ANCHORAGE — Gov. Bill Walker has attended the first meeting of the new Governor’s Tribal Advisory Council, a panel of Alaska Native leaders established by his administration.
Lt. Gov. Byron Mallott also attended the Thursday morning meeting in Anchorage. Afterward, Walker introduced members of the 11-member council at a press conference.
Participants said the panel has been about a year in the making. Members represent issues, such as education and economic development, rather than regions of the state.
Walker said he sees the group as a forum for shared dialogues. He said advisory council members exhibited “a lot of passion” in their discussions during the first meeting.
Walker said the council will meet at least quarterly, but he says he wouldn’t be surprised to see them meet more often.
