For the third time, Alaska lawmakers have failed to act on a bill to add a verse to the state song that would recognize Alaska Natives.

“Alaska’s Flag” by Marie Drake was adopted as the state song in 1955. A second verse that was written Drake's friend to acknowledge the contributions of Alaska Natives.

A bill was pending the Legislature to add the verse but a lawmaker didn't schedule a vote because she said it wasn't a priority. “It hurts that they won’t act on it,” Tlingit elder Selina Everson, a former grand president of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, told the Associated Press.

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Alaska Natives still unrecognized in state song (AP 5/12)
Alaska Natives still unrecognized in state song (AP 5/12)