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As the commercial fishing season in Alaska nears, residents and medical professionals are worried about the potential coronavirus threat posed by the thousands of seasonal workers who arrive from all over the world. The only hospital in Dillingham has two ventilators, which officials say would not be adequate if there’s a major COVID-19 outbreak. The tribally-owned Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation urges the state to postpone the fishing season, citing the health risk to the 28 Alaska Native villages it serves. A group of mayors from the area sent a letter to Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to consider closing the fishing season. So far, there is no plan to do so.
Guests:
Robert Clark (Yupik) – President and CEO Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation
Thomas Tilden (Curyung Tribal Council) – Chief of the Curyung Tribal Council
Ralph Andersen (Yupik) – President & CEO Bristol Bay Native Association
Break 1 music: Intertribal (song) Cree Confederation (artist) Pakosiyimitan (album)
Break 2 music: Nose Flute Dub (song) Paula Fuga (artist) Lilikoi (album)
Thank you for hearing our story and concerns for NOTopening up fishing in Bristol Bay/Chignik Fisheries with the COVID-19 concerns we have .