A commission that will study tribal laws and make recommendations on establishing a "unified" jurisdiction in rural Alaska has until January 2005 to complete its work.

Attorney General John Ashcroft will appoint the nine members of the commission, which tilts heavily towards the state and federal government. Alaska Natives are allotted three slots, but only one is for a representative of Alaska's 220-plus tribes.

The Alaska Native Justice Center, a non-profit group, will administer the commission. Talks about who will sit on the panel are just beginning.

The commission is the idea of Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), who was threatening to impose regionalization or consolidation on Alaska's tribes. It was included in the omnibus appropriations bill that was signed into law last month.

Get the Story:
Natives wary of new rural commission (The Anchorage Daily News 2/2)

Get the Bill:
MAKING APPROPRIATIONS FOR AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2004, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES (House Rpt.108-401) | Highlights from the House Appropriations Committee

Roll Call:
Senate (January 22, 2004) | House (December 8, 2003)

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