Sponsor Statement for SJR 28

A Resolution requesting the federal government to conduct an audit of the Alaska Native Regional Corporations to determine their compliance with the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and to review the accountability of the corporations to their shareholders.

On December 18, 1971, Congress adopted the largest and most far reaching settlement of aboriginal claims in the history of North America -- the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA).

Endowed with 44 million acres of land and paid $1 billion by the state and federal government, ANCSA established a corporate structure intended to be the economic foundation on which Alaska Natives could build upon for the benefit of future generations and which would promote self-determination.

Over the 25 years following ANCSA, Alaskans, Native and non-Native, have expressed growing concern regarding whether the complex of corporations established pursuant to ANCSA has served the Alaska Native people as well as the Congress and the people of Alaska hoped when the Act was adopted.

To ignore the concerns of Native Alaskans, many of whom feel disenfranshised by their Regional Corporations, would be a abdicating of responsibility and a disservice to all Alaskans. Passage of Senate Joint Resolution 28 would be a significant step toward providing some answers to the many questions being raised regarding the accountability of the corporations and their performance on behalf of their shareholders.

Following federal and state audits, or joint audits, solutions recommended may include changes to ANCSA and changes to Alaska's corporate law. I urge your support of this resolution.