Tribes seek legislation for State of Alaska recognition

by Greg Lincoln

At the 57th Annual Association of Village Council Presidents (AVCP) Convention held on September 22, 2021, the Executive Board passed Resolution 21-09-08: Support of Legislation for State of Alaska Recognition of Federally Recognized Tribes.

“Alaska Native peoples and Alaska Native tribes have existed in what is now known as the State of Alaska from time immemorial; and Tribes possess inherent powers and authorities, including self-governance of internal affairs,” states Resolution 21-09-08.

However, in years past, the State of Alaska argued that tribes did not exist, and had never existed, in Alaska, according to the resolution.

There are 229 federally recognized tribes in the State of Alaska, including the 56 AVCP member tribes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

“The federal government, through the Department of the Interior “Sansonetti Opinion” (1993) and Congress’ passing of the Federally Recognized Tribe List Act of 1994, confirmed the existence of Alaska tribes,” the resolution says. “The Alaska Supreme Court (John v. Baker, 1999) and the State of Alaska Executive Branch (Alaska Admin. Order No. 300, 2018) has since also recognized the existence of Alaska tribes … and through HB 123 the Alaska State Legislature, as the third branch of the State government, will also recognize the existence of Alaska tribes.”

HB 123 passed the Alaska State Legislature House of Representatives on May 19, 2021; and Companion bill SB 108 was introduced but has not passed the Alaska State Senate.

The AVCP Full Board of Directors fully supports and calls for the reintroduction and passage of An Act providing for State recognition of federally recognized tribes through this resolution.

AVCP is the recognized tribal organization and non-profit Alaska Native regional corporation for its fifty-six member indigenous Native villages within Western Alaska and supports the endeavors of its member villages in all aspects of their self-determination, health, and well-being.

“Tribes act in the best interest of their tribal members in all areas, including the protection and safety of children, families, and vulnerable members of society; the stewardship of our natural resources; the support and promotion of education and workforce development; and the health and wellness of all tribal members,” says the Resolution, signed by AVCP Chairman Thaddeus Tikiun, Jr., and Chief Executive Officer Vivian Korthuis.

This resolution was adopted by the members of AVCP during the fifty-seventh annual convention with a duly constituted quorum of delegates present.