Bill Overview
Title: To amend the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to provide that Alexander Creek, Incorporated, is recognized as a Village Corporation under that Act, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill recognizes Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as an Alaska Native village corporation, subject to certain conditions, and Alexander Creek village as an Alaska Native village. Alexander Creek, Incorporated, must submit to the Department of the Interior any amendments to its state corporate charter that are necessary to convert from a group corporation to a village corporation. The bill requires Interior to offer to enter into negotiations with Alexander Creek, Incorporated, to settle aboriginal land claims and any other claims against the United States. As a condition of recognition as a village corporation, Alexander Creek, Incorporated must enter into such an agreement with Interior no later than 13 months after this bill's enactment. Alexander Creek, Incorporated, must notify its members that (1) they will cease to receive benefits from Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated, individually as at-large shareholders, and (2) all future resource payments shall be retained by Alexander Creek, Incorporated.
Sponsors: Rep. Peltola, Mary Sattler [D-AK-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Members of Alexander Creek, Incorporated
Estimated Size: 1000
- The bill specifically impacts the members of Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as it changes their status from a group corporation to a village corporation.
- As a village corporation, Alexander Creek members would have different benefits and responsibilities regarding resource payments and land claims.
- The bill would affect how resources and land rights are managed for Alexander Creek members, potentially enhancing local governance and control.
- The wider community around the Cook Inlet Region, including other corporations and individuals, may also be indirectly impacted through changes in the distribution of resources and benefits.
Reasoning
- The policy affects members of Alexander Creek, Incorporated, which are primarily located in Alaska and have specific interactions with this corporation and other regional entities like Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated.
- The direct impact is on the 1000 estimated members of Alexander Creek; however, there may be indirect effects on other Alaska Native Corporations and individuals within the community.
- For non-members, the impact is likely none or very low as the bill specifically focuses on resource distribution and corporate reclassification for Alexander Creek members.
- The budget is restrictive, suggesting the policy won't afford substantial financial transfers but may facilitate land use changes returning more community-driven governance.
Simulated Interviews
Regional Planner (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think the policy will allow us to have more control over our land and resources.
- The transition from a group corporation to a village corporation can empower local decision-making.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Retired Fisherman (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about not receiving individual payments from Cook Inlet Region anymore, but having direct resource payments at Alexander Creek could balance it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
School Teacher (Wasilla, Alaska)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a non-member, I don't think this will affect me directly.
- I hope that any changes to Alexander Creek's status will enhance regional culture and education.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Subsistence Hunter (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 52 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Gaining village corporation status might provide more direct benefits from our lands.
- I'm optimistic but cautious about how the transition will be managed.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Environmental Lobbyist (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support greater self-governance for Alaska Natives even if it doesn't directly affect me.
- Recognition as a village corporation could enhance conservation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Engineer (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited about our community having more direct control over our resources.
- The transition period will be crucial in determining overall success of the policy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Business Owner (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 47 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- There's potential for increased demand for local businesses if Alexander Creek strengthens economically.
- I don't expect much direct impact on my business, but any regional growth is beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
State Policy Analyst (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Any advancement in Native corporation status enhances their rights and overall representation.
- It's important to watch how funds and land resources are used post-recognition.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Healthcare Worker (Dillingham, Alaska)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Better control over resources often translates to improved health outcomes for the community.
- Indirect benefits from strengthened local governance may eventually trickle down.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Cultural Preservationist (Bethel, Alaska)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy ensures continued recognition of indigenous culture and governance.
- I'm glad to see recognition efforts are ongoing, it reinforces the national attention towards our cultures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $600000 (Low: $300000, High: $1000000)
Year 3: $300000 (Low: $100000, High: $500000)
Year 5: $100000 (Low: $50000, High: $300000)
Year 10: $50000 (Low: $25000, High: $250000)
Year 100: $10000 (Low: $0, High: $100000)
Key Considerations
- The need for timely submission and review of amendments to Alexander Creek's corporate charter.
- Potential legal and negotiation costs associated with resolving land and other claims.
- Impacts on Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated's payment mechanisms to its members.
- The administrative burden on the Department of the Interior to facilitate the recognition and negotiation processes.