About ANCSA (Why Did ANCSA Happen)
Thursday, November 4, 2021
Why Did ANCSA Happen?
- The discovery of oil on Alaska’s North Slope, along with other natural resources the government sought to develop, led to an urgency on the part of state and federal lawmakers to secure land ownership. But aboriginal land claims had to be resolved first.
- Pressure for access to resources resulted in quick legislative solution. The negotiations around ANCSA started in 1968 and legislation was signed into law in December of 1971.
Why the Regional Corporation Model?
- Based on some negative results from the reservation policies, Congress and Alaska Natives sought a different model.
- Unlike some arrangements with Lower 48 tribes in the past, Alaska Native Corporations owned the land and everything on it outright. Lands were not held in trust by the federal government, a patriarchal approach applied to some tribal lands in the Lower 48.
- The goal was for more economic purpose and self-sufficiency – “to meet the economic and social needs of Alaska Natives.”
- Corporations governed by and for Alaska Natives was thought to be a better alternative.
Latest News
Southeast Native Leaders Share Vision & Priorities at Roundtable
Posted 10/8/2025
October 8, 2025 — For the first time in decades, leaders from Southeast Alaska’s tribes, Native corporations and tribal organizations came together in Juneau, Alaska for a Native Roundtable. Held September 29-30, 2025, the two-day summit created a powerful platform for renewed collaboration, strategic dialogue and collective visioning around the most pressing issues facing the region’s communities.
To the Other Shore: Honoring T’weich eesh Clarence Antioquia
Posted 9/18/2025
Juneau, Alaska (September 18, 2025) — To the Other Shore: We are deeply saddened to share the passing of former Sealaska executive, T’weich eesh Clarence “Clay” Antioquia, at the age of 85. A highly respected statewide leader in the Alaska Native community, Clay was Eagle, T’eikweidí, and Bear House (Yakutat). He was born in Sitka, Alaska, the son of Roman Antioquia…
Sealaska Announces Appointment of Sarah Dybdahl as First Female President
Posted 8/26/2025
Juneau, Alaska (August 26, 2025) — The Sealaska Board of Directors has unanimously voted to appoint Sarah Dybdahl as the corporation’s new President, following a thorough recruitment process. This leadership transition comes in parallel with updating the Sealaska strategic plan and refining the institution’s mission and vision. Sarah Dybdahl (Aanshawatk’i), Taakw.aaneidi clan…
Sitka Tribe of Alaska Signs Historic Site Management Agreement with Sealaska
Posted 8/15/2025
August 15, 2025 — Sealaska and Sitka Tribe of Alaska (Sitka Tribe) have signed the Interim Ḵunáa Historic Site Management Agreement. This agreement empowers Sitka Tribe to manage the 10.54 acres above mean high tide at Redoubt Falls (Ḵunáa). Ḵunáa, also known as Redoubt Bay Village, historically belonged to the Kiks.ádi and affiliated clans, with substantive historical importance as a…
Sealaska Donates Cedar Logs and Funds Language Revitalization; Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Leadership
Posted 7/28/2025
Aak’w Kwáan (Juneau, Alaska) — Sealaska is reaffirming its deep commitment to cultural preservation, language revitalization, and youth empowerment through a series of initiatives affirmed at a recent Board of Directors meeting that honor its Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian roots while advancing the future of its people. The corporation is donating five premium red cedar logs to the community…
