U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. embarked on a tour of tribal health facilities in Kenai, Alaska on Thursday, where his visit was met with protests from a small group opposed to his policies.
The visit highlights Kennedy’s commitment to enhancing Alaska Native access to traditional foods, a point emphasized during his discussions with Tribal Council Vice President Jakob Kooly.
Sitting before a backdrop featuring flags of Alaska, the United States, and the Kenaitze Indian Tribe, Kooly shared insights from their conversations, which included topics such as Medicaid, food security, and concerns regarding local fisheries.
Kooly expressed optimism about Kennedy’s interest in these crucial issues, stating, “The fisheries is crucial for the well-being of our people and to make our people healthy. I think that’s what his main goal is, is to make our people healthy.”
Kennedy’s tour included visits to greenhouses and salmon fisheries, where he aimed to gather information on improving Native health and expanding access to traditional diets.
While in Fairbanks, tribal members suggested utilizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to facilitate Alaska Natives’ acquisition of subsistence equipment, a proposal Kennedy has shown interest in.
Additionally, Kennedy voiced his commitment to advocating for Alaska salmon, citing the various interests competing for access to this vital resource, including commercial and sports fisheries, alongside Native interests, which often take a back seat in discussions.
Kennedy, who has a lengthy history in environmental advocacy as the former president of the Waterkeeper Alliance, reiterated the importance of healthy salmon populations to the culture and history of Alaska Native tribes.
Despite the appearance of discussing health care issues, Kennedy’s remarks on new Medicaid eligibility requirements implemented by President Donald Trump sparked controversy.
He downplayed the potential impact of these “so-called Medicaid cuts,” arguing that they would not significantly affect Alaska Native tribes and described the new work requirements effective in 2027 as minimal.
“You can meet those obligations by volunteering, or by education, or by showing that you are applying for work, that you’re trying to get a job,” he explained. “They’re really minimal requirements.”
Nearby, a group of 15 protesters gathered, voicing their discontent with Kennedy’s stances, particularly his views on vaccines, which many believe undermine public health efforts.
Robert Dederick led the demonstration, recounting his efforts to persuade U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski against confirming Kennedy, citing concerns over his qualifications in health care and his controversial vaccine rhetoric.
Dederick expressed his conviction that Kennedy’s views are harmful, stating, “His rhetoric on the vaccines and stuff like that is hurtful, you know? And it has consequences and repercussions.”
Kennedy’s recent decision to cancel nearly half a billion dollars in vaccine development projects utilizing mRNA technology, the same technology used in the COVID-19 vaccine, has amplified protester concerns.
LaDawn Druce, another demonstrator, questioned the reallocation of funds initially designated for vaccine research, emphasizing her belief that health care should transcend political motivations.
“My grandchildren, I am afraid, will not be able to grow up now in a country where these things are valued,” she lamented. “Science is not valued right now, that’s my opinion, because of the actions that are being taken. And I don’t like that one bit.”
Responses from passersby varied; some honked and showed support for the protesters, while others reacted negatively.
Joel Stockton, one of the demonstrators, expressed his belief that their protest garnered more backing than opposition, highlighting potential threats to Alaska’s healthcare system, such as hospital closures linked to Medicaid cuts.
He recounted how Kennedy drove past their demonstration earlier in the day, adding, “When he drove by, he looked right at us, and that’s good enough for me. I doubt that you know a bunch of people sitting at home is going to be what makes a change in our entire political system, but it’s a start.”
After his engagement with the community at the Dena’ina Wellness Center, Kennedy proceeded to the tribe’s Ch’k’denełyah Yuyeh greenhouses and educational fishery site before leaving the Kenai Peninsula.
Before departing, he expressed eagerness to go fishing, noting, “I heard it’s a record run… There should be a couple there for me.”
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