Alaska Native corporation still waiting on land promised in 1971

Tuesday, July 31, 2012  

Sealaska, an Alaska Native regional corporation, is still waiting for land promised by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971.

The law settled Alaska Native claims for cash and land. But a large portion of Sealaska's selection is underwater, The Epoch Times reported.

A bill in Congress called the Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act would address the concerns by authorizing the transfer of up to 65,000 acres to Sealaska.

Environmental groups oppose the bill, saying it would transfer valuable timber lands to Sealaska.

Get the Story:
Native Tribes in Southeast Alaska Await Owed Land (The Epoch Times 7/31)

Southeast Alaska Native Land Entitlement Finalization and Jobs Protection Act:
S.730 | H.R.1408

Related Stories:
Alaska Native lands bill passes as part of controversial package (6/20)
Alaska Native corporation land bill included in omnibus package (6/19)
KCAW: Sitka Tribe signs agreement to manage sacred sites (04/03)
Opinion: Sealaska trying to get best timber in national forest (03/05)