Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act
Impact
If passed, SB1889 would significantly alter the legal landscape for Alaska Native communities by enabling the designated communities to gain access to land and resources under the ANCSA framework. The bill provides for the conveyance of specific federal lands totaling around 23,040 acres to each Urban Corporation, which could empower these communities economically and socially. Such improvements in land access may promote local development and bolster community governance through structured corporate entities designed to serve the shared interests of the inhabitants.
Summary
SB1889, titled the 'Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation Act,' seeks to provide formal recognition and settlement of land claims for certain Alaska Native communities, specifically Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. The bill authorizes the establishment of Urban Corporations for these communities, allowing them to organize under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) and become eligible to receive settlement lands previously omitted from such eligibility. This legislative move aims to address the historical oversight regarding the exclusion of these communities in federal recognition and land settlement processes.
Sentiment
The sentiment towards SB1889 has generally been positive among the affected communities and their advocates, who view it as a crucial step toward rectifying historical injustices. Supporters highlight that recognition and settlement would enable greater self-determination and sustainable development for these communities. However, there are concerns surrounding the impacts on existing regional governance structures and potential frictions between new Urban Corporations and established entities, raising questions about land management and rights distribution.
Contention
Key points of contention regarding the bill center around the implications of forming Urban Corporations and the associated management of newly conveyed lands. Opponents posit that there needs to be careful consideration of existing rights and the potential for conflicts with established Native Corporations. Furthermore, the bill outlines conditional uses of the land, including public access for recreational purposes, which might lead to tensions between preservation and development efforts. The balance of these competing interests will be critical in the debates surrounding the bill's passage and implementation.
Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation ActThis bill allows five Alaska Native communities in Southeast Alaska to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements.Specifically, the bill allows the Alaska Native residents of each of the Alaska Native villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska, to organize as Alaska Native urban corporations and to receive certain settlement land.The bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey specified land to each urban corporation. Further, Interior must convey the subsurface estate for that land to the regional corporation for Southeast Alaska.The land conveyed to each urban corporation must include any U.S. interest in all roads, trails, log transfer facilities, leases, and appurtenances on or related to the land conveyed to the urban corporation.The bill also allows each urban corporation to establish a settlement trust to (1) promote the health, education, and welfare of the trust beneficiaries; and (2) preserve the Alaska Native heritage and culture of their communities.
A bill to amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to exclude certain payments to aged, blind, or disabled Alaska Natives or descendants of Alaska Natives from being used to determine eligibility for certain programs, and for other purposes.
Unrecognized Southeast Alaska Native Communities Recognition and Compensation ActThis bill allows five Alaska Native communities in Southeast Alaska to form urban corporations and receive land entitlements.Specifically, the bill allows the Alaska Native residents of each of the Alaska Native villages of Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell, Alaska, to organize as Alaska Native urban corporations and to receive certain settlement land.The bill directs the Department of the Interior to convey specified land to each urban corporation. Further, Interior must convey the subsurface estate for that land to the regional corporation for Southeast Alaska.The land conveyed to each urban corporation must include any U.S. interest in all roads, trails, log transfer facilities, leases, and appurtenances on or related to the land conveyed to the urban corporation.The bill also allows each urban corporation to establish a settlement trust to (1) promote the health, education, and welfare of the trust beneficiaries; and (2) preserve the Alaska Native heritage and culture of their communities.