Two more tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta oppose the proposed Donlin gold mine. Napakiak and Kongiganak passed resolutions last week against the mine, which would be one of the biggest in the world if developed.
Both tribes claim that the mine would damage the subsistence lifestyle practiced by many Y-K Delta residents. And both communities are more than 100 miles downriver from the mine.
Earlier this month, the village of Tuluksak passed a resolution against the mine. Bethel's ONC marched against the mine in June, making it the first tribe in the region to do so. So far, four out of 56 tribes in the region have confirmed that they do not want the mine.
Donlin spokesman Kurt Parkan says the company is well aware not everyone in the region wants the project, but added that mine "enjoys the strong support of [the Calista Regional Native Corporation] who represents the residents in the entire region."