Bill Overview
Title: A bill 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: Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]
Target Audience
Population: Members and shareholders of Alexander Creek, Incorporated
Estimated Size: 200
- The bill directly impacts the members of Alexander Creek, Incorporated, which is being recognized as an Alaska Native village corporation.
- Alaska Native village corporations are entities that represent the collective interests of Indigenous peoples in specific regions of Alaska.
- Recognition as a village corporation influences the management of resources and distribution of profits for the corporation's shareholders.
Reasoning
- The Alexander Creek policy primarily affects the members of Alexander Creek, Incorporated. These are likely to be Alaska Natives and their families. To get a diverse representation, the simulations will include directly impacted shareholders, community members, those indirectly affected by regional changes, and unaffected general U.S. citizens for control.
- The budget limitations imply focusing more on direct beneficiaries of the village corporation, who will see the most significant changes in wellbeing. However, it is essential to include a range of commonness among the population to see broader effects or lack thereof.
Simulated Interviews
Fisherwoman (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Recognition as a village corporation feels like taking control of our future.
- I am worried about losing dividends from the Cook Inlet Region, Inc.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Retired (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 62 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Losing income from Cook Inlet Region worries me, but it’s important to secure land rights.
- Unsure if Alexander Creek will manage resources effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Small business owner (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased local control should boost the economy, thus helping my business.
- I'm excited about the possible land negotiations.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It provides an exciting opportunity for the community to assert autonomy.
- I hope that resource management is done sustainably.
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 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Corporate Executive (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Not directly impacted, but I do business with native cooperations occasionally.
- I hope it leads to more cooperation opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 9 |
Activist (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a positive step towards self-determination.
- Hope that it sets a precedent for other communities.
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 | 8 | 7 |
Student (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 19 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a young person, this recognition could improve future job prospects.
- I worry about how older family members will adjust.
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 | 8 | 5 |
Teacher (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cultural empowerment is key for educational engagement.
- I hope benefits reach the village efficiently.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Engineer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 41 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- No direct impact, but potential changes in regional resource management could affect business.
- Supportive of indigenous claims.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired Elder (Alexander Creek, Alaska)
Age: 67 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The shift might strain my immediate financial security, but it's reassuring to have more local authority.
- I hope our land and traditions are protected.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 2 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $4000000)
Year 3: $1000000 (Low: $500000, High: $2000000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $1000000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $500000)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The recognition of Alexander Creek, Incorporated as a village corporation facilitates settlement agreements, influencing local socio-economic dynamics.
- Transition from Cook Inlet Region, Incorporated benefits impacts the distribution and utilization of resources for residents.