The board of directors for the Bristol Bay Native Corp., an Alaska Native corporation, voted against the controversial Pebble copper and gold mind.

The board said it was concerned about the impact on fish runs. The decision was quickly condemned by Alaska Peninsula Corp. and Pedro Bay Corp., two village corporations that own land near the project.

The village corporations said the board's stance threatens the economic livelihood of the villages. "BBNC's irresponsible actions, based on irrational fear mongering, threatens our very ability to survive," said Ralph Angasan, the president of Alaska Peninsula, in a press release.

The Pebble Mine would be located in southwest Alaska, near several villages. Eight village corporations have joined a lawsuit that seeks to stop the approval of exploration permits for the project.

Get the Story:
Mine opposition by regional corporation induces anger (The Anchorage Daily News 12/16)
Bristol Bay Native Corp. opposes Pebble (The Anchorage Daily News 12/12)

Relevant Documents:
Press Release: BBNC Board of Directors Passes Resolution to Protect Bristol Bay Resources By Opposing the Pebble Mine Project | Press Release: Village Corporation Condemns Bristol Bay Native Corporation Decision To Oppose Pebble Prospect | PEDRO BAY CORPORATION DENOUNCES BBNC’s ANTI-DEVELOPMENT RESOLUTION

Related Stories:
Alaska Native villages sue over mine permits (7/30)
Opinion: Alaska Natives take stand against big mine (4/13)
Village 'ticked off' with Gov. Palin over mine (10/22)