Alannah Hurley

Alannah Hurley is a Yup’ik fisherwoman of salmon for subsistence and commercial purposes and an Indigenous rights advocate. She has worked extensively in community development and environmental justice and is dedicated to helping make self-determination a reality for Alaska’s Indigenous people.

She is the executive director of United Tribes of Bristol Bay, a tribally chartered consortium of 15 federally recognized tribes opposed to the Pebble Mine in Alaska, and can provide insight on the environmental and Alaska Native opposition to the project. The proposed mine has long been controversial due to its location in the headwaters of Bristol Bay, home to the world’s largest wild sockeye salmon fishery. Opponents say the massive gold and copper complex will likely pollute the bay and harm the salmon runs. As of November 2020, the mine has been rejected. The United Tribes of Bristol Bay continue to fight for long term protections.

Hurley is Yup’ik, and was born, raised and lives in the Bristol Bay Region. She is also an expert in the challenges Yup’ik people face in regard to climate change and their struggle to maintain their identity, culture, and relationship with the environment. She graduated from the University of New Mexico with a B.A. in Native American studies and a minor in political science. She has spoken to NPR about the Pebble Mine project.