This month, the global environmental community formally celebrated something that the people of Bristol Bay have known for a long time: Alannah Hurley, executive director of the United Tribes of Bristol Bay is a visionary and exceptionally talented leader who has been instrumental in the work to conserve the world's greatest sockeye salmon run.
Hurley was honored with the 2026 Goldman Environmental Prize. Often called the “Green Nobel,” the prize celebrates “ordinary people who take extraordinary actions to protect our planet.” Each year, only six leaders, one from each major region of the world, are selected. Hurley is the 2026 recipient for all of North America.
Her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony in Palo Alto, California reflected decades of grassroots' advocacy experience and deep commitment to her community. Work that has taken her from public comment hearings in the Dillingham High School gym to standing alongside the President of the United States in the White House Rose Garden, and countless places in between. In her speech, Hurley spoke with reverence for the people she represents;
“This award honors those in our communities who wake up every day and live our indigenous values. Who practice and pass down our sacred ways of life to our people. Whose lives are the very examples of these sacred teachings from our ancestors on how to live a good life, caring for all life on earth with respect, gratitude, and balance.”
For decades, Hurley has been a driving force in the movement to safeguard the productive fisheries of Bristol Bay and the countless people that depend on them. Her leadership has united Tribes, elevated local voices onto the global stage, and inspired a diverse coalition of advocates committed to safeguarding Bristol Bay. Nelli Williams, Alaska director for Trout Unlimited, reflected on the significance Hurley’s achievement:
“Alannah leads with grace, grit and heart. Her leadership has shaped the movement to safeguard Bristol Bay in ways that will impact many generations to come. It's been an honor to have the opportunity to work alongside her for the last 20 years. This recognition is so deeply deserved, and a huge congratulations to Alannah and UTBB.”
Learn more about Alannah’s story and the Goldman Environmental Prize here: https://www.goldmanprize.org/recipient/alannah-acaq-hurley/