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Native leader disputes 'phantom' tribe label
Friday, October 24, 2003

An Alaska tribe that has not occupied its traditional village since 1956 receives grants and federal housing money.

But Terrence Shanigan, president of the Kanatak Tribe, disputes the label that his tribe is "phantom," a term being used by Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). "To me a phantom is like some shadow-walker lurking in the bushes. That's not us," Shanigan told The Anchorage Daily News. "We are displaced, landless tribes, landless communities. We are not phantoms."

Stevens said he is looking to the existence of tribes like the Kanatak. Shanigan said it's unfair to point the finger at his village.

Get the Story:
'Phantom' tribe defends its existence (The Anchorage Daily News 10/24)

Relevant Links:
Alaska Federation of Natives - http://www.nativefederation.org/flash.html
Sen. Ted Stevens - http://stevens.senate.gov

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