JUNEAU, Alaska — Coast Guard Sector Juneau and the Metlakatla Indian Community (MIC) met in Metlakatla, Tuesday, to sign a memorandum of agreement between the two parties.
The MOA, which has been in development for more than a year, clarifies and solidifies the working relationship between Sector Juneau and MIC, allowing more coordination in vessel safety, law enforcement, and incident preparedness efforts.
Judith Eaton, Metlakatla Indian Community council secretary, Capt. Shannan Greene, commander, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage, and Mayor Audrey Hudson, of Metlakatla, sign a memorandum of agreement between the Coast Guard and MIC in Metlakatla, Alaska, Sept. 30, 2014. (U.S. Coast Guard photo)
For many years, both MIC and the Coast Guard have agreed that the safety of recreational boaters and commercial vessel operators and their crews were their top priority, and both have worked to ensure the safety of life at sea.
“Today marks a memorable day for the U.S. Coast Guard and the community of Metlakatla,” said Capt. Shannan Greene, commander, Sector Juneau. “Through this MOA our two entities will continue to foster and grow our working relationship and understanding of each other’s culture and laws. This MOA will assist in guiding us to fulfill our mutual trust responsibilities today, tomorrow, and well into the future.”
The MOA states that it does not repeal or limit the jurisdiction of the community or the Coast Guard, and that both Sector Juneau and MIC agree to work together to enforce fishery boundary laws and vessel safety laws through regular interaction and face-to-face meetings.
“We are pleased to host Capt. Greene and the Coast Guard delegation today in Metlakatla,” said Mayor Audrey Hudson. “We look forward to productive discussions, which we believe will increase mutual understanding and facilitate communication between the Community and the Coast Guard. We are anxious to discuss, among other things, a variety of maritime and preparedness topics, as well as the federal government’s trust responsibility.”
