June 2025 Newsletter
This weekend the sun reached its highest point in the sky and our longest days have been blessed on the Kuskokwim River. With fish in our smokehouses and ulu’s in hand this is a time of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to our responsibilities to each other and to the living land and waters that sustain us.
This Solstice season, we lift up powerful moments of truth, celebration, and justice that are shaping our shared path forward. Below are important updates, quyana for reading and taking action!
Victory for Tribes: Federal Court Sides with Plaintiffs on Donlin Mine Permits
We celebrate a major legal victory as a federal judge ruled in favor of plaintiff tribes in a lawsuit challenging key permits for the proposed Donlin Gold mine. This decision confirms what our communities have long said: federal agencies failed to uphold their obligations to protect our waters, salmon, and ways of life.
Read the full article:
Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition Congratulates Plaintiff Tribes
Donate to Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition to support our work in uplifting Tribal Sovereignty.
Calista Must Face the Facts
In a June 3rd opinion piece in the Anchorage Daily News, the call is clear: Calista Corporation must stop avoiding accountability and begin listening to the shareholders they claim to serve. From misrepresenting facts about Donlin to refusing to hold a shareholder vote on whether or not to pursue this project, Calista's pattern of evasion is unacceptable.
As shareholders, we are watching—and we demand truth, transparency, and alignment with our Traditional values.
Read and *SHARE* the op-ed:
Calista Needs to Stop Running Away from Its Shareholders
Calista Shareholders Sign here to ask for a shareholder vote
Celebrating the Salmon’s Return
On June 15, we gathered in Bethel for the first-ever Return of the Salmon Celebration—a joyous, prayerful day organized by Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition and grassroots leaders from across the watershed.
With prayer, singing, music, stories, speeches, and ceremony, we honored the sacred return of the salmon. We shared food as a full community and loudly voiced our love and shared commitment to protect our way of life for future generations. It was a powerful statement of unity for our river and her fish.
Learn more and see photos:
Salmon Return Celebration - Mother Kuskokwim
KYUK Coverage of the Celebration
Our Work Continues
Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition continues to stand with our member tribes and citizens across the Y-K Region region. We uplift traditional knowledge, defend tribal sovereignty, and protect the waters and salmon that sustain our cultures.
As we welcome the height of light, we also prepare for what comes next. Quyana for reading and stay tuned for action updates, gatherings, and ways you can get involved.
In solidarity and light,
The Mother Kuskokwim Tribal Coalition Team
www.motherkuskokwim.org