Recognizes Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as a Village Corporation under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, settling land claims and ensuring parity with other Village Corporations.
Dan Sullivan
Senator
AK
This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act to officially recognize Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as a Village Corporation and Alexander Creek village as a Native village. It directs the Secretary to negotiate an agreement with Alexander Creek, Incorporated, to settle aboriginal land claims and achieve parity with similar Village Corporations. Additionally, Alexander Creek, Incorporated, will be considered a State agency for federal property purposes and will retain future resource payments, while members will no longer receive benefits from the Region as at-large shareholders. The bill clarifies that existing land conveyance entitlements or agreements are not modified.
Bill Grants Village Corporation Status to Alexander Creek, Inc., Mandates Land Claim Settlement Talks
This bill amends the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) to officially recognize Alexander Creek, Incorporated, as a Village Corporation and Alexander Creek as a Native village. This recognition is granted despite potential conflicts with other laws or missed deadlines, effectively changing Alexander Creek, Inc.'s status from a Group Corporation. The core purpose is to formally establish Alexander Creek's standing under ANCSA and initiate processes for settling outstanding claims.
Settling Claims and Seeking Parity
A key action mandated by the bill is the negotiation of a settlement agreement between the Secretary (likely of the Interior or relevant department) and Alexander Creek, Inc. These negotiations must begin within 30 days of the bill's enactment. The goal is to resolve aboriginal land claims and any other outstanding claims Alexander Creek may have against the U.S. government. The legislation sets a target of 13 months from enactment to reach an agreement that achieves 'parity' with settlements made with other ANCSA Village Corporations, suggesting a push for comparable terms regarding land and resources.
Shifting Resources and Responsibilities
The bill significantly changes how resource benefits flow. Alexander Creek, Inc. must inform its members that they will no longer receive certain benefits directly from the Regional Corporation as 'at-large shareholders'. Instead, future resource payments previously distributed to these individuals by the Region will now go directly to Alexander Creek, Inc. Think of it like funds previously sent to individual employees from a parent company now being allocated to their specific branch office for management. Importantly, the bill shields the Regional Corporation from legal liability related to stopping these direct payments to Alexander Creek members.
Access to Land and Property
Recognition as a Village Corporation comes with specific benefits regarding property. The bill designates Alexander Creek, Inc. as equivalent to a 'State and State agency' for the purpose of acquiring surplus federal real property under specific federal statutes (40 U.S.C. 549(a) and 40 U.S.C. 1303). This could potentially allow the corporation to obtain federal land or buildings no longer needed by the government for community development or other purposes. The legislation also clarifies that while this act secures its recognition, it doesn't alter existing land conveyance agreements or entitlements, ensuring that the land entitlement Alexander Creek, Inc. held as a Group Corporation is not diminished by this change in status.