MODULE IX - GOVERNMENT

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:

Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act 1971 - Discuss two ways that this legislation has impacted Alaska, and two specific ways that it has impacted Alaska Natives.

 

"the beginning of a great era for the Native people of Alaska."

Tundra Times, Wednesday, December 22, 1971

"The Settlement Act is a complex settlement of a complex situation. Some of its provisions are susceptible to differing interpretations, the more so because there are three parties-at-interest: The Natives, the State of Alaska, and the Federal government, which still has vast riches and vast responsibilities in Alaska. Many problems have arisen already and many more will arise in the implementation of the law.

Enactment required goodwill and broad statesmanship. Fulfillment of the spirit and letter of this historic legislation will require the same great qualities.

The Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act is monumental legislation of which all Americans, Native and non-Native, can be proud."

—Steward French, "Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act,"
The Arctic Institute of North America,
August 1972

ANSCA IMPACTS TO:

Alaska:  The state of Alaska made out

big time. The state finally gained resolution

Land Ownership in Alaska
AK Dept. of Natural Resources 2005

with the Alaska Natives regarding what land                   

belongs to whom. Alaska also selected what                

portions of the state they would own, Prudoe

Bay, North Slope, just happened to be one 

of those selections. Finally, we as Alaska citizens

all benefit from the oil tax/royalties of 90%.

Alaska Natives:  The Alaska Native Claims

Settlement Act (ANCSA) impacted Alaska Natives

by giving them voice concerning their

land that they had already proclaimed as 

Alaskool

their own. However, another impact it                had on them was that they also gave up

land once proclaimed as their own. Alaska

Natives now could establish corporations

and make investments that would sustain

these corporations which in turn would provide money to support their villages. Native also had a huge learning curve in order to understand how to establish and form the corporations.

AK Native Regional Corporations - in color
www.dec.alaska.gov

EXAMINE:

 What ANILCA lands are in your area?  Identify regulations that affect how that land may be used.

Dall Sheep - Denali National Park and Preserve-Alaska Geographic

 Two ANILCA lands that are in my area are Denali National Park and Preserve.
 I took the 90 mile bus trip through Denali National Park and Preserve last fall.
What a gift! I saw several grizzly bear
out grazing on berries getting ready
for hibernation.








 and Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge.

Yukon Flats National Wildlife Refuge-Alaska Geographic

Hunting, fishing, trapping,
and goldpanning are
allowed on this refuge. 

Permits are needed
for hunting, fishing,
and trapping. Strict
regulations are
given for goldpanning.


Big Delta State Historical Park is another ANILCA land in my area. This is south of Fairbanks.

Rika's Roadhouse-Alaska Geographic

Rika's Roadhouse is the centerpiece of the park. The house served travelers on the historic Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail from 1913 to 1947. John Hajdukovich had the north-south section of this log structure built in 1913. The Valdez-to-Fairbanks Trail was being improved at this time and the roadhouse was a center of activity for gold stampeders, local hunters, traders, and freighters. (Alaska Geographic)


Another ANIlCA land in my area is the Chena River. I have canoed on this river. This river is pretty calm for the most part. Motor boats, jet skis, fishing, rafting, and canoeing are allowed on this river.

Red Squirrel Picnic Area-Alaska Geographic

Campgrounds in the area can accommodate all sorts of outdoor enthusiasts, from tent campers to those with deluxe recreational vehicles. Three developed campgrounds exist in the recreation area: Rosehip Campground at milepost 27 Chena Hot Springs Road, Tors Trail Campground at milepost 39, and Red Squirrel Campground and Picnic Area at milepost 43. (Alaska Geographic)

 EVALUATION:

I really enjoyed addressing the questions I chose in this module. I have a much better understanding of the Native corporations. Now when I go to the Doyon Limited craft fair this fall, I will know what that building represents, other than just a craft fair. I am here to explore this state and this course is definitely opened doors for me. 

I also plan on doing some hiking and backpacking along the Chena River. Angel Rocks is an eight mile trail that ends at Chena Hot Springs. I dip in the hot springs is going to feel good after the long hike. 


 BLOGS VISITED:
 Gary's Alaska Blog - Gary, great job on blogging on Alaska Governance. This is so involved and extensive.

Lane's The Alaskan Adventure  - I enjoyed your view on the PFD.

Kelly's Excited About Alaska - I enjoyed your blog. I am looking forward to eating at
Olive Garden. It is the big talk up here in Fairbanks.