A view of the Akiachak Native Community, the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that prompted the Obama administration to include Alaska tribes in the land-into-trust process. Photo from Calista Corporation
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker (I) met with tribal leaders as he determines his next step in Akiachak Native Community v. Department of Interior, a historic land-into-trust case. Walker, who took office last December, traveled to three of the villages that are plaintiffs in the case. They won a decision that forced the Bureau of Indian Affairs to develop land-into-trust rule that includes Alaska tribes for the first time. “I wasn’t trying to sell a deal or make a deal, or get anyone to do anything different. I just wanted to understand and hear from them about some of their issues in their village and tribal associations,” Walker told KYUK. The case and the BIA rule are on hold while Walker and his administration develop a position on the matter. The brief is due August 24, KYUK reported. Get the Story:
Governor Meets with Tribes in Advance of Land Trust Deadline (KYUK 8/10) Relevant Documents:
Dear Tribal Leader Letter from Kevin Washburn (April 30, 2014) District Court Decisions:
Akiachak Native Community v. Jewell (September 30, 2013)
Akiachak Native Community v. Salazar (March 31, 2013) Federal Register Notice:
Land Acquisitions in the State of Alaska (December 23, 2014)
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