S. 2554: Alaska Native Landless Equity Act

The proposed Alaska Native Landless Equity Act aims to address historical omissions affecting certain Native communities in southeastern Alaska—specifically Haines, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Tenakee, and Wrangell. Currently, these communities are not recognized under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA), which means they do not have the same rights to land and corporate structures as other Native communities in Alaska. Here are the key components of the bill:

Establishment of Urban Corporations

The bill allows Native residents of the specified communities to create Urban Corporations under the ANCSA. This formalizes their ability to participate in economic and cultural activities similar to other Alaska Native groups.

Land Entitlement

The act enables these Urban Corporations to receive settlement land. The Secretary of the Interior is required to convey Federal land to them, including:

• Haines: Approximately 23,040 acres divided into 13 parcels
• Ketchikan: Approximately 23,040 acres divided into 8 parcels
• Petersburg: Approximately 23,040 acres divided into 12 parcels
• Tenakee: Approximately 23,040 acres divided into 15 parcels
• Wrangell: Approximately 23,040 acres divided into 13 parcels

Shareholder Rights

Individuals enrolled in these Urban Corporations will be eligible for shares. Each member who is enrolled from the affected communities and who was a shareholder in the Regional Corporation for Southeast Alaska will receive 100 shares of Settlement Common Stock. Inheritance of shares will also be addressed to ensure equitable distribution among descendants.

Distribution Rights

Members of the Urban Corporations will retain rights to distribute corporate funds and other net income as at-large shareholders of the Regional Corporation, maintaining continuity in financial benefits from their memberships.

Compensation and Trust Establishment

The act allows each Urban Corporation to set up a settlement trust aimed at supporting the health, education, and welfare of the community's members, helping to preserve cultural heritage.

Compensation for Land Conveyance

The bill mandates the transfer of specific parcels of federal land to these corporations, which is intended to address historical injustices related to land claims. The intent is that this effort satisfies the entitlement of the communities involved, even if the final surveyed acreage is slightly different from the expected amounts.

Public Access and Use

The lands conveyed under this bill will remain open for public access for specific uses, such as hunting and fishing, while still allowing the Urban Corporations to impose reasonable restrictions to ensure safety and protect cultural resources.

Grants for Implementation

The act authorizes the appropriation of funds to support the establishment and operational activities of the new Urban Corporations, ensuring they have the necessary resources for initial planning and development.

Relevant Companies

• Coeur Mining (CDE): This company has interests in mining operations in the Alaska region, and the bill includes terms that allow for land conveyances that may impact existing mining claims or future mineral explorations.