Administration government contracting regulations, and numerous other issues important to Alaskans.”

During his time in the Senate, Senator Begich has quickly built clout and seniority to get results for Alaska, and currently sits on both the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and the Senate Appropriations Committee.

BBNC Board Chairman Joseph Chythlook, says “Senator Begich has demonstrated his ability to work across party lines to effectively advocate for and advance issues important to the people of rural Alaska.”

Jason Metrokin, BBNC president and chief executive officer, adds that “We are looking forward to working with Senator Begich as he continues his work and support for all Alaskans.”

As chair of the Senate Oceans Subcommittee, Mark Begich has helped to protect jobs and industry in Bristol Bay. He has worked tirelessly on a variety of projects to benefit the region, including:

• Protecting Bristol Bay fishing jobs by opposing the construction of the Pebble Mine.
• Moved to place a ban on genetically modified “Frankenfish,” which would threaten Alaska wild salmon stocks.
• Secured over $88 million for rural broadband funding that brought terrestrial broadband service to the Bristol Bay region for the first-time.
• Fighting attempts to diminish the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program that helps Alaska Native corporations diversify their businesses and create economic opportunities for their shareholders.

Bristol Bay Native Corporation’s endorsement comes two weeks after Senator Begich received the support of Sealaska Native Corporation.

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