Tim Towarak, the co-chairman of the Alaska Federation of Natives and the president of Bering Straits Native Corp., has been named chairman of the Federal Subsistence Board.

Towarak will oversee the federal government's role in protecting the subsistence rights of Alaska Natives. Critics said the Bush administration placed an emphasis on non-Native rights.

"Tim has participated in subsistence activities all his life and has demonstrated a keen understanding of the needs of rural residents of Alaska as well as the workings of government and the private sectors," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a press release. “With his experience and understanding, he is uniquely qualified to lead the Board in carrying out improvements that will strengthen its role in managing fish and wildlife on the public lands in Alaska.”

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AFN co-chair named chairman of Federal Subsistence Board (The Anchorage Daily News 9/1)