Issue Position: Alaska Natives

Issue Position

Against all odds, more than 200 tribes of Alaska Natives have survived a multi-century campaign of cultural genocide waged first by the Russian, and then by the U.S. governments. From enslavement to kidnapping to sexual abuse to language annihilation, Alaska Natives have confronted and survived horrors without equal on this continent. Governments today have an obligation to acknowledge this history and do everything possible to atone for the sins of previous elected officials and administrations. Beyond that, it is in all of our interests--whether we have indigenous ancestry or not--to preserve and celebrate the languages and cultures that make Alaska such a rich place to live.

The state should undertake comprehensive efforts to preserve the multiple Alaska Native languages that are in dire risk of extinction. Expanded support for multilingual and immersion programs in schools, and expanded use of Alaska Native languages in state materials are a starting point to reach this objective. The state should continue to expand efforts to partner with tribes on law enforcement and administration of the justice system. For too long, Republican administrations contested tribe's inherent sovereignty, and we now must make up for lost time. Only by partnering with tribes can the state and tribal governments ensure an acceptable level of public safety in rural communities. The state should also recognize, honor, and protect traditional ways of life such as hunting, fishing, and berry picking. More than mere "subsistence," these are an integral and essential part of Alaska Native culture.

Alaska Native Corporations are a cornerstone of the state's economy, generating billions of dollars in wages and shareholder dividends. Both village and regional corporations provide important job opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable for working class Alaskans. In addition, many corporation's subsidiaries are partners in Joint Apprenticeship Training programs with Alaska unions, further expanding the public benefits associated with Native corporations' job creation.

The state must continue to support the impressive system of tribal health and non-profit providers that provide health care and other essential services across Alaska. These organizations are central to our health and economic well-being, and the state should look for opportunities to expand services such as behavioral health, neonatal and early childhood care, and for other pressing needs.

Finally, the state has an obligation to protect Alaska Natives' voting rights, including by providing voting rights materials in Alaska Native languages and by ensuring all rural communities have accessible polling locations. The state must also ensure poll workers have training to oversee polling places and assist Alaska Native language speakers who need voting assistance.

I'm honored by support of Alaska Native leaders including Barbara Donatelli, Heather Kendall-Miller, Vickie Otte, Greg Razo, and others.

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