As a testament to the power of the internet, word spread quickly across tribes in Alaska that tribal authority for funding was being challenged and $13.5 million in grant dollars was threatened. I met with the Governor's Chief of Staff Jim Clarke and Commissioner Ballard, who heads the state Department of Environmental Conservation on Thursday. We set up a teleconference for noon Friday. More than 50 people called in and listened to Commissioner Ballard's apology.

The state's frustration, she said, was with EPA, not the tribes. She has had further discussions with EPA and according to a news release the department’s goal is to "encourage federal-state-and tribal collaboration seeking a win-win-win implementation of the IGAP program in Alaska."

Those on line for the conference call were gracious in receiving the apology and listened carefully to the administration’s explanation of a change in direction. Representatives of tribal organizations pointed out that if there had been collaboration with the tribes before the letter was sent in the first place a lot of misunderstanding could have been avoided.

Tribes are doing a lot of good things with the IGAP funding. The Native Village of Kwinhagak used its funding to do outreach and education to non-Native sport fishers related to the proper disposal of human waste in the watershed area; Goodnews Bay has been able to train and certify tribal members in cleanup and emergency response skills;AVCP's environmental planner helps coordinate village efforts in the formation of a Kuskokwim river Drainage Watershed.

These are the types of projects that will be win-win-win only if we have a real collaboration. Edward Nicholai from Atmautluak was on line reinforcing the fact that they had worked with—collaborated--with DEC in their IGAP funding.

Edward's comments reminded me that those of us from rural and bush Alaska also have a responsibility to help educate our urban neighbors about our differences.

Myron Naneng urged the administration to come out and see first hand what has been accomplished in villages before barging ahead. He raised the ongoing concern about diminishing the Coastal Zone Management Program, as an example. Clarke said new CZM regulations are expected soon, as a result of the administration's work to "streamline the process." He invited participants to work with the Governor’s office to review and revise regulations over the next year.

Clarke also mentioned correspondence we had exchanged earlier in the week concerning issues of importance to the House Bush Caucus and our constituencies. He made commitment to continuing the dialogue.

Ballard said a clarifying follow-up letter will be sent to the Administrator of the EPA, signed by the Governor, will be sent. The meeting was a good first step. The real test will be in the follow-through.