Executive Director’s Report
workload has certain- ly increased monu- mentally. We are so grateful to have your support as we work with our partners at the national level, our Delegation, and the State of Alaska. This is a good time to express our most heartfelt thanks to the State of Alaska for pushing back on the unreasonable con- versation. From the
Dear Members and Friends:
By now, you have all heard that the worsening conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic in Alaska forced us to cancel the 2021 Annual Convention and Trade Show. It is so disheartening to be here again, and I know we all share the disappointment in not being able to see each other in person very soon. First, we want to say that we were completely overwhelmed by your responses to the cancellation. It was not an easy decision — more like gut-wrenching — and we feel like we made it alongside all 1,300 of our members. Your compassionate, understanding and com- plimentary comments helped to affirm that we made the right decision for our industry, members and communities. I want to share a handful of responses in hopes that it makes your heart feel as good as it did mine: I know this is a very hard decision. Big hugs guys!! It is the RIGHT thing to do, definitely.
Department of Law asserting defense of lands and federalism, to our regulatory agencies coordinat- ing responses on the responsible record of Alaska’s resource development industries, we are so lucky to have Governor Dunleavy and his team advocating for us. On that note, I am going to give AMAPAC Trea- surer Lorali Simon a little column space to remind us all how much elections matter. Even though this is not an election year, we can still donate to help the candidates that support us start building their treasury. Please consider helping support those who support us by donating to AMAPAC this year. You can do so online on our website: www.alaskaminers.org/take-action AND! We are working on an in-person fund- raiser this fall in a well-ventilated area. Stay tuned. Finally, as fall turns into winter and we are all facing the end of the year, I want to say how much I miss seeing your faces and how much I appreciate how we have all adapted to the alternative ways of communication. It is not the same, and it never will be, and I pray it is only a substitute for not very much lon- ger. At the same time, I am proud to be a part of an organization that time and time again puts its resilience on display. Thank you, miners!
Thanks for making the tough decision.
I know you guys have been working hard to make it happen. Sucks for the organization, but it’s definitely in the best interest of all involved.
Thank you for being the calm voice of reason.
I just want you to know you are supported.
We feel so very supported right now. Alongside the notes of understanding came offers of converting previously committed sponsorships to donations to help AMA further its mission, with encouragement like “we need AMA more than ever!” This generosity has helped us with our launch of the Durability Project, a foundational campaign to fund- raise with Alaska’s miners to keep up our mission year-round at a time when we are busier than ever pushing for reasonable mining policy. It is baffling that we have to “push” to have a reasonable mining conversation. We have a federal Administration proposing lofty goals in regard to zero carbon emissions and higher electric vehicle usage. We have heard them acknowledge that we need more mineral production to make that a reality. And here we are, addressing countless proposals to put land off limits, unat - tainable water regulations, decreasing flexibility on mitigation options, and so much more. Our federal
Deantha Skibinski AMA Executive Director
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The Alaska Miner
Fall 2021
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